Staircase & Flapjack Lakes: Summer 2004

First of all, I did not take these photos. I failed to bring a camera on this trip, but these online photos give you a good sense of the area. This trip was known as the first installment of the "Anne Kramer Death March." Basically, Anton and I wanted to spend most of the summer backpacking, but couldn't always both get away due to childcare duties. So I was searching for a hiking partner (some would call it victim) who was a willing spirit for this trek. My dear friend Jill said she was game, even though she had little hiking experience. I loaned her my pack and used Anton's for myself. I promised her a good time on not-too-hard of a hike.

I chose Flapjacks lakes off of the Staircase trail (Skokomish river area). It seemed like a fairly moderate hike: 8 miles in, medium steepness... but I think poor Jill got more than she bargained for even with her positive attitude. The first part of the trek is a wide trail with an easy grade and we made quick progress. After a few miles, we turned off onto a steeper trail that would take us up to flapjacks lakes. Unfortunately, about halfway there, Jill tweeked one of her hip flexors and had to take a pretty slow approach. She was a real trooper, and we still arrived at the lakes before dinnertime. After dropping our packs at a good campsite, we took a stroll around the lake. Thankfully, Jill's hip only hurt going uphill, so I figured we were in the clear for the rest of the trip. Flapjacks is a pretty area with a nice view of the sawtooth range, a popular site for rock climbing. (Jill and I did NOT venture this activity, in case you were wondering.) Jill quickly named the "island" in between the two lakes "Pat" for pat-of-butter. Appropriate, don't you think? We made chili mac for dinner (beef for me, veggie for Jill). I think we played a hand of cards in the tent that night before drifting off to sleep.

In the morning, we were all ready with our oatmeal packets when we realized that we couldn't get the stove working. This is one of many frustrations I've had with Anton's beloved white-gas stove, but I won't go into details about that here. Let's just say I was NOT a happy camper. Luckily, we had bagels and other finger foods packed for lunch so we just had that for breakfast instead. We hiked down fairly quickly and Jill's hip held out fine. We caught lunch on our way back to the big city. I was so proud of Jill on this hike and have great memories of spending this weekend with her. Despite some sore legs, she claims she had fun too. :) And I forgive her for naming it the death march, she probably earned the right to call it whatever she wants!