Iceberg Lake is a perfect reflection bowl for the Minarets, a series of towering fin-like spires. The clouds were beginning to gather again, and the campsites were plentiful. The snowfield expected along the route up to Cecile Lake is not present this late in the season, so there is no need for an afternoon crossing. All factors lined up for an overnight stop at Iceberg Lake.

As the clouds gather and darken, we see three hikers descend the route down from Cecile Lake. They stop near our camp: it appears to be a son in his late 30’s, with his parents, in their 60’s. They have enormous packs. Steve checks in with them. They tell him that they are a day behind already, and hope to descend down to Ediza Lake. It’s clear that they are tired and stressed – not good for high country travel. And, we are amazed to see them pull out hardware like a three-legged stool, to rest on, and eat conventional (bread and meat) sandwiches. It’s no wonder that their packs are large and heavy, and evidently not matched to the fitness level of all of the party members. Rather than stay put, the trio moves on down towards Ediza. We hoped that they made it to shelter when it started to rain again.