Last night I heard elks bugling – common – but also a strange animal noise. It was sort of mammalian, but also like a bird screeching. Maybe an eagle?
Anyway, it rained on and off all night, then again around 6 a.m. Rats. Once the rain stopped and the sun came out, I took the time to dry my tent. And then I was off.
The trail was initially fantastic, winding through the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness. Yes, there were climbs, but nothing too strenuous. There were a lot of flatter sections and some gentle rollers. The scenery was great, and I ran into two other hikers.
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Leaving Buffalo Pass Behind
The afternoon turned dicier. There was a lot of steep climbing, plus it got cloudy, cold and very misty. At one rocky spot, I lost the trail and, in the process of finding it again, lost one of my mittens. Not good when you have Raynaud’s Syndrome. I went back to look for it, 
but in vain.
I finally crested the mountain and began a long downhill that was initially quite steep, then flattened out. The skies remained gray, but I didn’t think too much of it.
Another Rainy Night, By A Pond
Shortly after setting up camp and filtering water at a nearby pone, the temps plunged and it stormed. Now I’m stuck in my tent, unable to pee or put my bear bag far from my tent. I’m grumpy, and so over this hike.
Snowshoe
Today’s Miles: 15.6 (25.1 km)
CDT Miles to Date: 1,066.8 (1,716.9 km)
CDT Miles to Go: 2,033.2 (3,272.1 km)
