September 19th
Another day of high ridge hiking. Some interesting rock formations and lakes in the morning as well.
I did have a couple interesting wildlife encounters. The first one was approaching the top of a pass. Usually a rock pile, called a cairn, is at the top of a pass. Many times it will have an informational post sticking out of it. In this case, I saw a crooked stick at the peak. That was odd. Then I realized it was an antler. Sure enough, as I approached, a cow elk stood up. Once she saw me, the surprise was over and they ran down the hill and half way up the ther side of the valley.
The other encounter involved marmots. I came across a rocky area and there were a couple marmots in photgenic locations. One was on a boulder that jutted out. he was mildly interested in me. He gave a half-hearted alarm warning of my presence. I guess word was getting around I was pretty harmless. Although feeling just a little slighted by the lack of terror I instilled, I climbed on and then all hell broke loose. I thought they finally realized I was an apex predator and all the marmots stepped up their warning cries. However, as I got to the end of a switch back, I was able to see the red fox that caused all the excitement. Once I got over the crest, I saw the fox’s partner, its brilliant coat stark against the drab fall grasses.
Late in the afternoon, the Colorado Trail and the CDT split. I then entered the Weminuche Wilderness area. As it got dark, I was able to achieve my goal of a high elevation campsite that was flat and had some wind shelter. This was probably one of my top five spots all trip and I slept quite well.
backpacking over the hill 