9:55 am, September 21, 2009

As we were preparing to leave our little visitor's center, a park ranger stopped by and offered to take us the rest of the way to the trailhead. At that point (cold and tired), we were planning on stopping at reynold's campsite, only a half-mile in from the trailhead. However, once we arrived at reynold's, we decided to continue on to our original destination, Gunsight Pass campground, approximately 6 miles from the trailhead. And that is where I sit now...cozy on a log with my hot taster's choice in the nalgene, surrounded by mountains on all sides. I'm looking at Gunsight Pass, approx. 1700 ft higher than the 5300 ft elevation of the log I am sitting on, my body sore, wondering how the hell I will cross it tomorrow. We arrived just before dark last night...had planned on dinner, but opted to go right to sleep. I was chilled as I fell asleep, but awoke toasty warm around 1:30am having to go to the bathroom. That meant braving the icy ground outside...barefoot...and for a split second, I wondered why we hadn't gone to Florida. I returned to my toasty sleeping bag and slept until 7:30. Awoke to sun and cloudless skies and huevos rancheros (aka, really good powdered scrambled eggs) and topped it off with my taster's choice. Cleaned up breakfast and headed back to my toasty sleeping bag to get warm and fell asleep. It is now 2:30 and I await Pad Thai. Just prior to meal prep, we opened a bottle of port, taking turns sipping from the nalgene. And now I am feeling the tawny goodness, soaking in my surroundings...the weeds seem to move on command as the wind blows, waterfalls rush all around me, the mountains...regal and still...and I remember why I didn't go to Florida.

3:00pm...I am happy to report that "Backpacker's Pantry" Pad Thai was nothing less than divine. And I am now finishing it off with a chocolate brownie clif bar. Lunch is now packed up and naptime looms...again. To be stripped of all amenities has been bliss...there is nothing I "should" be doing other than just...being...and I rather love the feeling.

5:30pm...Awoke from an outdoor nap to the sound of voices. We have now been joined five other hikers, one of whom has a very annoying voice. Chad may very well have to consume the rest of the porto tonight. I am back at the meal prep area (because of bears, it is actually illegal to have any food at our campsite) with my journal and book. The sun still shines, though the temp is noticeably dropping.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." ~John Muir