A cow story . . . .

Cow #82 made her way into downtown Winthrop on a rainy Monday morning. She had been thinking about buying some real estate or getting her skis tuned or maybe just ordering a double tall latte when she changed her mind and headed back up East Chewuch Road under the gentle guidance of Deputy Marshal Rory Williams.

Boundary Trail - Part Two

At Cathedral Lake

So from Cathedral Pass we hiked down through glorious lake basins and boggy meadow high country. We landed at Remmel Lake for the night where we met up with acquaintances at their "drop camp" who had our food re-supply for the second half of the trip. Spent the only frosty night of the trip at Remmel Lake; turned around the next morning and headed back the way we came.

But don't forget: the way back is never exactly the same, Grashopper . . . .

A view of Cathedral

Remmel Mountain peaking up behind the high meadows

Remmel Lake and mountain at dawn

Two hikers ready for the return trip

Frank navigates a tricky stretch below upper Cathedral Lake

Our much-welcomed tarn at Sheelite Pass

Perfect campsite on granite at Sheelite Pass

Hiking out the final morning we encountered Frank's internist, Dr. Chris Hogness, accompanied by seven pack goats. Family still asleep in tent on other side of Sunny Pass.

Pastel dawn in Horseshoe Basin

A trek along the Boundary Trail - Part One

You belong among the wildflowers . . .  in Horseshoe Basin.

The Boundary Trail runs roughly parallel to the U.S.-Canadian border, just a few miles south of the international swath in places. From August 24 to August 29, Frank and I hiked the trail roughly three days in one direction (Iron Gate to Remmel Lake) and then turned around and retraced our steps to the trailhead above Toat's Coulee out of Loomis.

The weather was hot and sunny the whole trip; the bugs were horrendous - tent-screen-covering mosquitoes in camp, biting flies on the trail in the afternoon; the views were outstanding.

I still appear fresh on Day 2.

Sunny Pass - looking back the way we came.

Lowden Lake early morning.

Bug netting was all the fashion in camp.

After-lunch snooze.

BIG trail junction at Tungsten Mine.

Ancient rails lead out to the tailings pile. Apex Mountain.

Mine artifacts. Frank on tailings pile.

Apex Peak from Apex Pass. I stayed below and applauded wildly while Frank bagged the peak.

First view of Cathedral Peak; the pass is in the left saddle.

Frank on switchback approach to Cathedral Pass.

The view west from Cathedral Pass.

Trip to be continued in Part Two . . . .