Going to Pinedale

Today was I think our best day in the winds.  No rain!  It threatened but blew over without a drop.  We passed lake after lake and the fish were jumping.  You could see the reflection of the mountains in the water.  

Soon however the meadows and lakes gave way to pine and rock as we climbed up to a pass.  The views of the mountain range were amazing from up high.  I was reminded of the northern sierras.  In the afternoon rather than continue at high elevation we took a side trail down to a lower northern trail.  More lakes followed.  A friendly chipmunk posed nicely so I could photograph him.

 Pinedale is on the western side of the winds.  Since we were going there to resupply we had to take a ten mile side trail out.  It was a beautiful trail and we were passed by some hikers and trail runners going up.  Luckily for us, one runner got back to the parking lot the same time as us and offered a ride into town.  We are back in the "herd".  Gadget, LB, Pink, and a couple other hikers are here.  It was so good to see them and as a group gave off positive vibes which lifted my own spirits and motivation.  The news is that over half of the hikers who started gave up and went home.  Wow!  We are not alone in our adventures and misadventures.