Troop 24 - The High Adventure Troop Ancient Lakes - February 2000 by Cascade Bill Mooseker

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Falls at Ancient Lakes Click Here for 800X600 Photo Size Click Here for 1024 X 768 Photo Size Click Here for 1600 X 1200 Photo Size (original Size)

This was our third trip to Ancient Lakes. We had a good mix of younger and older scouts. It's a good first backpacking trip because the hike is fairly short and because the lakes are east of the Cascades, the weather is usually better than on the west slope. It was cold but the only rain we had was intermittent showers.

Setting up Camp Click Here for 800X600 Photo Size Click Here for 1024 X 768 Photo Size Click Here for 1600 X 1200 Photo Size (original Size)

We camped on a narrow isthmus between the two Ancient Lakes. This spot affords a good view down the canyon towards the west. You can see the snow on the foothills on the west side of the Columbia River beyond. You can see one patrol preparing supper in the background.

Sunset Click Here for 800X600 Photo Size Click Here for 1024 X 768 Photo Size Click Here for 1600 X 1200 Photo Size (original Size)

The sun sets behind one of the basalt cliffs of the canyon. As you can see there are no trees in the area so if you want a fire, you have to carry in all your firewood.

Another Sunset View Click Here for 800X600 Photo Size Click Here for 1024 X 768 Photo Size Click Here for 1600 X 1200 Photo Size (original Size)

The days are a little longer in the latter part of February and the weather is often a little better than earlier or later. Every time we have gone to these lakes, we have seen the sun make an appearance.

Joel & Nick Climbing this Rock Tower Click Here for 800X600 Photo Size Click Here for 1024 X 768 Photo Size Click Here for 1600 X 1200 Photo Size (original Size)

Before we break camp some of the guys decided to climb this rock on the edge of the camp. Here, Nick is on top and Joel is about halfway up.

Roger Click Here for 800X600 Photo Size Click Here for 1024 X 768 Photo Size Click Here for 1600 X 1200 Photo Size (original Size)

Because it is an easy hike, the annual Ancient Lakes trip is all about excess. Here Roger is stuffing his "Cramped 2-man tent" (a 5 person dome tent).

Kyle Packing Up His Propane Grill Click Here for 800X600 Photo Size Click Here for 1024 X 768 Photo Size Click Here for 1600 X 1200 Photo Size (original Size)

Kyle managed to carry this full size propane grill, along with about a ton of firewood. We had a complete steak dinner, cooked to our specifications by Kyle.