WILLIWAW LAKES

Having just been burned by the weatherman, you'd think we'd be leery about planning a trip into the mountains based on a forecast of sunshine and clear skies.  Of course, hope springs eternal so they say (must be Astros fans) so when we saw the prediction for six days of nice weather beginning Wednesday August 10, we couldn't resist.  Our chosen destination - Williwaw Lakes, a string of mountain lakes forming the headwaters of the middle fork of Campbell Creek .

A slightly new twist to this trip was Champ carrying his own pack.  Since he does so well pulling a sled in winter, we thought he'd take to hauling his own kibble with no worries.










Getting a slightly later start than we intended we hit the trail at 2 pm.  While it wasn't raining, the sky was full of clouds and a few of the surrounding peaks were partially hidden.  But the weather people said sunny skies were ahead so we didn't worry.  Onward we hiked down the powerline pass trail and around the middle fork trail to the Williwaw Lakes trail.  Climbing ever so gradually we made steady progress and soon spied the first of the lakes.  Should have crossed the small outflow here and made our way up the north side of the valley but instead continued up and around two rockfalls and a really overgrown swampy section before finally reaching the spot where a friend and I had camped back in 2007.  We stopped only long enough to photograph some cool fungi as our goal was one of the higher lakes.

Mushroom

By the way, in meteorology, a williwaw is a sudden blast of wind descending from a mountainous coast to the sea.  Sort of exactly like the wind that suddenly pounded us as we forded Campbell Creek.  With the wind, a few isolated smatterings of hail and RAIN!  Not drizzle but a real downpour.  We struggled to get the tent erected and our gear inside - not an easy task in those conditions.  With Nancy inside to hold the tent in place, Champ and I resigned ourselves to riding out the deluge.  As fast as it was on us, it was over.  In its place clearing skies and sunshine.



Clearing skies ahead

With the clearing skies and sunshine, our spirits improved drastically.  In no time, wet gear was drying and we were able to enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Our campsite, forced on us by the weather, was as nice as any I recall.  Topping out the evening, a pair of goats on a ridge above us watched us as we watched them.  They seemed pretty accepting of our presence, calmly grazing on the grasses as they slowly walked the ridge.  Champ was unimpressed with the goats, he wanted marmots to chase.  As he explored the area, the goats kept a watchful eye on him, moving once when he ranged too close for comfort.  After a late dinner of chicken soup and a snickers bar, we watched the sunset over Cook Inlet and then slept the sleep of the truly content, and tired.

Looking west toward Cook Inlet

Thursday morning's weather was exactly what the weatherman predicted.  Sunny and clear.  Its so nice when they deliver.  We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of eggs, hash browns and sausage courtesy of Mountain House.  Nourished we decided to climb to the pass overlooking Long Lake.  Up we went gaining about 1000 feet in two miles.  Along the way we were treated to numerous waterfalls as well as the beauty of three more high alpine lakes.  Reaching the pass by mid-afternoon, we agreed that the views were worthy of the effort.



Long Lake

The return to camp was filled with more sunshine and awesome scenery.  Butterflies and blueberries.  Since we had skipped lunch, we decided to have an early dinner. We feasted on Shepherd's Chile Pie, my own creation.  Tasted okay even though I forgot the tomato paste.  That or we were just hungry.   After dinner we lazed the afternoon away reading and watching a band of goats travel the ridge above our camp.

Sure hated to leave this place.  But we did.  Hiked out in scorching temps (68) under a blazing sun.  Made it down in time to have a late lunch at Benny's Taco Truck and then spent the evening cleaning house and getting ready for the RETURN OF FRANK.