When an easy hike suddenly gets hard

Steep climb to Eagle Lake
Originally uploaded by emjanero.

So went hiking this past weekend with Jeremy and Colby. We wanted to do a little reconnaissance trip to judge the hike to Barclay Lake. Looks like it could be a good hike in spot for camping later in the summer.

The way to Barclay Lake is an easy 2 miles, just slight up and down in a really pretty forest. We stopped at the Lake and hung out while Sassy showed off her swimming ability - she should have a sign "will swim for food." She's no retriever, but will get her webbed little feet agoing if you throw food her way.

The next part of the hike was going to prove much more challenging. There is a (poorly) marked trail that goes from Barclay Lake to Eagle Lake. It was less of a hike, more of a scramble just pretty much straight up. We slogged for maybe a mile or so before losing the trail. Taking a break on the big boulders in one of the rock fields, miss sass decided she was having no more of it. Which was fine by me, and our party turned tail and head back down. We might try it again when we hike in to camp.

Here's a pick Colby took of me heading over the boulders.