On the north facing switchbacks, Hawkins Peak was the prominent volcanic feature on the horizen, with the Freel peak area beyond it.

Leaving the PCT, which headed left. My route continued straight on the Raymond lake spur.

Looking back west to the small pass on the middle ridge. Jeff Davis beyond it and Round Top now visible in the haze beyond Jeff Davis.

The spur trail edged up to an overlook near peak 8842 and gave a view down to Raymond Canyon. Thats Highland and Silver Peaks on the horizen to the south.

Up to Raymond Lake, nestled in a cirque at about 1000ft below the summit. The Raymond highpoint is the leftmost pinnacle on the ridge and I headed left to take the forested slope up.

Looking out over Raymond Lake (late afternoon sun directly above the shot)

The trail continued around the lake and I followed it a bit before leaving to start scaling the slope.

Steep sandy 4/10 mile 1000ft slog up the slope. Had to dodge a few lingering patches of snow.

Looking back down at Raymond Lake with Pleasant Valley beyond from partway up the slope.