August 10-12 Three Sisters Loop

Our tent in 2010-What a drastic change but what wonderful memories!

In late July, 2010 Jeff introduced me to backpacking by
taking me to Green Lakes for a week. It was the most wonderful experience and the beginning of a love affair with backpacking! I've tossed a couple of photos in from that trip for contrast. It was quite snowy that time but 95 degree weather this time! We set out to test our selves and to see what kind of miles we could handle. We are in training remember? We weren't disappointed in ourselves.

Here's the map from this trip. We hiked the PCT southbound which offered multiple opportunities to meet some thru hikers. We were surprised to see so many so early in the season and it was wonderful to visit with them and get their encouragement and support for our 2013 goal. They have had an incredibly mild year of little snow and easy river crossings enabling them to make great time. I hope we are as fortunate next year!

We spent our "first" night camping in the van at Lava Camp. Not ideal by any means but it allowed us to break camp faster and get an earlier start since we didn't get there until about 10pm!

Our base camp. Not ideal, but beggars can't be choosers right?

We had hoped to possibly break personal records and finish the 54 mile loop in 2 days, but we only hiked about 20 miles the first two days and 14 the last. Even though we felt fine, we just couldn't get in the groove Friday. We also spent a lot of time visiting with thru hikers. Saturday was a harder hiking day and missing a trail and adding a couple miles as well as some fresh blisters made me call it quits early. We made good time Sunday even with tackling Scott's Pass. We equate it with King's Mountain on the Wilson. What a way to finish the hike!

It wasn't too far up the trail that we started getting glimpses of mountains. It was amazing that we walked right under that distant snow patch.

How can one not love hiking with views like this? It was worth every step.

Hiking in lava is tough, but I like it better than snow!

Notice how the trail goes on and on, right on up the hill...ugh!

As usual, the wildflowers were beautiful.

I didn't know how fragrant Lupine is. It was so overpowering at times--intoxicating. Almost a honeysuckle smell--so sweet--ahhhhhhhhhhh...

No, I didn't tip the camera, this is the trail. Again, I'm glad we weren't hiking in snow.

We didn't have to hike in much snow, but we did get some!

Again, the view was fab and the trail was really pretty good.

See the trail continuing about the center of the photo.

Wickiup Valley. Definitely not hard hiking, just long and boring.

Early the first day, my camera battery died. No problem, I pulled out my spare and within the hour, that one died too. Great, no camera. I decided to use the cell phone camera to see what we end up with. Not the quality of the camera, but not bad for a cheap, disposable phone!

Plains and mountains, wildflowers...a perfect hike.

The trail was not hard even if it does look intimidating.

Contrasting 2010 to 2012.

Contrasting 2010 to 2012 again.

The main lake.

Another one of the three Green Lakes.

Trail and wildflowers...

Jeff's experimental hooded shirt got lots of attention and odd looks, but it did a wonderful job of protecting him from the sun--no sunburns this time...on his head/neck/arms anyway. His legs got toasted though!

Is there anything more beautiful than mountain streams?

Obsidian Falls. Much more beautiful in person.

Moraine Lake. The trail to South Sister goes along the ridge of the distant hill on the left. Someday we'll tackle that one, but not this time.

This one of the most beautiful hikes ever. If you are a hiker and have a couple of days to spare--do it. You won't be sorry. We hope to do it again when we can do it slower and savor it. I also want to make sure to have good batteries for the camera. Thanks for sharing our hike!

Love,

Jeff 'n Sue