Another hard day with lots of ups and downs, snowfields on the trail, and wet feet. I got going at 6:45 with Bruce 15 minutes behind. I skirted Blue Lake then began a 500-ft climb to a ridge. In 3 miles, hiker Eric passed us hiking strong. Bruce and I dropped elevation while we hiked north skirting a basin. In 4 miles, we ascended to a pass where we met hiker Lodestar from TX. He had made a navigation error and walked several miles out of his way. The three of us headed north helping each other find the route to a pass. We descended steep switchbacks to a stream then headed uphill through two miles of dense willows to a pass. The photo looks back and shows the snowfields we somehow descended safely. Bruce arrived after a while feeling bushed. He wanted to camp at the pass, but I persuaded him to hike another 3 miles to get 13 miles on the day. If we can walk 13 miles per day today and the next two days, we’ll reach Wolf Creek Pass Friday afternoon. That means I can call my mom and wish her a happy 94th birthday on June 8. The last three miles of the day proved difficult with many steep snowbanks covering the trail, water running down the trail, and copious mud. I arrived at the camp site at 5:30, while Bruce arrived at 6:15. I hope that hiking conditions improve tomorrow. 13.8 hard miles today.
531
