Goodbye “Winds”

• Date 8-15-19
• Day:  10
• Start: 1859
• End: 1880
• Miles: 21
• Hours: 9
• High Temp: 74
• Low Temp: 32
• Thru Hikers Met: 7

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Goodbye Square Top

Last night a light frost came in leaving a very light rim in my rain fly. The frost is a good thing as it means the end of bug season. Today the trail leaves the Wind River Range behind. I’m sad to see it go as it was spectacular. This morning the trail is fairly easy as it drops down into sagebrush and prairie. 

Nice river crossing

 

The last of Green Lake

Into the prairie 

Climbing to Gunsight Pass and looking south to Green Lake

The trail leads to Gunsight Pass about 2000’ in elevation gain.  Fortunately the elevation gain is streatched out over 5 miles. The last mile being the most troublesome and steep. There is foliage along the trail that is creating a higher humidity making it a bit harder to breathe.  I heard a  knocking sound, I quietly continued on the path to observe a White Headed Woodpecker.  Not too far ahead I saw a teenage grouse, probably right at the age of “you are on you own”. 

Gunsight Pass. You can just see a bit of Green Lake in the distance 

Heading north from  Gunsight Pass

A brief period of some pleasant forest 

And then it changes to prairie 

And a brief view of some forest and a quiet lake 

Some big Wyoming sky and prairie 

With some cows 

The sky is becoming darker all the time. We plan to camp in the forest by Lake of the Woods. It’s a good idea to call the day as the winds are increasing as well. With campsites selected and bear bags hung. Now a comfortable rest from the days hike.