A Sacajawea Re-Hike

Today we woke to an actual blue sky day... well once the sun rose there were ZERO clouds and a bright blue sky.  On our way into town we spotted a hot air balloon...good sign maybe?  A great backdrop of sky and mountains.  

 

We decided to grab some breakfast and head out to Fairy Lake... then re-hike Sacajawea.  Last month's hike was windy, chilly and the views obstructed by wild fires blowing in from Washington State.  Today had to be better... clear air and sunshine.

 

Free range cow...no goats

The road up to Fairy Lake has not improved since last month.   A bumpy ride, but we made it in one piece.  The parking lot was surprisingly empty of cars... only two.  Wondered why the crowd was sleeping in, but we needed the head start up the trail.  

 

Coop started off like gangbusters... he knew his buddies would be waiting to drive him crazy.  They were though we still have yet to catch sight of the marmots or ground squirrels.  The mountain goats were still playing hide and seek with us.  We found plenty of evidence to their existence... poo and hair... just not an actual goat in sight.

 

Last bits of snow

 

Catching my breath

Of course one of us wasn't feeling up to her usual... hope it is merely allergies playing havoc with both the throat and head.   The trail is a bit over 2 miles up and it was a drag most of the way.  A few times I really wanted to stop and let the guys motor on up to the peak.  I eventually made it and the views were worth the hike.  

 

Still climbing

Break before the Saddle

Not nearly as cold and windy... never had to add extra layers.  Off in the distance we noticed storm clouds in the west.  We stayed long enough to rehydrate and eat a couple of granola bars.  Enjoy the views for just a few minutes and start the trek back down.

 

At the Peak...9000+ feet

How much further?

Got to say that the trip down was a bit scary at times.  I still wonder how we hiked up such a steep trail... you notice it is steep, but nowhere as bad as it feels when you head back down it.  Once back into Bozeman weather once again necessitated eating while in town.   Getting storm after storm isn't a whole lot of fun, but not having to cook and clean up in the rain is fantastic!

The Crazies in the distance

Ignoring the "look"

Views from the Peak

The Climb begins

A Cooper view of the Saddle

Views of the right hand side

The Saddle up ahead

The trail view below

The Saddle

Views from the top

Ditto...views

Cindi finally makes the last ascent

Views of the Ridge Hike back to the 'M'

More views from the top

The Peak

Views back down the trail from the Peak