Another early morning breaking camp. We try to get an early start in case of afternoon thunderstorms. Hiking with Squirrel, Dust Bunny, and Handstand again today.
Creed cut-off junction. This cuts out around 80 miles of the trail, skipping much of the San Juans and avoiding the snow, but missing out on some of the best part of the trail. We saw a few sets of footprints heading down the cut-off trail but we are set on completing the San Juans.
There are some snow-covered traverses throughout the day but overall less snow than the southern San Juans.
Even some lush green valleys up here. Only two days in but the lack of snow keeps us optimistic and what lays ahead.
Stone rock climber making their way up the mountain. We tried to ask for directions but no response.
Looks like we have our work cut out for us but still less snow than we anticipated so spirits remain high. I broke 800 miles on trail today. Thunderstorm and terrain force us to camp early again. We camped at Piedra Pass and I was able to build a fire in an established fire ring. However, someone left some live ammunition and who knows what else buried in the ashes. About 20 minutes after the fire was going, there was five loud explosions (sounded like gunshots) and a large ball of fire and flames. While I was ducking for cover, the pyrotechnics caught one of my shoes on fire that was sitting several feet away. It definitely was not a good feeling seeing my hiking shoe on fire with five to six days lefto on one of the most difficult sections. I will not know how much damage was done or how it will affect hiking until tomorrow. If the shoe causes too much pain the first few miles, I will have to hike back to Pagosa Springs and get a new pair. 13.7 miles, 5:55 hiking.
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