Setting out to explore the area surrounding Muncho Lake, we found there were no established trails within reasonable walking distance of MacDonald campground, especially without walking on the narrow highway between the rock face and the lake.  Spotting a ridge above the treeline, we decided to trailblaze our way up to the rocky tops of the hills on the east side of the lake.  A steep climb rewarded us with sweeping views of the lake, islands and hills.  While the knee deep moss was somewhat difficult to maneuver through on the way up, it provided excellent footholds on the way down, making an otherwise knee-crunching descent easy and painless.  We found a huckleberry patch on the way down and partially filled our Nalgene bottle with our delicious finds.  After resuming our downward progress, we noticed large tracks in the moss.  Apparently at least one bear had also been enjoying the huckleberries in the area!  Needless to say, I whistled some tunes the rest of the way down the hill!

Although it was somewhat chilly and windy outside, we were in need of a little cleaning up, especially after the trailblazing.  Into the lake for a quick dip…..brrrrrrrr!  It was quite refreshing, but left us in need of some warming up time in the van.  A little backgammon and rose helped pass the afternoon away from the cold wind and clouds blowing in.  The winds eventually calmed enough to build a fire, cook some potatoes and green beans and a huckleberry cobbler.  Although we managed to turn the dutch oven into a giant sticky mess, the cobbler was tart and delicious and well worth it.