Exploration-Northwest: Salmon La Sac Loop

A forty-five mile loop from Salmon La Sac north to Deception Pass then south, via Hyas Lake, back to the car. A small detour on day three to Tuck lake and Robin Lakes was cut short by rain and low clouds.
The hike began with a my usual 30 lbs of gear stuffed in my ULA circuit backpack, and the addition of my brand new collapsible fly pole. Heading north from Salmon La Sac on the Waptus river trail I was greeted by the usual, and easy, 9 mile hike that is just little ups and downs to the lake. I crossed the river (foot bridge is still out) after taking out the insoles (superfeet - orange model) from my New Balance trail runners (910's, I think). My sock also came off. I was surprised by how comfortable and easy the river crossing was, and by how easily it was to squish most of the water out of my shoes with a camp towel. After putting shoes back on (with insoles and socks), I did notice a little bit of dampness, but I was able to continue hiking without any blisters or other issues. The shoes dried the rest of the way over night.
I camped my first night at the south end of the lake, and it was windy. Luckily the wind stopped during the night and no trees fell on me. The south end camp area has several very tall, dead trees that appear to ready to pound an unsuspecting hiking into the ground.
The next day (day 2), I continued northbound up and over Deception Pass. I was able to make a phone call at the top of deception pass. One bar on the Iphone, and it was switching between Verizon and "extended" which I'm guessing means "just send us a blank check, we'll take care of the rest." After the extended phone call, I headed down the hill and around the corner (back southbound) to the Tuck and Robin Lakes intersection. I found a nice campsite just a few feet from the intersection, and made camp for the night. I met a doe very near the campsite that didn't seem bothered by my presence at all. Not a problem for me, but considering that the doe was within the bow hunting zone that allowed the taking of doe's, could be a problem for her. I did meet a bow hunter the following day about 5 miles farther down the trail.
On day 3 I started early and attempted to hike up to Robin Lakes which is 1.4 miles past Tuck lake. The trail to tuck lake was very steep, and as I reached Tuck lake, it started to rain. The trail had me using my hands to scramble up the trail. Upon reaching Tuck lake, and looking east towards the cloud covered mountain that I'd have to climb up and over, I came up with lots of reasons why it would be best to turn around. A couple of my favorites were "it's just going to be raining anyway", "the trail is way too steep"... Anyway, I turned around and started back down. There is a very nice camp on the south side of the trail just a few feet down the trail from tuck lake. It has a nice sandy bottom and has a very impressive view. Might be a bit windy though.
I hiked down the Tuck Lake trail (1.1 miles), and then continued back S/B towards Hyas lake. Hyas lake is only 2-3 miles from a trailhead (located 10 miles from Salmon La Sac) and has at least three beautiful campsites. I hiked past Hyas Lake and continued to the TH and then headed W/B on the Trail creek Trail. At about 2.4 miles from the trailhead, I stopped at Squaw Lake for the night. The fish were jumping, but none would bite a fly. I had a good camp fire, and then hiked 15 miles out the next day.
I caught 5 fish during the outing (all from the Waptus river).