A Baker's Dozen (& R-rated Content)

 Several people suggested hiking to Baker Lake and the 4 mile round trip was just right for us.  This area was burned in the Beaver Creek fire last summer, which burned 100,000 acres.  The devastation was very apparent, and the trail to Baker's Lake just opened this month, so we felt lucky to get to  hike in.

Some of the fire was intense and in other areas the fire skipped around.  The regeneration and wildflowers portend the the long term recovery of the area.

These burned Lodgepole pines, Doug Fir and Hemlock frame the wildflowers that form a carpet under their canopy.

The burned trees were like ebony alligators and almost an art form.

These Mariposa Lilies were just one of the many wildflowers that were profusely blooming in the forest.  We don't know most of the names of the flowers, but there are many varieties blooming, hence the reference to"baker's dozen."

We do know these Columbines...

and these blue penstemon.

Baker Lake was cold but not icy, and I could not resist wading in.

Ben, however, went Full Monty and dove right in.  I shed my clothes and joined him. The water was amazing!  We were rather daring, but there was no one to offend.

John and Lisa, meanwhile hiked on, oblivious to us treading water in the lake.  John circumnavigated the lake and climbed through some snow patches.  He made a few snow balls and hurled them towards the lake.  

The Forest Service has done a great job of restoring the trail and built this new bridge near the trailhead.

We got back to the condo in time for the kick-off for the final World Cup game.  Ben and I were rooting for Germany, and John and Lisa were pulling for Argentina.  The final win by Germany brought Facebook messages from friends in Germany.  Though it was after midnight there, people were celebrating like crazy.

What an amazing world - early in the day we are hiking in a remote area, far from cell service, and hours later we are in touch with our kids watching the game in various places around the country, and we can ultimately share the victory with friends in countries and time zones far, far from here.

Another day in Idaho....