The Benson Lake Loop

Crown Point over Peeler Lake, as seen from the north-west shore of the lake.

Peeler Lake

The Benson Lake Loop, August 2002

I tried a camp that was out of the bitter cold wind, but another camper somewhat nearby complained I was "destroying his wilderness experience" by being in the immediate area, and being too tired to argue, I found camping elsewhere. Being only a days march from the trailhead, one is more likely to encounter pious nutburgers than in the real backcountry.

I knew I was in Wilderness lands, not National Park , because once again nearly every tree had a yellow "No Camping Here" sign, even over obviously legal or non-destructive camps. There is a wilderness experience for you.

This was my view of Crown Point near my camp.

I set up camp and after dinner, I compacted everything and packed all but the most essential things. The cold hard wind and high thin clouds raised all kinds of red flags for me, and I wanted to be prepared. After some exploration of the granite banks of beautiful Peeler Lake, I got into my shelter and my sack to read the evening away. It beat sitting in the cold wind. When it got dark, it was lights out.

Sawtooth Ridge could be seen over Peeler Lake, now in alpine-glow.

Later that night after enduring hours of strong winds buffeting my small shelter and fitful sleep, I looked out in the dark and saw low thin racing clouds overhead. That was enough for me: I went out and dragged everything I owned into my shelter and went back to a sound sleep.