May 1, 2013
The morning treated us to a beautiful sunrise. The valley spread out below us was sheathed in white billowing clouds. Above us the sky was ablaze with color and light. Highlander and I slipped away from the shelter at 6:50 and began our day.
It was a day of clear, stunning, mountain top views. Many of our miles today took us along the high ridge edge of the mountains, giving us breath taking views of the rest of the park. Our goal today was the Tri-Corner Shelter, 13 miles away. That would be the longest distance yet for a day hiked. The trail looked straight forward on paper, with a few high altitude climbs over 6,000 feet.
Tonight I am bedded down in the Tri-Corner Shelter. It took me till almost 7:00 pm to get here because of my trouble with downhills. My ankles have been very tender and I struggle at times with my balance. Some days the only thing to do going downhill is slow down and move carefully.
I've started carrying some butter with me to add oil and fat to my diet. Tonight I tried it with a packet of rice and found that it also greatly improves the taste. It was a night I cleaned the pot and feasted on a Little Debby Apple Pie. It is one of the rare nights I have been satisfied.
Tomorrow I have planned an easier day, only about 8 miles. That will allow some needed rest and a later start in the morning. It also sets up a resupply the next day at Standing Bear Hostel.
It is so hard being completely out of touch with everybody. I don't know how my Dad is and have no way to find out. Not only can I not call home, but they have no way to contact me. I have put it all to a higher power!
Meanwhile, I keep hiking. Its why I'm out here.
The morning treated us to a beautiful sunrise. The valley spread out below us was sheathed in white billowing clouds. Above us the sky was ablaze with color and light. Highlander and I slipped away from the shelter at 6:50 and began our day.
It was a day of clear, stunning, mountain top views. Many of our miles today took us along the high ridge edge of the mountains, giving us breath taking views of the rest of the park. Our goal today was the Tri-Corner Shelter, 13 miles away. That would be the longest distance yet for a day hiked. The trail looked straight forward on paper, with a few high altitude climbs over 6,000 feet.
Tonight I am bedded down in the Tri-Corner Shelter. It took me till almost 7:00 pm to get here because of my trouble with downhills. My ankles have been very tender and I struggle at times with my balance. Some days the only thing to do going downhill is slow down and move carefully.
I've started carrying some butter with me to add oil and fat to my diet. Tonight I tried it with a packet of rice and found that it also greatly improves the taste. It was a night I cleaned the pot and feasted on a Little Debby Apple Pie. It is one of the rare nights I have been satisfied.
Tomorrow I have planned an easier day, only about 8 miles. That will allow some needed rest and a later start in the morning. It also sets up a resupply the next day at Standing Bear Hostel.
It is so hard being completely out of touch with everybody. I don't know how my Dad is and have no way to find out. Not only can I not call home, but they have no way to contact me. I have put it all to a higher power!
Meanwhile, I keep hiking. Its why I'm out here.
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