Hiking toward Hancock LakesClimbing above the lakes and over another 12,000′ passOn the far side of the pass, we drop down to a rocky mazeThen into waist high flowers lining the trailAfter crossing the Arkansas River (10,440′), it’s time to hike back up to several lakesA literal lean-to shack near Boss Lake ReservoirFishing signs at Hunt LakeThen it’s time to hike back up to steep pass on the Continental Divide at 12,146′As I turn back to check on Puff Puffs, I take note of the menacing storm coming toward usAnd soon, there’s equally dark clouds in front of me too! Fat raindrops and hail start to fall just as I get to the logging operations near Monarch Mountain Ski Area.It’s cold enough that the rain is freezing on the pine conesThe rain stops, but the skies are ugly in every direction I look. North, south, east, and west.Yet, somehow I’m dry. It’s as if we threaded the needle on this storm perfectly!Then it’s time to hike down, down, down to Monarch Pass where it’s warm and dryAnd Puff Puff’s awesome friend from the AT is waiting to give us a ride into town!And then we gorge our bellies at Fiesta Mexicana!
