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Day 1  (Sun, 7/27).   Drove to Mowich Lake (4930 ft elev), Side trip to Eunice Lake and Tolmie Peak

Summary of Day 1  (Sun, 7/27):   Drove to Mowich Lake (1130-1530).  Bill, Robert, Suzy, Linda, and I carpooled.    11 of us gathered at Mowich Lake (4950 ft elev) and camped overnight.   3 of them did the first leg and hiked out to Sunrise on 5th day.    Fred joined us at 6th day at Summerland.  Thanks to Dave's (Trip Leader) party who took care of the Food Caches at White River (Food Cache #1) and Longmire (Food Cache #2) Ranger Stations. 

a. Optional Side Trip (After Camp):  Eunice Lake and Tolmie Peak Look out (1400-1900).  About 6.5 miles with 1200 ft elev.

At 1130,  my carpooling parties,  Bill and Robert came to my house.    Bill left his car while Robert was dropped off.   Then, we picked up Linda near Erland Pt down the Chico Way, and picked up Suzy at Port Orchard carpool.    We arrived at the Mowich Lake around 1330.    Since it was Sunday,  the place was fully loaded with day-hikers/backpackers.    The cars were parked on the road 1/8 miles before the Mowich Lake Trailhead area that looked like something big happening like a State Carnival.    It was the busiest trailhead I've ever experienced.    Dave's party was already there and established camping.   

At 1600,  some of us did a warm-up hike.   I heard of the Eunice Lake and Tolmie Peak starting from the Mowich Lake,  so  I wanted to experience those trails.

Well, the highlights of the trails were the full bloom season of the avalanche Lilies just before the Eunice Lake and Bear Grass along the Tolmie Peak Lookout.    Those wild flowers were quite impressive.    Then, at the Tolmie Peak Look out,  we were able to see the Mt Rainier, Mowich  Lake,  and Eunice Lake all at once.   That was pretty neat.     There are some roots and rocks on some trail sections that needed to be careful, but, in general,  the trails were in easy grade, well maintained, and excellent shape.     It's a long drive from Silverdale but definitely is a good family hike during the flower blooming season.

We turned in early at 2000 for the early next morning departure.    I could not sleep till 2300 ish though.  It's always the case for me for the first night when sleeping in the wood or camp.
 

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