Just got back from a fine 5-day loop from New Forks Lake. Mosquitoes are nearly gone and it is freezing solidly every night. First day it drizzled all day as I hiked 11 miles to Palmer Lake. As I walked out in sun-baked conditions today, I did not realize that rain is not that bad when you have to go up 3,000 feet! Second day dawned in fog and rain so I hung out in the tent until noon. Then I made the decision to move, quickly packed up and left the trail to wander like a drunken sailor through lakes and ponds at 11,000 feet on the high plateau west of the Green River. It was truely delightful - only regret was not having a fishing licence so all I could do is watch the fish jump. Day 3 I continued wandering (walked by a small lake at 11,200 feet that was still frozen!) Then I popped over the ridge back to the New Fork Trail with a stunning view of the crest of the mountains, including Gannett Peak. I climbed a small peak for a better view. Day 4 I again wandered off-trail to visit many more lakes, including Kenny Lake. Then it was back to New Fork Park via Lozier Lakes. This is a beautiful well maintained trail. By the way, I had not seen anyone to this point. I met two fellows going up the trail. I spent the night at the lower end of New Fork Park last night and walked out the final 8 miles today. The weather was perfect the last three days. A huge fire burned much of the forest around New Fork Lakes two years ago. The first four miles of the trail are fire-scarred and the entire slopes south of the lakes are totally burned. It is a sad picture. Once out of the burn area, the devestiation of the bark beetle is also evident. So many dead trees. Very sad. This is a little used area in the Wind Rivers and deserves more use. Rewards of 11,000-foot lakes come with the work of getting there - 3000+ elevation gain no matter how you go!

Can't wait for pics, Daisy!