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I used to work with this guy. We worked in a big office building for some big company and sometimes we'd sit around in his spacious corner office and talk about the woods. We both liked the woods you see, and we'd talk about all the places we'd like to visit. We talked and talked, but never got it together to actually go to these places. Well, I never see that guy anymore, and last summer we decided it was high time to make one of these trips a reality.

We planned to hike the Olympics originally, but due to an unusually high September snowpack, we changed plans and headed out east, to the Wallowas.

I always manage to start these trips with a journal entry, usually planning to follow up with more of the same each day. Well, this trip was like all the rest. I've got one to share.

Wed, July 18th- 1st camp at Mirror Lake

"Greeted Louis at 4:30 AM. He got in late, nearly 1:00am, we were a bit groggy. But all packed up, so we grabbed our thermos of road coffee and hit the highway. Up 97 and east on 84. Stopped in La Grande for breakfast. Again in Lostine to find a fishing license for Louis and hit up an overpriced, yet well stocked goods and sundries boutique. Had to backtrack to Enterprise to get the license. Then beat feet back to Lostine. Went south following the Lostine River to Two Pan trailhead - end of the road. It was here I realised that I had left my fishing rod at home in the kitchen. Bummer. No matter, Louis assured me he'd share. Packs felt heavy, spirits were high, abosolutely gorgeous scenery. Brook trout jumping in the Lostine River all the way to Lost Lake. A very long meadow filled with marmot, deer, and wildflowers. We got our first view of Eagle Cap here. Packs began to feel very heavy, and the seven miles to Mirror Lake began to feel extra long. Passed a huge camp with horses whinnying and galloping around the meadow. One last set of burly switchbacks and we cleared the rock shelf, spotting Mirror Lk at last. Scoouted out a fine campsight on the south edge of the lake and took a quick dip to wash the sweat off. Quite chilly but refreshing. Got the new tents up with minimal hassle and had a fine meal of smoked salmon, crackers and brie, and a couple of spicy Tasty Bites. Crashed at dark. Pooped."

01. road split

02. a shoe tree

03. banana boat

04. at the trailhead

05. Lostine river canyon

06. Eagle cap

07. breakfast fixins

08. tough soil

09. Mirror Lake

10. fishing Mirror Lake

We woke to a light sprinkle that continued through the morning. Louis and I each had one-man tents, so although dry, we weren't real social in our private cocoons. It was a great way to start the trip. No sense getting up and getting wet, so we slept in. The rain stopped and the sun came out midmorning and we didn't have a drop of rain for the rest of the trip.

11. meandering creeks

12. cliffs

13. another fine view

14. up close #1

15. up close #2

We had a little traverse planned out, with a five mile jaunt up over Glacier pass to Glacier lakein the afternoon. Incidentally both aforementioned landmarks reside below Glacier peak. The whole day was stunning. Absolutely gorgeous scenery, crystal clear lakes and streams. Wildflowers, lush grassy meadows, huge stone outcroppings and pillars. Dramatic. Tremendous.

16. I'm on the blue team

17. up,up,up

18. up close #3

19. up close #4

20. up close #5

21. up close #6

22. first view of Glacier Lake

We made the trek to Glacier Lake and even had time for a little jaunt up nearby Glacier peak. Views unfolded in every direction. Huge glacial valleys with hidden lakes cut into the vast ridgelines. We opted out from the traverse around to Eagle Cap, and got down in time to cast for a few small brookies.

23. where we're headed

24. carved by ice

25. glacial waters

26. Glacier Peak

27. Louis on the edge

28. topping out

29. summit photo looking southeast

30. Eagle cap

31. snow and rocks

32. sweet digs

33. glacial valley

34. west ridge

35. another fine view

36. Louis on the summit

37. feeling kinda small

38. orienteering

39. northeast ridge headwall

40. afternoon sun

41. the patient angler

42. Glacier lake at dusk

Pretty much a perfect day in some of the most beautiful terrain I've ever seen. Shooting stars, hot toddies, and an early bedtime finished off the day nicely. We set off at a leisurely pace the next day, taking it all in as we backtracked past Mirror Lake and back down the Lostine River drainage on our way out. We camped towards the end of the longest meadow I've ever seen, and spent a fine evening casting for tiny yet ravenous Brook trout.

43. happy campers

44. trail signage

45. runoff

46. lupine

47. lake crossing

48. how it's done

49. Lostine River origins

50. Lostine River

51. grassy banks

52. another lunker

53. a short wait... and

54. fish on

Last day. We woke up early, tromped the easy 4 or so miles left to the car, and found the old heep with a dead battery. No problem, plenty of helpful folks to get us on our way.

55. coffee time

56. jumpstarting

Well, that's it. A little long -winded to be sure, but a thorough recounting of a fine trip. Thanks Louis!