August 10th
When I woke up I hoped to catch up to Qtip. I suspected he was going to be hard to catch, but it is good to have goals.
Since my trail was mostly flat, I cruised quickly through the alpine terrain. I was warmed inside and out by the rising sun. I quickly dispensed with the down puffy and the wind shirt.
Surprisingly, I did find Qtip. He had wiped out on Knapsack Col and had some nasty scrapes. I gave him the prescription antibiotic gel I received in Helena. We started hiking together. But, regardless of injuries, he was still stronger on the hills and soon disappeared.
It was ok hiking. Alternating between austere terrain and forest. Definitely some nice trout fishing up here.
Late in the day, I met a trail crew. It was just two young ladies. I felt bad for them. The trail was just rocks and sand. No matter what they did, one winter would wreck the trail. This is the type of trail where boots are superior to trail runners. Its rough rocks that range in size from billiard balls and bowling balls.
Met another grumpy northbounder.
Just towards sunset I reached my goal lake: Sandpoint Lake. There was a fairly casual sign posted stating there was a fire in the NE corner surrounding the lake and people should be cautious. At first I thought that was a little lackadaisical. However, when I got to the lake, I saw where the fire had been and it was not a big deal.
I set up camp in the waning light. There was a canvas tent with some horse campers and another campsite across the lake with a family.. Once the final mountain winds blew out, it was a quiet night.
backpacking over the hill 