Day 5, September 10, 2017 - Crater Creek to Virginia Lake

As was our tradition after a food pickup, we had breakfast burritos, and they were great.  

Matt heating a tortilla for breakfast burritos

 

The larger of the two red cones near Day 4 camp

Unfortunately, I some how lost my dirty girls gaiters overnight in camp,  Maybe I should have set up my tent . . .

Also, I ignored my notes I had meticulously taken before the trip regarding dry stretches on the trail.  We passed Deer Creek, the last reliable water for five miles, and failed to fill up our water bottles.  

But we were in bliss, as we were hiking along the edge of Cascade Valley, and the views to the south were just breath taking.  





When we decided we wanted to have lunch about 3 miles in, we were reminded there was no water to be had.  Or so most people believed.  Shortly after being told there was no water for the next few miles by hikers coming from Duck Lake outlet, we entered a cirque area of the trail. There were areas a vegetation which suggested there may be water available.  I went off trail and explored for around 10 minutes before finding a small trickle of crystal clear water which allowed the filling of two water bottles.  We shortly after happily enjoyed our lunch along side the trail.  And it was here that Matt evened up the Sierra corn cup series at one game apiece.  


We had originally planned to camp at the Duck Lake outlet, but when we arrived there it was windy and fairly early in the day. So instead we decided to hike another 4 miles or so to Lake Virginia.   This required us to hike up and over a knob that again provide great views over Cascade Valley to the south.  



We arrived at Lake Virginia at 5:30 and scoped out camping spot.  



Despite the cool air temperature and even cooler water temperature, I opted to jump into the lake to clean off the last couple days trail dust.  We enjoyed a great dinner of cheesy mashed potatoes and banana nut rice pudding. 


Tomorrow morning we plan to stay here and fish and relax until mid day,.  I cowboy camped while Mark set up his tent.  

Our inreach location for the day is here

Day 6 page is here

Daily Statistics
Miles hiked:  12.7
Elevation gain:  2800'
Elevation lost:  600'
Precipitation:  none
Morning low temperature:  not recorded, likely low 40s