A group of dirty dozen completed the hike to McCabe Lake in a record time. Folks powered ahead and the hike leader could not hold them back! Presumably this was to keep ahead of the flies, which were abundant and persistent. The trail was dry, except for one water crossing, and the weather was perfect. We saw some fresh bear scat and noted that wildflowers were starting to open up.
We stopped for a leisurely lunch at the lake and thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine, beautiful view and fresh breeze keeping the bugs at bay. All agreed that we could have happily stayed there all afternoon.
The group lost some steam on the return trip, mostly due to uphill climbs and rising temperature. We rested in the shade several times and kept ourselves well hydrated. As usual, the conversation flowed freely and everyone enjoyed being out on such a fine spring day. We returned to our cars invigorated and ready to tackle the dusty drive back to the highway.
