This is the "cairn" marking the beginning of the trail leading up to the Froze to Death Plateau. There is no sign or other marker on the main trail. The intersection of the FTD trail with the main trail following the Mystic Lake shore isn't very far. If you cross a stream emptying into Mystic Lake, you've gone too far.
This is the beginning of the trail leading up the Froze to Death Plateau.
The mountain goats are shedding their winter coats, leaving long patches of white hair that looks like the locks of hair from an old person.
At approximately 10,000 feet, Just before you crest the FTD ridge for the first time, there wer still a couple of snow banks on the switchbacks on Sunday, July 8, 2007. But compare to the next pic taken just one week earlier on July 1.
July 1, 2007 snow banks on switchbacks at 10,000 feet.
The Plateau is really greening up.
The chipmunks are out.
With Granite Peak in the background, this is the most popular camping area in August.
On Sunday, July 8, 2007, some of the rock shelters still are choked with snow.
Others are still a bit wet.
These shelters, among the first you come to, are dry.
You might consider camping a bit lower on the Plateau. Some of the little used areas are absolutely beautiful.
