Washington Lake-The White Cloud Mountains

This past Friday, the 1st, around 5:30 a crew of four people (Wendy, Ian, Russ, & I) met up at The Holley Pack House and headed toward the White Cloud Mountains. We made it to the trail head around 9:30 in the evening and made our way, mostly in the dark, to Washington Lake. Earlier that afternoon Kendall and Christian had secured an excellent camp spot for us and had a nice camp fire waiting for up when we arrived. After setting up camp and having a few laughs it was off to bed to wake up to scenery that we couldn't see on our way in. It was a bit like Christmas, anticipating what we would wake up to. I have never been disappointed by the scenery found in the mountains of Idaho and this time was no exception.

We all got up and made our ways through our morning routines; coffee, breakfast, etc. Then Wendy, Russ, and I decided it was time for a hike while Christian, Kendall, and Ian stayed at camp to fish, read, and listen to music. Those of us who decided to hike set out for an adventure. We were going off trail to climb a peak and get a nice view. We accomplished the task and I saw some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen in a while. Everything was so peaceful. Beck and Wendy's dog Gemini were along for the hike as well. They even had the opportunity to swim in a mountain lake.

Beck & D at the top of our first peak

View from one of the peaks. We visited the lake below.

After about 8 miles we were back at camp and more than ready for a dip in the lake which was followed by some hot chocolate.

Making our way back into camp

Everyone relaxing before dinner

Whenever I go backpacking my diet is pretty simple, and this trip was more than a treat. Ian and Russ blew me away with their back country cooking. On Saturday morning Russ treated us to breakfast burritos complete with fried potatoes and two mixtures of eggs and meat. For dinner on Saturday night the guys really out did themselves by preparing cheese bread over the camp fire followed by curried chicken with couscous and peas.

Russ getting the bread ready to cook over the fire

I have never eaten so well on a back packing trip. Wendy and Kendall even packed in wine, which was greatly appreciated! After dinner we all sat around the camp fire chatting and laughing about almost anything. Beck even sang us a song.

Sunday morning Russ and Ian were at it again with biscuits and gravy. While everyone was enjoying their breakfast I headed to the shore of the lake with Beck for some yoga. I had one of the best yoga sessions of my life. I could not have imagined a better place to practice yoga.

The best place to practice yoga

After everyone ate we cleaned up camp and headed back to the truck. We made a quick stop in Stanley and then hit the road home. We stopped at the Skinny Dipper hot springs on the south fork of the Payette river for a quick soak ( I had to pass due to bad blisters). The weekend was jammed packed with fun and adventure. I couldn't have asked for a better crew to spend the weekend with. I can't wait for the next trip, although this time I would like to contribute to the food a bit more.

Beck is tired after a weekend of hiking