I took a much needed 2 night solo trip this past weekend and saw quite a bit of different landscapes and animals.
Here is my planned route. I started at the East Portal of the Moffat tunnel. Approx 18 miles with elevation beginning at 9200 and topping out at 13,300.
Approaching the trailhead, I knew I was gonna have a good time. There is my destination.
In just a couple miles in, I stop to have a snack and leave my work stress behind. My pack feels very comfy at 26lbs.
The scenery gets nicer and nicer as I continue along the South Boulder Creek.
I arrive at Rogers Pass Lake and find a spot for the night. Now to get a little fresh dinner to go along with my merlot and parmesan cheese.
I cooked it up with a little olive oil and seasonings, wrapped in tin foil and simmered over the open fire.
Not a bad spot for night 1.
The next morning there is an orange glow on the lake from the sun reflecting off the hills.
After coffee, more fishing, and some grub, I pack up and hit the trail. Headed to summit James Peak.
This is (me) looking north, towards Rocky Mountain National Park.
"You down with CDT? Yeah, you know me!"
Looking way down on Iceberg Lakes.
To get to my next destination and camp site for the night, Crater Lakes, I need to go straight down, over the hogs back. It was a little sketch at times. Steep.
But it was well worth the trek. I was in for a piece of heaven.
Another sweet spot. I was two for two.
Wild flowers were everywhere this trip.
As I was rolling up my tent the following morning, I hear a grunt and turn around to see what it was. (look whose in the bushes…..)
Holy Crap! He just walked on up between everyone's camp. "Don't mind me, I'm just gonna nibble on this bush and let everyone take photos."
(Yes, I was close, but, I was also using my zoom and hiding behind a tree. Remember, he walked up on the people.)
After a quick 3 mile trek back to the car, it was still early. I find a nice lil mountain café and have a celebration beverage.
I saw deer, marmots, fish, grouse, chipmunks, and the moose. I had a few light sprinkles and some intense hail. The sun was shining and along the CDT, the wind was howling. It was fricken awesome. Everything was ideal.
