"Obata" Lake - there's a pond above and a few smaller lakes below
The next day, I dropped down to Rafferty and then over to Florence Lake. The descent to Rafferty is along a beautiful, flowing creek.
Rafferty Peak
Florence Lake at sunset, full of trout
Next morning, I climbed the notch above Florence Lake, which was a grassy, slimy mess, followed by talus scrambles and boulder hopping. It opened up into a beautiful plateau, with a flowing creek, and great views to the southeast. This plateau took my breath away, and I'm wondering how else to get there without that scramble.
After rounding the small peak next to Florence Lake, I saw this in front of me and thought: Florence Peak, here we go!
Oops, well at least I got a good shot of Florence Peak. Out of snacks and water, I didn't have it in me to descend and ascend again. False summit
](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall"){kind=small}
On the way back, I dropped down the notch to the upper lake above Florence Lake. It had a lot more traction, but endless boulders. The upper lake was crystal-clear for swimming and full of trout.
On the way up to false summit Florence, I decided I would hit the ridge above Volgesang Pass that connects to Parsons Peak the next day and exit via Lyell. You can see it in the pic below along the top - looks like a highway in this shot!
Parsons Ridge up top, Florence Lake below
Good stuff!
Parsons Peak top left. I've been down to each of these lakes before. The one on top is rocky and clear as glass.
Dropping down to the drainage above Ireland Lake.
You know, funny enough the Tom Harrison map says 1.5 mi. from Ireland Lake back to the trail and when you get there, the trail sign was 3.0. Well, all in all a good trip! Will have to climb Florence some other time!
