Journey Day 461 | CDT Day 124

On my brother’s birthday, I hiked by bearings in the snow covered San Juans.

10/16/87

Brother Bob's birthday is an amazing day of hiking by bearings along a snow-covered Divide in the San Juans. Early morning, after painful packing, I see a large herd of elks led by impressive bucks which I study before they run off.

Bulk of the day I have views to the Uncompagres, Lake San Cristobal, Bristol Head, back to Spring Creek Pass, plus the amazing environs I'm in. Beautifully sunny and hot, but I'm addicted to my sunglasses. Cross countrying along a stockway, but there are occasional cairns, signs reinforcing the route. A few tough climbs, lunch by what I think is Ruby Creek.

One ridge too soon, hoping for Carson, after a break at a road junction. Down steep, muddy road, I take several spills. Pass ruins, up a pack trail. Break by a side creek. Then up to windy spot on a knoll before pass on Lost Trail Creek. Mega-condensation on my sleeping bag, another unlevel camp spot. Coyotes....