 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |  |
 |
 |
 |
We woke up at 6:30 am to blue skies, absolutely stunning views of mirrored lakes framed by the snow-capped mountains. It was finally time to push toward the pass. The goal for the first half of the day was to get to the Campamento de los Perros, the previously flooded campsite. Normally we would stop there and rest for the push up the Gardner Pass, but we hoped to do a double trek that day, assuming our legs held up.
On the entire way to Campamento de los Perros we had great weather. What a delightful change! The hike was fairly easy and we were treated to great views of Glacier de los Perros and the lake of the same name just below it.
Campamento de los Perros was dark and damp, but had a great view of a pond that reflected white daises and the mountain above.
It was quite the climb to the Gardner Pass, 915m / 3,000’ of elevation gain on the day, up to 1,220m / 4,000’ in altitude. As we climbed the wind got stronger and stronger. We totally lucked out. The wind was blowing in the opposite direction it usually does and was at our backs for the complete ascent. The wind was fierce, but was actually helping push us along. All in all, it was quite a reasonable climb. My foot wasn’t hurting in the least, even after eight hours of hiking.
One couldn’t ask for a better view with Grey Glacier to our right dropping off into a lake. They said you would get quite a rush coming up the pass and having the glacier materialize in front of you. They were right, it was mesmerizing. The glacier trailed back to the horizon with mountains dotting the landscape.
