At breakfast today, we received a short update on our fellow hiker who had a tumble earlier in the week. He made a trip to the emergency room which was a relief to know he was getting checked out.
We headed out of camp, with our hike leader Dave, around 8:20 am and arrived at the trailhead about 9:50. It was about 64 degrees outside and eventually reached 80. Our hike was 8.7 miles long and had about 800 feet of elevation gain. Throughout the day we were parallel to Baker Lake. At several times, including our lunch stop, the view of Baker Lake was stunning. The only downside was the smoky haze.
One of the hikers in our group, Ellen, took a swim during our lunch break. After completing the return trip, we headed into Concrete for a repeat trip for ice cream.
After dinner, the crew manager explained the outdoor kitchen. She also gave a brief summary of their daily routine:
up at 5:45 am,
work on breakfast and dinner meal prep until 9am.
9am to 4 pm is mid day break
Dinner prep until 6:30pm
Cleanup and the next day’s lunch prep until 9pm.
During the evening “camp fire” reports, the heavens opened up with rain putting a “damper” on the days end. The day’s hike reports were shortened and the next day hike sign up was postponed until the morning.
The view, from our lunch stop, of Mt Baker.
At different angles, the water in Baker Lake was a beautiful turquoise.
Our water crossing today was trickier than this photo depicts.
After the hikers do the initial scraping and washing of dishes, then the sanitizing system starts with a boiling degreaser, next boiling water then the last step is a bleach. When the dishes are dry, they are sanitized and ready for use again.
The three commercial stove/ovens, fueled by propane, and used at camp.
Part of the meal prep station.
The refrigeration system used at camp. This year it ran on electricity. In other years, if there is no electricity, it is run by diesel generator.