Tuck and Robin Lakes

Todd Keller and I spent four days up at Robin Lakes this week. I don't think we could have asked for a more perfect trip. It was late enough in the season that we were practically alone in the Robin Lakes valley (we briefly saw two other parties), but the weather was absolutely perfect: a few clouds on Tuesday, but only sunshine every other day.

The approach was pretty tough: it was a little over 8 miles in from the trailhead, with nearly all of the 3000 foot elevation gain coming in the last three miles. The trail at times wasn't much more than a few cairns marking the easiest route through a third class scramble.

From Robin Lakes

But once we were up there, no photographer could have asked for a more "target rich environment" (as Todd put it).

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

The flowers had mostly finished blooming (some daisies and lupine aside), but the fall colors had begun to make their appearance, with predictable beauty.

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

The best photography of the trip, though, came when one of the goats that frequent the valley practically invaded our campsite.

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From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

We spent most our time in the valley climbing some of the surrounding peaks.

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

From Robin Lakes

More pictures here.