
Figuring it would be crowded on a Saturday, we got my usual early start, which provoked the loved one to honor me with her cute "If you don't stop taking my picture and give me back my coffee, YOU ARE A DEAD MAN!" smile.

After suitable (and life saving) caffeination, we pressed on to the start of the old PCT just SE of Lake Umtux and headed N toward Junction Lake.

This bit of trail wanders past some small ponds,


through patches of forest,

to reconnect with the current PCT at Junction Lake, which looked like this over Labor Day weekend,

but was now shining in sun-dappled splendor.


After a snack, we took the old 29A trail W to its junction with the CCT and headed S on the CCT, following along past the old yellow painted posts (arrows) that marked its alignment through the meadows back in the day. We passed two backpackers who asked if we "were doing the loop" - so maybe the old CCT still has some life left in it?

We got back to the Thomas Lake trail at Rock Lake and took it back to the TH, past quiet a throng of dayhikers and backpackers (and two llamas!). A short hike (8 mi RT, 500' EG), which I survived, and which got me my last track.
So, my on trail and XC adventures in the N part of the wilderness,
and those in the S part.
Indian Heaven is a very special place and it's been my privilege to hike there over the last 20+ years.