After a bit of a frosty start, it was perfect last full day of summer for 17 Ramblers, 2 guests and Piper the retriever to take in the amazing larches on a lollipop loop above Chester Lake. From Chester we ascended off-trail above the Elephant Rocks, to lunch at treeline on the upper rocks, losing a few hikers briefly along the way in the forest. Thanks Ron for retrieving them! After a long lunch we traversed the short distance over towards the 3 Lakes Valley and descended to the lower of the lakes, where some decided that another break in the sun was in order, while others ascended a bit further to take in the panoramic view. Closing the loop back down past the rocks again to Chester, the lake area and trail were much busier than in the morning. We were fortunate to have such a fine day before a likely onslaught of weekend crowds! As shown in the pictures, the larch at treeline are close to peak, with more green remaining at the lower elevations around Chester Lake.
Participants: Ron,Kim,Barbara,Arnold,Linda,Robert,Peter,Nancy,Sheila,Margo,Kathy,John,Joanne,Steve,George,Lara,Michael,guest John Bargman,guest Ena Spalding.

At the Elephant Rocks

Ascending to treeline above the elephant rocks

Lunch spot on the divide between Chester and 3 Lakes

Lunchtime panorama of the Chester Lakes area

Peekaboo!

Moving on after lunch...

Down into 3 Lakes Valley

After a dry summer, the lower lake was still full

A perfect afternoon on the last full day of summer

Three Lakes Valley panorama

Larch colours are approaching their peak at treeline

One last stop by the Elephant Rocks