The Bigelow Preserve, Avery Peak and Bigelow Col Campsite

I was up early this morning and had a little time to enjoy the view of the lake and explore a bit while Forest ate and digested his food. To the north it was partly sunny, but to the south—the direction I'm headed in—it looked mostly cloudy.

Lots of normal storm debris laid along the bank of the lake, but there was also a rock with one side covered in something unidentifiable. Perhaps some remnants from emerging hatchlings.

Today's hike took us past the Little Bigelow Lean-to and along the ridgeline of the Blue Mountains and the Bigelow range. The hike included 6 major peaks and some minor ones—lots of elevation changes. The upper elevations of the Bigelow Preserve lie within a state Ecological Reserve specifically set aside to protect and monitor natural ecosystems, which means that staying on the Trail is mandatory, and camping is not allowed above the treeline. It was a classic ridge walk on a mostly cloudy, breezy morning, but the weather deteriorated quickly as the day passed. Rain with 15-mph  winds and shoes worn smooth on the sole are not a very safe match for walking on granite. We decided to hike on over Avery Peak and set up camp at Bigelow Col Campsite for the night. Luckily, my new shoes are waiting for me at my next resupply point. I plan to arrive there Thursday afternoon.