June 24th, 2024
Mile Marker:
Miles Hiked: 32
This morning was chilly in the valley but we stirred around and made our breakfast away from the campground.
Ross, Journey, and I all headed out together again and started the day with a climb. Ross led the way and I tried my best to hold on. I’m not sure I’ve mentioned but Ross started in New Mexico at the border and then flipped up once he hit Colorado, meaning he has his hiker legs already.
We came to water crossings that didn’t have a smooth way through them without getting wet so Journey and Ross started finding large boulders to throw in and create a new path. I did not participate and also just walked through the water not caring much if my feet get wet today.
Today we walked through a lot of forest fires and flat ground for majority of the day.
We talked about a variety of things and stayed alert. One thru hiker stopped ahead of us to fill up his water and claimed that right after we passed a bear came out and headed towards his pack. Guess we were making just enough noise that it stayed back until we passed. The bear thankfully ran away once the guy stood up.
Sometimes I find myself wanting to see more wildlife like some others but when I really think about it, I know I’m better off not seeing any grizzly. It’s just not for me.
It’s funny coming into the Bob Marshall I had this thought I would see grizzlies everywhere but truth is they are around but most of us haven’t seen one.
We decided on bigger miles today to take the Spotted Bear alternate and get up high near a lake.
As usual when quiet we hoop and holler, Ross asked if when we get to Colorado if we will all still be hollering even though grizzlies won’t be present. I’m sure it has become such a routine we likely will.
We walked past a cabin where 3 younger adults were working and claimed they do trail maintenance here over the summer. They had a glorious spot and I found myself thinking what it would be like to stay there all summer. It would be a very unique experience I’m sure.
As the day went on, the more I regretted the decision to push big miles this early on. My body is hurting; my Achilles is barking and I’ve started chafing with all the rain and sweat. 🫣
We pushed on up a last climb to get up to Dean lake. We half expected Bob to be there but found out no one was and the campsite we wanted was under water. There was still a significant amount of snow so we looked all around until we found a spot in the trees that seemed a little dry.
We were immediately freezing once we stopped moving and Isabella feels tired of being cold. We set up camp fast, threw our bear hang, and got into our sleeping bags.
We decided we needed to reevaluate our planning. Shorter miles and getting to campsite earlier would fit us better. Even though I want out of the Bob Marshall as fast as possible, it’s not worth it to break my body.
It feels like I have forgotten all the aches and pains that come with starting a thru hike. Whenever I look back on them I only really remember the good times and forget that starting is so difficult. My feet hurt, my shoulders ache, and with the cold, my spirits fluctuate widely.
Every day is a new day though and hopefully I can get some sleep because I am so exhausted.
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 