The heat and grade of the trail did not deter hikers and campers at Wedgemount lake. There were around 20 tents and bivi sacks splattered along the lake. Thanks to Peter and Beau being fleet of foot, we were able to get two premium tent platforms just next to the hut. After setting up camp Peter and Beau hiked up Mt. Cook, while Tim and I explored the route around the lake to the southern shore. There are bits and pieces of a bushy path that leads from the hut to the drainage of the lake. The creek is easily crossed here as most of it is under a boulder field. From here, one can easily follow the lake shore back to the cliffs opposite the hut as this side of the lake is completely devoid of vegetation. There is reportedly a scrambling route from here up to the Parkhurst-Rethel col, but we were running short of time and energy and decided to head back to camp for dinner.
As for the conditions, the lake is completely snow free, the road to the parking long has one steep and rough section that a car should not be subjected to, and while the forest was fly-infested, there were far fewer bugs up top at the campsites.
Aug 14, 2010
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