Near-Town Goodness

With a recovery week on tap for Jess and the weather looking pretty good, we decided to get out on a short backpacking excursion to the Williwaw Lakes area.  Turns out a 16-mile round trip counts as rest for some people.



The Williwaw Lakes trail takes you back to the north side of the O'Malley Ridge, then as you progress further to the base of several of the 5,000-footers in the front range.  You quickly transition from city view to imposing mountains surrounding you.


Though the weather was coolish and cloudy, we were still out in awesome terrain, sleepy next to a running creek on cush tundra with mountains all around, which is pretty good livin.


Jess agrees.  I'd skied one of the chutes in the background of this photo a couple of days prior.  My camera's batteries were dead that day, honest.


We didn't take a dip into any of the lakes we passed hiking in or out, but I imagine they were cold.


Sadly, the clouds started to clear as we were walking out of the mountains.  Still a sweet, short little trip, though.


And, Anchorage just ahead.  I get repetitive, but it's still crazy to be able to get in such great terrain so quickly.