Wrights Lake, Strawberry Lodge, Echo Lakes July 28-29

My birthday weekend had our paddling group traveling up the hill to beautiful Wrights Lake.  We traveled this little, pristine alpine lake and then wound our way back through the water trails.  This serene little water way was quiet, peaceful and just down right pretty.  Lush green plant life bordered our water highway with mountain peaks looking down from above.

 

After our paddle a few of us hiked around the lake and picked up the Rockbound trail.  It was rocky, but the summit was breathtaking. 

 

 

 

Most of the group headed over to the rustic and beautiful Strawberry Lodge for a great dinner on the patio and a night of games and talk around a roaring fire.  The lodge rooms were luxurious to this group of usual campers and hot showers are always a treat.

 

 

 

 

The lodge staff came in early on Monday to provide breakfast so we could get an early start to Echo Lakes. 

 

Echo lakes, upper and lower, are always a gamble.  We hoped our early start would get us on and off the lake before the winds kicked in but that was not to be.  The water was already chopped when we headed out.  Even the dock guy told us, get and get back quick, good luck!  I quickly put my spray skirt on and headed out to brave the wind.  We all made it to the far shore at the back of the upper lake and enjoyed a picnic lunch.  Coming back the wind kicked up but it was mostly at our back so we kind of surfed the waves back, making it kind of fun.   All in all, not too bad, just made it more of a work out and less peaceful than preferred, but always a joy.

 

 

 

Not sure about heading back to Echo soon, but Wrights is a favorite for a peaceful paddle. 

 

Next weekend is 3 days of camping, Silver Lake and Kirkwood Lake.  Gotta keep moving, Summer is going by fast!