Killer Caterpillars of Chiwaukum Lake

AHHHRRGGHHHH!!! GET IT OFF ME! GET IT OFF!!” And so went our brutal, steep, caterpillar-infested hike bushwacking hike to Chiwaukum Lake.

Poor Victor! At least there were not many black flies, I was thinking.

This was my first trip to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness starting from the east side of the Cascades. Dry and dusty, we were on the trail for less than an hour before seeing the guidebook’s promised rattlesnake.

There was lots of blow down from last year’s storms and for the last weekend in July, hardly a soul. Evidently the more popular destinations are in the area are around Ladies Pass, where camping spots are regulated.

A highlight for me was the shower and fresh set of clothes at the public pool in Leavenworth before going to have brats.