Hot Springs Doubleheader, day 3

A nice alpine hike, through the heart of the Kokrines Hills. Here, we lost thousands of feet and later regained it, and lost it again. 

Good walking for the most part, except for the green part of the above map, where we crossed the old winter trail from Kokrines to Melozi Hot Springs without realizing it, because we were too busy making time away from mosquitoes and making noise to let the bears know Jim had pepper spray.

 Hiked past midnight, which is the beauty of summer, and still had a ways to go to reach our second alpine lake.

We got into the higher country of the Kokrines, topping out on a dome at 4,000 feet. Expected to hear the whistle of the Alaska marmot, known only in the Brooks Range, the Ray Mountains, and the Kokrines. We didn't see one, nor any other mammals hairier than us.

Another night, another stunning alpine lake with no name. Nice surface for camping. Sleep good.

Nice wildflowers at this lower elevation lake, but still no trees. None till we got close to Melozi Hot Springs. That tale tomorrow . . .