Journey Day 458 | CDT Day 121

Snowy weather was complicating the way ahead.

 10/13/87

Alone I begin climb up to peak with nasty clouds everywhere, but warm climb, so wear minimal clothing. Really socking in, high winds, rain blowing, but push up over the ridge. Ridge walk around to Spring Creek, take refuge in spruce as snow begins.

Stops, so hike on, climb vague trail with limited visibility, but find my way down to San Luis Pass. Proud, I enjoy a quick burst of sun. Up ridge where I apparently lose trail in a near white out, posts all over, white tubes, road through the pass, but still I lost the way. Choose jeep road up to saddle where I find good trail, so take it as snow hurts my eyes, weather seems to be worsening.

Down Mineral Creek, pass two hunters camps, one with a decapitated bull's head outside. No help or food, I push on. Dragging, rain moving down the valley. Big lunch by a spring, but rain rushes my finish. Meet interested hunter and wife, back from packing out elk meat.

Rain gets worse, hike between lines of hunters waiting for elk to walk by. Decide to stop, find a relatively dry spot by a creek and pitch. Try to sleep, but end up updating by flashlight. Hunters walk by. I'm glad I have my orange vest. Read, crash.