1997 Hidden Lake Warm Up

Lance and Steve left Loon Lake in search of Hidden Lake following a cross country route given the absence of a marked trail or or a consistent route taken by deer, goats, or even chipmunks. A late start contributed to our inability to find Hidden Lake (it is on the map) before dark approached. We made dinner (thanks to Lance) and found a nice place to smoke cigars and drink port as the sun set. With all these preparations made and consumed, we failed to take head lights to our vista watching perch. We didn't appreciate this oversight until it came time to find our way back to our campsite. There was no moon so we had to attempt to re-trace our steps without knowing exactly which way to go. (Did I mention we had port as well as cigars?) The lack of precision in our search technique caused by the port was mitigated by the port's giving us a lack of concern about anything of much consequence. We found the tent, slept well, and continued without success in finding Hidden Lake in the morning. This led to a different cross-country return to Loon Lake encountering several steep drop-offs requiring multiple tries to get back. A good time was had by all. I now reach for my headlamp anytime port enters the discussion.