In early September, I had the pleasure of a weekend at the cabin with two dear friends. They requested a hike to a lake. Eagle is steep, Mosquito didn’t call to me, one friend has been to Franklin twice, Crystal is really difficult, and Monarch is far but has a well-graded trail. It was ten miles round trip, and a good time was had by all.

This guy knows he is safe on the west side of Farewell Gap this time of year.

Hmmm, maybe we should have gone to White Chief – look how the sun is shining over there.

It is always reassuring to come to this sign, which is not telling us that Crystal Lake is a DIFFICULT 1.4 miles compared to the 1.2 relatively easy miles to Monarch.

Are these trees considered “monarchs”? Is that how the lake got its moniker? (couldn’t help myself – monarch and moniker obviously go together)

Some folks were swimming. I hate immersing myself in cold water – hate it!

A weird view of Sawtooth – too close to see its true shape.

I love these women dearly.

They look chummy and palsy here, but I think they might be propping one another up!