Backpacking Glacier, tamales, and duets

OK. First, I should clarify. We didn't backpack Glacier National Park. We tore up the trail leading to Glacier Lake, of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Packwood, Washington variety.

Our companions on this trip were none other than Emily and Greg Lagried, along with their new(ish) pup, Luca duca dogger. You may remember our first backpacking trip together. This one-upped that only because we were a bit more prepared and experienced, and it rained just 50 percent of the time, instead of 100. 

Big, vivid memories include our indulgent dinners, showcasing homemade tamales and spaghetti with herbs straight out of the Lagreids' garden. Two nights of epic sing-a-longs. Salami. Summer sausage. Greg's big catch! Off-roading in the 4-Runner. Packing in two bladders of wine and packing out zero. Campfires, if for nothing but the ambiance. S'mores. Quality time with dang good friends.

Driving home, Taylor and I rewrote our camping "needs" and "please don't pack this in ever again, Kate" lists. Somehow jars of salsa, peanut butter, and Nutella seemed more necessary than a lighter pack. I may rethink that next time. 

Until our next trip...

Barricade schmarricade. Let's see what this four-wheel drive can do. 

In retrospect, that pre-hike beer was a poor choice. 

Eco Vino securely snapped to the pack.

Our first trip with the Lagreids as a party of three.

Full-size guitar. He doesn't mess around. 

Note to all parties involved: Next time, let's eat before the hike. 

The boys described Glacier Lake as "brute." Just one fishy made it to camp.

Meat and cheese! Meat and cheese! 

Thanks, Em, for snapping this shot. Isn't it ironic that I was the one napping?

See the boys down there?

Happy hour on the log!

Everyone chipping in for our spaghetti feast.

My favorite part of the day...Johnny and June reincarnate.

Em took about 12 photos of Luca like this on my cam. 

I LOVE this photo.

Besties in nature's beauty. 

Dudes

Luca's not smiling because Auntie Kate needed a shower big time. Huge time.