On the morning of our 6th day, we needed to start our journey back to the Cold Meadows Airstrip. This was going to take a 2 day backpack over about 18 miles.
After scouting possible routes out of Stoddard Lake, we had plotted what we thought would be the easiest way back up. Or maybe I should say the least hard way out!
Back up on the ridge the views of the Bighorn Crags return.
After a goodly amount of time, Cottonwood Butte comes into view. This is the highest peak in this area and would be a small diversion off our return route.
Brian had already climbed Cottonwood Butte so he opted for a nap and would guard our packs while Mariel, Jenny, and I made the dash up the Butte. And by dash, I mean DASH!
The climb up the Butte is pretty mellow but the views are off the chart. Mariel and Jenny soak it in.
Summit views.
After about 15 minutes on top we walked the ridge back to Brian and our backpacks. You can tell these women are pretty smart by the fact that I was carrying the daypack with waters and snacks. I’m not sure how that happened but when the ridge turned up, I watched them motor away.
Back along the return trail, we enjoyed the relatively clear views of the Twin Lakes Basin. We needed to traverse back along the basin and exit image left.
After a few hours, we arrived at Papoose Lake where we established camp. We had several hours to relax and enjoy lake things…. like swimming.
Brian making one of his 5 casts.
Mariel finds a warm sunny spot to do some reading.
The girls soaking in the warm afternoon sun.
It was a wonderful final evening, I think we all savored the moment as the hustle and bustle of everyday life would soon return. Tomorrow we trek to Cold Meadows.
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