We hadn't done this trail before and we SHOULD know better, but we saw there was only 2100 ft of difference between the trailhead and the Lakes over 4.1 miles so we thought it would be relatively easy.
As you might suspect it was anything but an easy trail. The trail was granite and tree roots for the most part and constantly either up or down. We also had some difficulty in route finding from time to time. We made it a little more than 3 miles up the trail before we decided that an injury on this trail would be a serious issue for 2 people. With 3 you can easily get one injured person out, but it is harder for one person to get another out. We opted to turn back and save the lakes for another day with a larger group.
Athena had a blast. She pulled Pam up the hill and got some off lead time on the way down. At one point she was 75 to 100 feet ahead of me and I saw her ears go up and her hair stand up on her back. Then I heard voices so I told her to stay which she actually did until I could get to her. Just below her on the trail were 6 people who each had a dog with them. I still can't believe that we didn't have some vet bills to pay, but it seems that she wants us to keep her from confrontations with other dogs. I'm still getting used to the psychology Athena. We were both impressed with her though.
We arrived safely back at the trailhead and headed back with a 6.2 mile hike to our credit and plans to hike back up with a larger group and potentially camping overnight at the lakes.
Here are some pictures of the hike for your enjoyment.
Be well and more soon....
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| The Trailhead Board |
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| Note the huge granite boulder on the left. |
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| One of the log "Bridges" we crossed. Athena opted for wading in the creek. |
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| You can see here that the roots ARE the trail. |
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| Conches. |
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| We hiked back down to the mist. |
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| Athena saw some squirrels on the way up right here and was looking for them on the way down as well. |
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| Steep trail. |
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