( July 3rd)
Last night I camped up high. Mountain winds are crazy. As the sun goes down, they start gusting and swirling as though undecided about a permanent direction. Then, they stop. It is like a person tossing and turning until the perfect position is found and then instant sleep.
Around 11:30 some creature was coming down the trail calling out. It was either a mother calling to her young or youngster calling for a parent. As it got close I made a bunch of noise because I did not want the reunion outside my tent.
I leapfrogged with Adam and Denali most of the day. They are a great couple that are strong hikers. Again the terrain is primarily lodgepole forest on hills. Water has been plentiful, but I am not sure how long that will last.
I had a strange experience. If you’re not familiar with a bird called a grouse, it’s primary survival tactic is to sit perfectly still alongside the trail until you are within 3 feet. Then it explodes into the air with wings flailing and making a squawk-ish sound. Invariably, I swear out loud and check to see if I had any involuntary secretions.
Well, this time instead of bursting into flight, it fluffed up, started squealing and squawking, and proceeded to chase me down the trail. After about three seconds, her bravado wore off and she must’ve realized I could easily kill her. As a result, she veered off trail and slowly became silent.
I received brand new shoes. I have worn the same brand with no problems. Now, I have two blisters on my left foot and one on the right. Ouch!
backpacking over the hill 