3 Highlights:
1. Moose morning surprise.
2. Lurp conquering 3700 meters.
3. Pizza victory dinner with Lurp.
Daily Summary:
– Distance hiked: 17 km
– Starting point: Pine Martin Campground
– Ending point: Grand Lake
– Weather conditions: Sunny
Daily Reflections (challenges, insights, musings):
The night was rough—Lurp spent it spotting bears, pumas, and possibly a few dinosaurs. I woke up feeling like a flat fish, and she wasn’t much better. Hot coffee was the saving grace; it’s amazing what a small portable kitchen can do for morale.
We set off, moving at a glacial pace. The amount of stopping was impressive—Lurp broke altitude records one after another, though. She powered through 3000 meters, then 3500 meters, and finally hit 3727 meters. The first 8 km? Took us four hours. But hey, who’s counting? Going down, we got a speed boost from the sudden hail and looming threat of thunder. In the chaos, Lurp lost her trowel. Hail and wardrobe changes can do that.
We managed a hitch back into town, just in time to return the bear canister, which by the way, is the most worthless invention known to man. I tried to open it while hungry—nearly lost my mind. I may or may not have wished bad things upon the inventor and his entire gene pool.
To celebrate our survival, we had pizza. Not bad. Then, off to camp where I bumped into James, aka “the snowboard hulk.” Always good to see a familiar face. Now, we’re hoping for a good night’s sleep. But with the party next door? Not holding my breath. Wish us luck!
Reflecting on the climb to come. From 2800m to 3700m. It was Wildflower’s 2nd day hiking. Such a hard start and such a strong girl.
After a few hours energy was back
Grand lake by night