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!
