Alpine Splendor

• Date 8-13-19
• Day:  8
• Start: 1833
• End: 1840
• Miles: 17  CDT 7, plus Alt 10
• Hours: 10
• High Temp: 72
• Low Temp: 38
• Thru Hikers Met:  14

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Today we travel the 10.3 miles access trail to Pinedale. Sofia, the motel owner, gave us a ride to the trail head for a $15 a piece.  The trail ascends to the CDT but it is not a hard climb. This section is heavily used by backpackers and horses.  David and I did the road apple slalom for miles on this trail because of the heavy horse use. The sky is clear this morning and the forest is very quiet. The soft creek of my pack and russle of my footsteps are all the sounds I hear. 

The alpine wilderness is approaching 

Wild flowers are beautiful up here, they add that extra bit of color to this dramatic landscape

A boots on crossing, 😀

Looking up from the bridge

Afternoon clouds blowing in

Camp is just around to corner

As the evening drew in we located campsites on the lea of the mountains in a gentle little valley. A perfect place to end the day. 

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