Alpine lake #2

Corona Lake

Got up early and drove up the service road to the trailhead

Indian Peaks Wilderness from Rollins Pass

for Corona Lake which is about 3/4 mile past Pumphouse Lake that I fished last night. 

 Sunny day and no one about.  Took my sweet time organizing my daypack and headed out.  Pretty easy hike but I was surprised there were 3 small brooks to cross because things are so arid at that elevation.

Arrived at the Lake.  Gorgeous and not a soul in sight.  Easily 6 campsites with great views of the lake and mountain peaks to the West.  Clearly, this place gets visited often.  Several places for swimming too.

Stayed for about 90 minutes,  exploring different spots, soaking up the beauty.  Saw just one rise.  Some rock outcroppings afforded a view straight down into the water but I didn't see any fish swim by.

Went up to Rollins Pass with a notion of trying Kings Lake.  My tummy was a bit off and rain was in the forecast so, I beat it back to my campsite.  Got the topper set up with about 10 minutes to spare.  Vivid lightning with at least 2 strikes so far with no delay between flash and boom. LOUD!  Heavy rain right now.  I'm really , really glad I came back to camp!

4 rescue trucks just drove by plus two firetrucks.  A helicopter is circling.  One fire fighter said a small fire was started by lightning.   Then they all packed and went home.  WTF?

Within 15 minutes they all returned and said they were going to use my campsite as an LZ for the helicopter.   They helped shove my gear, wet and muddy from the storm into the truck while I frantically closed and secured the topper tent.

I took off down the mountain,  the unmistakable smell of smoke as I drove.  I could now see the helicopter carrying water to dump on the fire.  Glad to have gotten away safely.  Spending the night in a hotel.   Will reassess in the morning.   Man, this retirement stuff is pretty scary.  How about a nice game of chess?

Helicopter circling my campsite.   Zoom in to see it