Yes, I’m back on the CDT, despite a right knee that needs replacing. I had high hopes as I headed out from Monarch Pass once again, this time heading NOBO.
The weather was perfect – blue skies and cool temps. I knew I had about 8 miles (12.9 km) of climbing today, before a descent to the Boss Lake area. I started out slow and steady. That right knee was definitely weak!
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Heading to Boss Lake
Pretty early on I ran into two college men who were doing two 14ers. We chatted a bit, then kept passing each other for various reasons, like when I got ahead because they took a break. They seemed like nice guys.
The climb up to the pass was very steep in places. It was also never-ending. At the top, there were some signs explaining how ancient peoples used to build parallel rock walls here, then the women and kids would spook big game into this alley, if you will, where the men ambushed and killed them. I can’t imagine how much work it took to live thousands of years ago!
Later, the two guys and I ran into two men who were descending. They said we were “almost there,” and that it was all downhill from there. Not hard! An easy day! I knew better.
Slogging Up the Mountain
It took me about an hour to climb that last .8 miles (1.3 km) to the pass. Then it was super rocky and hard to traverse. Ditto with the downhill. While it was easier going downhill as far as energy, you could not make up any time because the path was either full of rocks, very steep, slippery gravel, etc. That was disappointing, but not unexpected.
I ran into a woman day-hiker. We got to chatting and it turns out she went to college at 
UW-Madison and even taught dance in Sun Prairie, my hometown. What a coincidence! She was also very nice.
I stopped to fill my water bottle at a fork of the Arkansas River. There was a large cooler labeled “trail magic,” so I got really excited to see what was inside. Sadly, it was filled with empty soda cans and wrappers. Rats.
Day Is Done
I passed the Boss Lake parking area, which appeared to be nothing more than a gravel road, and climbed a bit before setting up camp.
I REALLY have to get my pack weight down. I think it comes down to two things – I can’t pack all of the clothes I need to stay warm at night, when it can be in the 30s or 40s (0 – 4.4 C). I’ll just have to be cold. And I really need to carry less food. I always have some left, and food is heavy.
Snowshoe
Today’s Miles: 11.2 (18 km)
CDT Miles to Date: 823.8 (1,325.8 km)
CDT Miles to Go: 2,276.2 (3,663.2 km)
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My favorite gear today: This sit pad. Makes it so much easier at camp, not to mention if you need to sit down for a snack during the day and the ground is wet/muddy/whatever.
