Day 170: mile 857.7-873.2
I got out of my tent to the most welcomed sight, A DOG! How cute is this little buddy! Some pats and tail wags are a great way to start the day.
I headed back down to the ranch to grab my battery pack which I left to charge overnight, only to find it hadn’t charged at all. They must unplug the power strip at a certain time. Oh well, I didn’t really need it anyway. I tossed my trash, checked the weather, and off I went.
My day started out entirely uphill. I climbed the long switchbacks, surrounded by a wall of bushes. I enjoyed being surrounded by it’s greenness. The higher I climbed the more the view opened up until I could see for miles.
The trail began to flatten our for a bit as I passed by Sallie Keyes Lakes. The water was blue in the middle and crystal clear toward the shoreline. Behind me I had a view of the lake with mountains in the distance, next to me was another lake with beautiful granite above it, and in front of me the creek I’d continue to follow to the top of Sleden Pass. Perfection.
As usual, the last bit of climbing to get to the top was fairly steep, but a few switchbacks later I made it. The view of Marie Lake was waiting on the other side. I sat at the top and finished off the couscous and veggies I picked up last night and enjoyed my view, despite the fact I added way too much hot sauce and my lips were on fire.
It was hard to leave, but I trekked on, passing some amazing spots next to Marie Lake. Adding this to the list of places I want to come back to and take my time exploring. The list is quickly growing.
I hiked downhill for another couple of hours, making it to the bottom and barely starting the climb toward Silver Pass before I set up camp for the night. I’m enjoying a bit of cell service before bed, but everyone seems to be busy, I guess I’ll catch them another time.
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light