Wednesday 12 September 2018

Ipsut Creek to Mystic Lake

We backtrack along the extra two miles we hiked last evening. As we approach the Carbon River Crossing our line of hikers comes to a halt. Jenn, our fearless leader, negotiates the rocky ledge above the log bridge. We see her hugging the unstable talus on the steep hillside next to the trail and tossing an occasional rock aside. Apparently there has been a rock slide across this section of the trail since our transit yesterday afternoon. Jenn asks each of us to assess the trail and to decide whether we feel comfortable crossing. She offers to cary anyone’s pack across if we are uncomfortable with crossing “packs on.” After some thought we all decide to cross. We go one at a time. We are thankful that, for a brief time at least, the sun is shining. My turn comes. I lean into the talus slide and step up as I cross. I pause when I feel rocks slip under my feet and gingerly seek a more stable foothold. I finally make it across receiving cheers and high fives from those who went first. It takes more than an hour, but we all cross safely. We recross the Carbon River on the log bridges and then begin our ascent to Mystic Pass.

The climb is steep and long – a fitting match to yesterday’s descent into the bottomless valley. We stop for lunch next to a beautiful suspension bridge that is no longer in use, as the trail on the other side is washed out. The bridge is now used primarily for photo ops. Shortly after lunch the rain returns. We continue tromping upwards and are soon back in alpine elevation. Just before we arrive at a creek crossing (Dick’s Creek) we walk alongside Carbon Glacier. On the talus below we see a small black bear. At Dicks Creek there is a knotted length of rope up a steep series of large rock step-ups. The rope assists our climb.

Onward we go through rain and mist. One of our group has severely sore feet from blisters. She walks very slowly, considering foot placement for each step. O and I, along with Carrie, our co-leader, stay back with her. We finally crest Mystic Pass at 6000 feet after crossing yet another beautiful meadow. Now we descend to Mystic Lake. We have covered over 9 miles today and have had an elevation accumulation of 6250 feet.

Dinner is prepared in the dark. O and I have kitchen duty tonight. We all tumble into our tents as soon as supper dishes are stowed.