Hike coordinator: Penny Groth
Narration by Lane Harris
Imagine planning a party where you send out invitations and generate an extreme amount of interest in your party. Then, when the big day arrives, only your immediate family shows up. That pretty much sums up this club hike up to Twin Lakes.
Despite 100’s of likes, multiple “going” and “interested” clicks on Facebook, only six of us regulars showed up to what turned out to be one of the best spring-like hikes one could have in the middle of summer. The small turnout was probably due to an event that rarely occurs during the month of August – rain! Truth be told, all those excited no-shows really missed out!
An overcast, yet non-threatening sky followed us all the way to the trailhead at Twin Lakes. It was apparent that other would-be hikers had stayed home this day, as there was but one lone vehicle sitting there. After only a half-mile into the hike, we encountered two wet backpackers heading back to their lone vehicle. After sharing their exploits, we carried on, knowing that we would have the lakes to ourselves. For those that are familiar with Twin Lakes, you know that summer months usually brings droves of hikers and campers to this corner of the world. Today was a rare exception.
A few spatters of light rain kept the air cool, making it feel as if we had jumped back in time, way back into April! After passing through several meadows still in summertime bloom, we arrived at the shelter, which is usually occupied with nature-loving people. We walked past the shelter and down to the first lake, which was covered in a low, light fog. Continuing around to the second lake, and then back to the first, the group reconvened at the shelter and took a quick break, soaking in the abnormal coolness which had befallen us this day.
The second part of this hike would take us up to the overlook and back, so we began the gradual climb uphill. We passed through more meadows where flowers and plants showed off their colors. Many of them flourished in areas of burned out timber where a fire had raced through years before. We were not counting on any kind of view of the lakes, due to the fog we had seen at the lakes. But upon reaching the overlook, we were rewarded, to a certain degree, of the lakes below. This was a good thing, as it was impossible to see anything else. No mountains, no sunshine, nothing. But at least it was dry while we sat and had lunch.
While Penny and Patty decided to walk the final mile to the upper trailhead before returning to the vehicles, Rheo, John, Lane and Colby decided to call it good and hike back down. Prior to reaching the parking area, we encountered two separate groups of people hiking up to the lakes, with no less than a dozen in each. Apparently, there were other parties scheduled here as well. At least at this party venue, there was plenty of room for everyone.
More pictures on Lane Harris’ Flickr page
Pictures below by Lane Harris
