Changes

July 5th. 

I set off early and was surprised to quickly run into Adam and Denali just waking up. I figured they were miles away.  They reminded me our paths would separate today as we chose different routes for this trail.

Not as much wildlife today. I had one mother hawk dive bomb me as I walked past her nest in a tree.  Also, startled a small bird who  flew away from her nest right in the side of the trail. By now I believe there should a lesson for all birds to NOT make nests near trails.

I finally got on the trail I was taking.  Most hikers choose a shortcut that involves 3 days of road walking versus a 6 day walk in the woods.  From the trail it appears I am the first person to take this route.  There were no other footprints except for elk and deer.

It was strange terrain.  There were large piles of smooth-ish boulders that created caves.  There were lots of  downed trees. I felt like this was ideal mountain lion territory. Soon after, I found a scratching tree.  

Cougars mark their territory by rubbing against trees, urinating, and clawing certain outposts. The tree I found had an ascending series of scratch marks with sap burying the preceding claw marks. 

Camped in a great spot by myself.