Day 36 – Monday 8/17/2920 – 1869.1 – clear, sunny, monsoon rain sprinkles, clear. I woke at 4:45 am. I used my red light to pack up, because Justin’s tent was only 5’ away. At first in the semi-light I got disoriented trying to find the trail, but then I found it. Like the 2 hikers yesterday I climbed up 200’ to the trail junction and began hiking at 5:45 am. It was level at first, but slowly began to climb to Lake Anne Pass. Then a few miles from the Pass there were rocks, rocks, and more rocks. Several other hikers were either ascending or descending from the Pass. The massiveness of these mountains is awe inspiring. Finally I got to the top after negotiating switchback after switchback. I took a picture and began to descend down the other side. I went down, down, down. I finally stopped for lunch and Third Wheel showed up. We keep bumping into each other. He’s been off trail rafting etc. At about 3:15 pm I got to my campsite which is near water and I set up my tent. As always I’m glad today is over. I was very tired by the end. I listened to podcasts all day to help pass the time and keep my mind busy for those hours. Tomorrow I meet Justin at Cottonwood Pass. Then I resupply and immediately hike on another 8 miles to shorten the next section.
