A few weeks back we went on an overnight backpacking trip with some friends to visit the Spanish Lakes amongst the Spanish Peaks in the Gallatin Range. It was a fairly easy hike, with the only appreciable elevation gain at the end of the trail. We made it up to the lakes well before sunset, with plenty of time to set up camp and take in the beautiful setting sun, casting its amber glow on the surrounding scenery. We brought our four-footed friend, who was busy harassing marmots in the hillside above our camp. We stayed up for a while after nightfall, taking in the clear night sky. I went down to the lake shore to take a couple starlit shots. While waiting for my last exposure to complete a beaver decided to let me know my presence wasn’t welcome and slapped its broad tail on the water. It nearly sent me tumbling into the lake.
The night was cold, far colder than expected. Our 35˚F sleeping bags were no match for the 26˚ night. I had left off the rainfly on our tent to better stargaze, further exacerbating the cold. Flynn, tucked between us, wouldn’t stop shaking until Jess took her bag and covered him. It was a long, cold night. Once morning came, we quickly started a fire and started taking turns filtering our water for the day.
After breakfast, we headed out exploring the nearby cluster of lakes. Nothing quite sets the tone for beauty as a mountain lake nestled between tall peaks. We explored for a couple hours before heading back to camp and packing it up for this trip back. Our friends stayed behind to camp for one more night, but we did run into a co-worker of mine that was out for a 20-mile hike and hiked down with her. We made good time on our way back down. The Spanish Lakes will definitely be getting a second visit.
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