Good Luck Lake

Posted on 11 Apr 2022 by Steve Markham

I went on a somewhat last-minute trip to Good Luck Lake last night. I didn’t leave until after dark. I hiked up to the cliffs this morning, and then bushwhacked down the North side of the mountain to meet up with the retirees, who were hiking the Dexter Lake trail today. They were surprised to see me, but we had a lovely hike together.

Sunrise at Good Luck Lake
Sunrise at Good Luck Lake

I got in bed at about 10:30, read a few chapters of The Big Picture, then went to sleep. I slept wonderfully. Aside from three bathroom breaks (including the sunrise pictures at 6:15) I slept until 8:30, probably 9 hours of sleep. I’ve been sleeping poorly at home lately, so this was very good.

My campsite at sunrise
My campsite at sunrise

I read in bed for a while after waking up. It’s hard to get up when it’s cold outside and nice and warm in bed. Eventually I decided a hot breakfast would really hit the spot. Oatmeal and cocoa (and trail mix).

The lake during breakfast
The lake during breakfast
I camped back from the lake, since it was breezy last night, but maybe I'd have gotten morning sun on the hammock had I camped closer.
I camped back from the lake, since it was breezy last night, but maybe I'd have gotten morning sun on the hammock had I camped closer.
I've never seen the lake so high. Normally you can walk out more than halfway to the ice.
I've never seen the lake so high. Normally you can walk out more than halfway to the ice.

Without short legs to slow me down, it was less than 30 minutes from camp to the top of the cliffs.

Very clear view from the top of the cliffs
Very clear view from the top of the cliffs
A little snow on the way up, but lots of snow on the North side of the mountain
A little snow on the way up, but lots of snow on the North side of the mountain

I met up with the retirees around 10:30 and went to Dry lake with them.

The frozen stuff on this body of water is Dry ice
The frozen stuff on this body of water is Dry ice

They continued on to Dexter Lake, which was only another half mile, but I turned back at Dry Lake so that I’d be home in time for the bus. We’re babysitting 3 neighbors while their mom is out of town, just until their dad gets home from work. Janet can handle it, but after sticking her with morning duty, I thought it wise to be home for the afternoon.

Anyway, I enjoy walking and talking with the retirees, but I think I like solo walks even more. The trail was muddy, but the woods are just coming to life for Spring. Lots of birdsong and gurgling water and leaf buds and ferns pushing up through last year’s leaves. I thought about eating in the car on the drive home, but decided to stop for lunch so I could savor the outdoors just a bit longer. I had my choice of several lovely spots.

Pictures don't really capture the feeling well
Pictures don't really capture the feeling well

Next trip: Back to Crane Mountain on Friday, with the whole family, plus Devin, Drew, and Andy. Then Monday the Young Men are hiking up Black. Then Wednesday we’re going to Assateague. That’ll be 6 nights of camping out of 12 nights.

Tagged with: outdoors

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