Day 5 - Ridge to Wire Lakes
From the ridge we drop down to Cow Meadows.
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Here we face a route decision: more cross-country travel or rough terrain or take the trail to cover more ground faster. Andrew, Marie, and I, on a previous trip, invented a decision making process at just such a route juncture. Here we make our best application yet. The process is simple:
- Without discussion, take a non binding vote on the options. This gets everyone's opinions on the table. Maybe you are all in agreement.
(Each option gets a number. Option 1 is 1 finger, option 2 is 2 fingers, etc. On the count of three, we all cast our votes by a show of fingers.) - Discuss. Make arguments for or against options.
- A second vote (same method) which hopefully will lead to a decision.
Cross country or trail? Arguments are presented and soon we head off on the trail. We stop mid-day for lunch and a swim. The weather is a little cooler and the swimming getting to be less pleasant. (Marie says "intollerable".)
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Wire lakes turn out to be beautiful. Sandy shores lead to an island-studded lake. This would be ideal swimming if there was not a chill breeze blowing through the valley. While scouting for a camp I spotted a swimming pool. A small pool separated from the main lake and nestled among some trees. Perhaps warmer and more protected. We walk over and take a swim. It's OK. Afterwards I hike on around the lake, taking take time to dismantle 4 fire pits along the way. |
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Irene's Curried Brown Rice and Lentils
- 2 c. instant brown rice (e.g., Minute brand)
- 1 c. yellow lentils (or other small lentils that cook in 5-10 min.)
- 3/5 of a package (3 rectangular bricks) of S&B Golden Curry Sauce Mix-medium hot
- (can be cut in pieces before adding)
- ¾-1 c. dehydrated mixed veggies (scallions/onions, carrots, red peppers, peas, corn)
- 1.5 c. (approx.) cooked dried sausage, cut in pieces
- Salt and pepper
- ½ c. black raisins
- ½ c. sweetened shredded coconut
Boil water amount as per rice and lentil package directions with additional for rehydrating the veggies. Add lentils first, simmer for about 5 min. Add rice, curry, veggies, salt and pepper and simmer until lentils and rice are cooked to taste (10 min. or more). Mix well - ensure curry brick is dissolved and evenly distributed. Add more purified water if necessary while cooking. Add sausage to heat through. Serve with raisins and coconut as condiments.
Day 6 - Wire Lakes to Granite Lake
| Weather has turned cool. This is great hiking weather - typical of the fall. Liz and Irene are taking a turn at cross-country navigation today. We climb a promontory and survey the route ahead. |
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We cross West Fork of Cherry Creek and Tom's Canyon. We pass several nice tarns with good camping and settle in at Granite after a full day of hiking. The weather remains cool and windy.
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Tom's Couscous
(pre fixe menu)
Entree: cheese plate with crackers and warmed olives
Soup: home dried Progresso Lentil Soup, rehydrated.
Main plate: Lemon Couscous with vegetables, Textured Vegetable Protein, and parmesan cheese
- 1 box of flavored couscous. I used a lemon flavor. When cooked, this bulks up more than you may think so don't use too much
- Large assortment of dried vegetables. Broccoli, red pepper, spinach or other leafy greens, peas, carrots, onion, sweet potato, and so forth. Couscous is a great vehicle for vegetable delivery so make plenty of vegetables.
- 1/2 c. TVP
- 3/4 c. shredded parmesan cheese
Rehydrate the vegetables in water. When hydrated drain the water then supplement as needed to make the couscous and TVP together. Add vegetables and reheat. Add the cheese and mix.
Dessert: Ballard Market organic brownie mix. This can be cooked in a good teflon pan like a pancake.
Day 7 - Granite Lake to Crabtree Camp
We circle the lake, cross Lilly Creek, and pick up a trail that takes us back to Crabtree. It takes a while and at one point we find ourselves on a good trail but not sure where we are. We pass a hiker who tells us it's just a few miles to the trailhead - much closer than we think. Lots of people heading in on this Saturday, especially being the height of hunting season. Good weekend to be getting out.
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