Reservation Lake, AZ

[Lichen]

I'm a bit late in posting this, but why do today what you can put off 'till tomorrow. I usually try to get up north right after Labor Day, but work didn't allow it. The weekend before I left, it was 100 degrees in the valley. I didn't get out until Oct.21, just as a cold front moved in. It was pretty windy in the valley, so I knew that it would be even worse up north. I decided to go to Reservation Lake on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation (the fishing had been great 6 weeks before).
I started hitting some rain up on the Mogollon Rim, and by the time that I hit Show Low, it was pouring and hailing. I stopped to get my permits at the HonDah casino and was warned that I might see some snow (I did).
At the turn- off for the Lake, I stopped at the last civilized out house and the sky looked like this.

I was tempted to turn around, but kept on truckin'.

This cabin always make me think that I'm stepping into a Bob Ross Painting.

 

[Lichen]

After 5 hours of driving, I finally reach the end of the pavement.

The White Mountains are full of these cute little streams.

 

[Lichen]

I arrived at an empty cold deserted lake. Even the store was boarded up.

 

[Lichen]

Between the cold, the wind, and the altitude, I figured that it was time to make me a stiff drink and set up camp. There was no level ground, so I spent one of my worst nights sleeping ever.

Around dusk, the wind calmed down enough where I was able to get in about 30 minutes fishing with no luck.

The next morning it was sooo cold that I just packed up and headed for lower ground.

 

[ttora4runner]

Won't mind staying in that cabin, if it was in a little better condition.

 

[timh]

Sounds like a...rough trip!:sombrero: Looks nice up there though.

 

[Lichen]

It wouldn't have been bad, but I just wasn't prepared for the temperatures. I've since bought me a much better sleeping pad, some UnderArmor, and good gloves. Camping in the cold is fun if you are prepared.

 

[Richie]

It wouldn't have been bad, but I just wasn't prepared for the temperatures. I've since bought me a much better sleeping pad, some UnderArmor, and good gloves. Camping in the cold is fun if you are prepared.

Agreed! I've been wanting to do some snow camping, but the wife won't do it.

Looks like a fun trip and a beautiful area.

 

[Westy]

That is my favorite part of the state. Nice photos. The store usually closes about Labor Day.

 

[93BLAZER]

There is some great fishing to be had there. Great photos.