3 Highlights:
1. A squirrel hurling pine cones at my breakfast setup
2. Knee-deep river crossing
3. Elk sighting near a hot spring
Daily Summary:
• Distance hiked: 32 km
• Starting point: Moose Creek Meadows
• Ending point: Heart Lake
• Weather conditions: A mix of sun and clouds3 Highlights:
Daily Reflections (challenges, insights, musings):
The day started in an absurdly early fashion, waking up at 4 AM, as one does when the universe decides sleep is overrated. I tried to lull myself back to sleep with an audiobook, which worked for a brief moment until the other camper began their noisy departure at 6:30. Deciding it was time to face the day, I unrolled my mat for some morning yoga, only to be pelted by pine cones from a rather aggressive squirrel above—nature’s alarm clock, I suppose.
After taking care of the morning necessities (in what I can only describe as the world’s most scenic bathroom—a seat with no walls overseeing a river), I prepared for another long water carry. The day’s adventure included a knee-deep river crossing, where the water was cold enough to wake even the groggiest of hikers. Just before that, as if to reward me for my early rising, an elk darted across the delta, a magnificent creature moving with such speed that I didn’t even have time to fumble for my camera.
The Hot Springs was a welcome reprieve, where I met a couple of solo hikers—Barefoot and Lights Out.
A quick check-in at the Ranger Station revealed that my permit was in order, and I decided to venture to the other side of the lake for the night and save 5 km tomorrow. The campsite isn’t exactly a five-star location—let’s call it more of a “rustic charm”—but it’s got a beach, and I’m the only one here, which is both comforting and slightly eerie given the vastness of the wilderness…and howling sounds of wolfs close by at night.
I spent the evening stretching by the water, filtering some much-needed H2O, and listening to the gentle waves lap against the shore. As night falls, I retreat into my tent, where I’ll listen to a book and hope that tomorrow’s encounters are just as entertaining as today’s. Good night, world. What was that? Wow! That’s loud! Beautiful! Wolfs! Are they outside my tent?
Water crossing
Hot springs
Heart lake