On the last weekend in September, I led a group of local women on their first backpacking adventure. Given that the snow level had recently dropped significantly and given some time constraints, we kept close to home and hiked to Margaret Lake. This is an easy outing for a beginner backpacker, just four miles round-trip and of moderate difficulty.
The group of women were a lot of fun and they handled all of the different aspects of backpacking quite well. They continued hiking when they were tired, they didn't complain too much about being cold (it froze that night), and they giggled about going to the bathroom in the woods! We had a great time and I was proud of these women for pushing themselves beyond their comfort level!
We ate huckleberries (the brilliant red plant) and
enjoyed the view of Keechelus Lake the whole way up & down!
Mt. Rainier, from the trail
The trail in the woods...
Camp 1
Lake Margaret
Color-coordinated with one another and with the scenery!
On our way out...still smiling!
The Guys
Josh
Shawn
Don
Brandon
