August 9th, 2024
Mile Marker: Seneca Lake Trail
Miles Hiked: 9
We woke up this morning around 6:15 AM and I unfortunately struggled to sleep well, sometimes the night is almost too quiet.
I made hot oatmeal and coffee, not feeling in any type of rush since we only had 9 miles to hitch into town.
We had beautiful views and found ourselves waiting for the sun to peak over the mountains. Just as we were gearing up to hike out, the sun poked out and we all got the shot we wanted.
We took our final group picture together, how bummed I was to have them leave!
The hike out was a little hilly initially and then was flat for the second half. We all cruised along nicely chatting for big chunks.
We crossed paths with a NOBO who was going the wrong direction and chatted with him for a little. Turns out he is only using paper maps to navigate instead of the FarOut Map. I could never. The comments are way too helpful.
We made it to the trailhead around noon and went to the front of a line of cars waiting to leave. There was construction on the road up to the trailhead so they were waiting to go. We asked the first car and noticed the NOBO we had talked to earlier in the passage seat. The driver had an empty SUV as he just dropped off a group of hikers. He told us all to hop in. What an easy hitch! Score!
We made it to the town of Pinedale, Wyoming and decided on Mexican food first.
We were all ready to eat a big meal and plus we had time to kill until our hotel room opened up.
After lunch we went to the outdoor store and I was so hopeful to buy a new sawyer squeeze water filter and found out they were sold out! GAH! Thankfully Tia and Grady immediately let me know that I could use theirs. I’m forever grateful for them and all the help they provided!! 🥹
We then still had time to kill so we went to the nearby brewery for a beer. We gave a cheers to Tia on her triple crown section hike! After one beer, I was almost immediately ready for bed.
We checked into our hotel around 3 and then did laundry and resupplied on food. How nice it was to drive to the grocery store and not have to walk to the opposite side of town! Tia and Grady were so willing to help us out with anything and everything. True trail angels!
Around 7 we went to dinner with the tramily; Whatever, Aster, Captain, Journey, Tia, Grady and me. There was one other new person we met named twilight who also joined.
It was burgers, fries, and shakes type of meal and it was delicious! I felt like I had been eating all day since I also got snacks at the grocery store. I was stuffed to the brim!
It was a good evening with new and old friends. It’s always so cool to see two worlds collide.
So thankful to share this experience with Tia and Grady!
Much love.
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 