Daily Log: Day 34

34 2236.3 7/18/2021 sunny, hot. Packed up my tent at the pass and on a slope. I didn’t sleep well because my air mattress kept sliding inside my tent. I was up early and did my morning chores. I’m so glad I climbed 1000’ up to the spring yesterday. The remaining climb was still hard to near the summit of Elk Mountain and I was so glad to have already done most of it. Then there was a second peak to surmount and finally the descent. The mountains are getting more rocky and thus the trail was too. These aren’t small ones but 3” to 6” ones which can twist an ankle so I’ve got to be careful. Down and down I went until I got to Justin and Bannock Pass. After a soda or two we drove to Dillon for lunch. On the way we stopped at the US Forest service office although it was Sunday and closed they had posted the closures on an outside bulletin board. As we were reading it one of the Forest Service people came out and was kind enough to talk to us. He said in the next two days they would be closing Lemhi Pass, which was going to be our next meet up in two days. In other words I was walking into the fire. So we talked about skipping ahead. From Bannock Pass to Mystic Lake. We posted this to the family. Katie phoned and asked if I was considering coming back after Glacier National Park to do this piece. I told her no. Justin phone Stephanie. While they talked I started think about walking around the fire by slackpacking and meeting Justin each day. It would be about 105 miles and an awful 5-7 days but doable. So we got out maps and went over our options. We shall see. BTW we had pizza for lunch and a restaurant BBQ brisket sandwich for dinner followed by a pint of Cherry Garcia. Yum! Oh, and a shower too. Tomorrow is my first zero day and I need this break. I have to do laundry tomorrow too.

The red sky at sunrise means there is smoke in the air
As the sun rises my shadow stretches across the trail
I bought these Altra Lone Peak shoes new in Pinedale on 6/19, repaired them on trail several times and they are now totally trashed on 7/18. Wow that was quick! Time for new shoes