Day ThirtySeven, 24 July, 27 Miles
At Mile 765, poptart 232/1000
Up early with Rock Steady to hike an alternate that none of the others were keen on for various reasons. An alternate into the 'rugged' Italian Peaks area (yes Anthony, that's right. Rugged. Italian. Peaks.). Ended up being a great morning, Rock Steady is one of the strongest hikers and about the most impressive navigator in a group of strong hikers and impressive navigators and the area was loverly. Spotted a massive herd of Elk as we Sagewacked back up to the divide. Elk who were spooked by myself and R.S. as well as the others making their way down the divide above us. Being skittish as they are the fifty plus elk charged down the valley towards a herd of cows. Most entertaining, although the cows excessive mooing was ultra-irritating. Crossed paths with our very own hiker herd (Rock Steady, Lost, Found, Candyman and Queen Frostine (DnA), Kombucha and Hawkeye, Joker and this guy) and enjoyed a shadeless lunch under the hot hot hot noonday sun. Met our first NOBO, quickly followed by two more. Eventually found Ley's famed Bison Cave of Death. There was a relatively fresh Elk in there and the remains of a couple others. It was near this incredible limestone outcrop, a hole that gets covered by snow in winter creating this pitfall trap of sorts. Joker and I climbed down into the stench and maggots. Good times. I had theorised with Candyman that there would be a 1000 year old Bison of universal wisdom down there who would grant us the answer to one question and one question only. Unfortunately, this did not eventuate into reality. Oh well. The question remains unanswered. Found is currently not feeling great so himself, meself, Lostself and D'n'Aself hung back a bit and camped early. Cowboy style. On a sweet little saddle. A moose just almost crashed the party (we're all hidden in metre high grass).
No comments:
Post a Comment