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<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nLeft, Crescent is the second lake south of Odell; taken from Maiden Peak; right, from the beach at Spring CG to Diamond Peak.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The cracked, dried ponds and parched meadows reminded me of droughts from African plains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes realizing the power of something is easier when it’s gone … <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Large animals were not seen, though deer, fox, coyote and even elk tracks were found around the upper elevation lakes. These guys, however, wanted to be on camera<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Larger ponds and lakes water levels seem to depend on their depth and elevation – the deeper, higher, the more water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Crescent Lake was lowest elevation, and the boat ramp at Spring CG had to be 50ft from the water. Boaters had created a ‘dirt road’ from end of ramp to the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Marie Lake from the first day’s hike was the most tragic. I’d been there over 5 years ago and remember this beautiful small lake on the SE side of Diamond Peak. The 208 Middle Creek Fire in 2024 raged around Marie and left it like this<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Two days of lodgepole pines and dry lakes was enough. I decided to forgo another hike here and stop at Maiden Peak on way home. Rosary Lakes and Pulpit Rock didn’t disappoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n