Journey Day 374 | CDT Day 37

A spray of light over the darkened ridge in Montana in 1987.

7/18/87

It rained all night. Never see much of Johnson Lake, exiting tent only for a dash to its edge and bathroom activities. In the morning, I exit to dump (thanks to Leonard's TP donation) and put my soaked tent onto my soggy pack filled with damp gear.

Donning raingear again.

Start out cold and stay cold most of the day, except on the climbs. Few views, I walk with Ed and Liz to spot where there are trail signs, but no apparent option. So we climb on up to Elk Park, where I take a shot of snowy ridges in mid-July. Little do I know what lies ahead. The sun pops out several times for a brief tease as we drop off the ridge, hoping the weather clears.

Instead as I catch the group ( feeling dragged out) it begins to snow hard. It sticks, unlike last night's flakes. A mile or so down the trail, the accumulation is surprising. We caucus, decide to bivouac in meadow. Almost too-cold hands put up tent in snow. Quickly inside, quickly warm. Cook mac and cheese, pudding dessert, then drift off after surveying maps in futile search for lower alternate route to trailhead and Idaho. Awakened by Leonard, seeking big pan for his meal. Carl and I (the big panners) have dirtied ours with mac and cheese meals. so he elects to make due with their pan. I emerge, get water, cook. Close up shop, update, wonder what tomorrow will bring. Read til sleep comes again.