Ancient lakes backpack

Two flat miles feels like cheating for a backpacking trip. This is a very popular area outside of Quincy, Washington in the summer. In the early season, i was the only camper in the basin which was both wonderful and surreal. I only saw a few other people the entire trip and only in the distance. It also let me get the absolute best spot - at the top to survey my entire kingdom.

Becuase the water is near an aggriculture runoff zone, you need to pack in all your water. I just bought a gallon jug at the grocery store the day before and strapped it to the top of my pack.

This was my first time using the Copper Spur UL1 and I absolutely love it. Yes, it’s tiny inside but that’s exactly what i want in a backpacking tent. I curl up in my little safe home and never bring enough stuff to take up extra room.

After getting set up, I took a walk around in the basin taking gorgeous photos. This is such a unique place

As the sun went down, the wind picked up and the Coyotes began howling in the valley. It was so cool, also really creepy. There was a moment that I visualized myself dying by Coyote, but the incessant flapping of the tent would have scared away any predator. I had resigned to get none sleep. Eventually, the winds calmed down and exhaustion won over.

There was no wind in the morning. Every lake was a mirror as the sun slowly crossed from the cliffs behind me. This moment was worth the heat, the dust, and the windy sleepless start to the night. The photos are stunning while still not coming close to capturing the magic

Up until the walk out, it had been mostly bug free. I could literally - very literally - see my truck ahead of me when I was swarmed by morning mosquitos. It wasn’t one or two, I had dozens of them stabbing me through my pants and long sleeve shirt. Thought I had gotten away safe? Nah, the bugs gotta get their breakfast.

At least the views along the way out are beautiful too