The timing of our visit to Lake Wenatchee could not have been more ideal. The weather has been spectacular and the lake was opened to Sockeye Salmon fishing last week because the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish had been exceeded by 7,000. Jeanine has long wanted to fish for salmon and she was up bright and early with a twinkle in her eye. Rob, an expert fisherman, positioned our boat and set the depth of the lure (~80 feet) perfectly. In less than two minutes we had a strike and Jeanine was on the pole to reel in what turned out to be the biggest fish of the day and dinner for this evening.

Less than thirty minutes after starting, we reached our four fish limit and returned to shore where Rob cleaned and filleted our catch before we were treated to a gourmet breakfast.

Next on the agenda was a hike to Minotaur Lake (5,550 feet) and Labyrinth Mountain (6,376 feet). Short and steep, the trail to Minotaur Lake ascends through hemlock forests into a sub-alpine region of heather and huckleberries before reaching this emerald lake filling a cirque below Labyrinth Mountain.

Another 100 feet further and a great view of Theseus Lake opens up. Jeanine and Cindy opt to pause for lunch at Minotaur Lake while Rob, Ann and I continue on to Labyrinth Mountain for an exceptional 360 degree view of the Cascades.