I slept terribly last night. I’m not sure why. Previous nights in tarp/tent have been fantastic and super warm. Even last night I was hot. I ended up waking up around 5 AM to go to the bathroom and actually started moving around 6. Out of camp by 6:45 to leave from South Texas Creek to 18 miles later at North Fork Clear Creek.
Today’s hike had one major up, Lake Ann’s Pass. The up was chill for the first 10 miles. We did have a 40% chance of rain today and did end up getting some rain and snow the first few miles of our hike. Thankfully, the sun cut through and we didn’t see any other rain.
The last 2.2 miles of the climb were tough. I was REALLY proud of myself. I didn’t stop once going up that 2.2. A gray cloud popped up as we were climbing the 2.2 which is kind of scary being so high above treeline. I made it to the top with Firefly already there and Mr Ranger lackadaisically walking up behind me checking his phone as I’m struggling for each step and each trekking pole placement.
Excitement came over me. I got there and just let out the biggest “Woo!” So much fun. But extremely windy. We got some video and pictures and headed down the other side with Lake Ann in view the entire way down.
We ate lunch around 1 at mile 12. 6 miles left and it was only 1. Crazy! Turd found a spot between two fallen trees and used them as a recliner. We all had felt some relief since the remainder of the hike should be easy. The hike down was so beautiful. Lots of flat too which is nice because down destroys my knees.
On our way to the creek, we walked by two cdt through hikers. Firefly and the girl looked at each other and the girl goes, “I know you!” Firefly replied, “I know you too!”
Turns out the girl’s name is Lost Keys and Turd and Firefly met her on the AT. Her husband and her are doing the CDT for their honeymoon!
After some reminiscing, we continued on.
We got to the creek and setup camp at 4. It felt so early to get into camp. Funnily, today is the first time on a backpacking trip that I’ve cooked in my pot. I usually heat water then cook in a freezer bag. I do that because when cooking in your pot, you have to wash the pot out and drink the dirty water then scrape all the excess food and eat that. Super different experience. The Knorr Side actually tasted like it should.
Tomorrow we have a pretty rough climb, Hope’s Pass. It is a 2 mile 2700 foot climb. Then an even lower descent. It’s going to be tough but we only have 14 miles left including the approach trail to the parking lot! So excited. I can’t believe I’ve been able to almost complete this trail especially with how difficult a time I had at the beginning!
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