FAMILY VACATION: DAY FOUR

Thursday brought skies that exhibited patches of blue with thick thunder looking clouds rolling in during the morning hours. We debated as to whether we should take our planned hike to Twin Lakes, seven miles round-trip according to the very rough outlined and misguided state park map. We began to find out that local park rangers passed out these trail maps without a personal knowledge of the existing trails around the area. If we waited on the northwest weather to cooperate perfectly, all outdoor activities would consistently be postponed. Preparations the night before of rain gear, warm clothing, extra water, and extra food gave everyone the enthusiasm to enjoy an adventure. The trailhead is accessed from White River road, the same road we drove to get to White River Trail on Monday. A campground across from the trailhead provides a nice place to camp if a person chose to meander and wander the backcountry in this area. Bring lots of mosquito repellent if you choose to ever attempt this 1800 foot elevation climb in at least a five mile hike to the first lake of the two. The trail begins with a gradual incline through open forested land, displaying old growth pines that seem to touch the sky, large green ferns that blanket the forest floor, and birds to accompany one’s travels with song. Mosquitos and flies quickly make their appearance known buzzing fiercely around in hopes to turn the traveler back towards home. Half a mile up the trail it begins to climb at a steeper incline until you reach a small pond that some mistake for the first lake. This creates a landmark at approximately 1.5 miles. Lily pads and water grasses decorate this small and quiet oasis, while reflections of the mountains outlying these woods quietly dance in the water among the plant life that abounds. From this point forward the trail begins to climb, we figured, at about 500 feet per mile, perhaps even a bit steeper. It would not be considered an extremely difficult trail to hike, but it does offer a good strong workout for the climb does not relent after this point for the next 3.5 miles. Our family generally hikes 4 miles an hour on good trail or heading downward from the top of one, and approximately two miles an hour up fairly steep terrain. Allowing for times to catch our breath and rest unused muscles for brief periods, we can calculate fairly well distances we travel. This trail to Twin Lakes could not have been a 3.5 mile trip, nor was the incline 800 feet gain in elevation. Our trip took us alongside one of the most beautiful creeks upon which we encountered the whole week. At one spot we crossed over a log to continue on the trail, a place that provided a rest for tired feet, hot faces, and a cool drink. Hikers easily could use a water filter along this trail due to the creek that you follow the rest of the trip up to the first lake, making packs a bit lighter to carry. However, we cannot reiterate enough to bring plenty of mosquito repellent or even netting. I wish I would have had a broad brimmed hat with the netting; the trip would have been much more pleasant. Light weight long-sleeved shirt and pants would have also made this trip more enjoyable. Continuing along the trail from the creek crossing we became like mountain goats hiking over a couple of narrow and rocky avalanche areas, and the trail seems to go straight up, climbing even steeper. A person becomes so enthralled with the creek which accompanies them, and eyes stay steady on the rocky slopes so that footing is not lost that it takes a while before eyes begin to gaze upward and one finds the peak of the mountain they are climbing not 500 feet above them, and it’s here that a hiker decides to either continue onward or turn back. I don’t know if flash floods occur in this area, but I imagine at the right moment a hiker could find themselves in such a harry situation for the trail, located almost at the top along the side of this mountain with the creek as the only barrier between you and the peak, leaves no way out but back down the trail. After refreshing splashes of water on our hot faces we decided to continue and find these famous Twin Lakes that the park rangers said to be a must for those campers who enjoyed hiking. Thus, we entered what we termed to be a mountain jungle. The flies and mosquitos, after this point, became almost unbearable. The trail is clear if one can find it through all the dense overgrowth the makes it somewhat obscure. A machete could have been some use, but we persevered and about a quarter of a mile from the end of the creek we crossed over to the other side of this mountain and came upon the first of the Twin Lakes. Had it not been for the mosquitos and flies, it would have been a beautiful spot to spend meditating upon nature, the person of God, one’s own life, and perform some inner soul searching. The trail is not maintained well around the lake, and does not offer many spots for contemplation. Camping is prohibited, which we realized at first glance, the reasons for this. The second lake happened to be .5 miles from the first, but due to jungle around the lake we would trek through and all the little inhabitants that did not seem to appreciate our presence, we decided to turn back and return down the trail. We made a quick food and water stop at the log crossing and ended up back at camp in time to enjoy a swim in the lake before the thunderstorm hit late in the afternoon. Clearing up a bit, a fire was made to roast hot dogs, and the early evening was spent in our makeshift living room under our table covering. The rains let up and I read from Jack London’s “Call of the Wild,” as we sat around enjoying a fire until about 9:30 p.m. Eyes drooping and bodies tired, we all decided bed sounded good.