For the past few weeks, I've been giving myself big goals. First solo overnight, first solo multi day, first solo 10+ mile day, first trip on the Wonderland Trail and lots of training. I love having big goals, and it feels awesome to complete those goals.

Sun set near Lower Crystal Lake

 
I gave myself a break this weekend and I headed up to Upper Crystal Lake (7 miles RT) with a fellow adventurer. The plan was to hike to Crystal, camp, and head out in the morning to cross country hike to Crystal Mountain and take the gondola down.

Wildflowers and alpine lakes at camp.

It was forecasted to be super nice, and I was excited for new adventures, and some off trail exploration through the backcountry.

Upper Crystal Lake

Waking up this morning, to the sun bright and warm through the tent, we scanned the ridgeline and reconsidered our plan. It would be warm all day, with little shade. We could try our luck, strap on our big packs and hit the dusty non existent trail to Crystal Mountain... Or we could drink beers and hang out in the gorgeous alpine lake that sat maybe 100 feet from our tent.

View from Site 2

 We chose the latter, and it was beyond rad.

Big goals can sometimes take the fun out of going to the mountains. I've always been in strong support of Type Two Fun -the type that you hate while it's happening, but afterwards you're like "hell ya, lets do it next weekend" - but this weekend reminded me that going to Trader Joe's and enjoying an easy hike (classic Type One Fun) is just as rad and fulfilling. Type One Fun is like hitting the reset button on your mountain mindset. I often need to remind myself that I don't need to be pushing my limits, climbing hard grades or hiking big miles to have fun and feel accomplished. Life is more fun when you don't kick your own ass all the time.

Sun setting over Upper Crystal Lake.