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Day 21
Starting location: Seven Tank Creek
Ending location: Baldy Lake
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation gained: 2000 ft
Photo: hail
1 word summary of the day: Hail
Last night was another night without storms (other than the few sprinkles that I had while cooking dinner) which was a nice trend. I was on my own as neither Veda nor Wonder ended up hiking as far as I did, but it was a great camp by the creek and I was glad that I had pushed on.
I slept in a little today and didn't hit the trail until after 7am, since I knew that it was going to be a shorter day. Most of the day was spent hiking above 11000 ft in alpine meadows and forests, which was quite nice. Still a lot of rocks on the trail though, which are NOT my favorite to hike over! The hiking poles have saved me more than once :-)
I hit to camp just before noon, a nice relaxing day after yesterday's marathon. I had just set up my tent and finished lunch (tuna in a wrap and a snickers bar) when a huge storm rolled in - that broke the monsoon free streak! Thunder, lightening, drop in temperature, and big chunks of hail. I was happy that I was in my tent (and I actually got into my sleeping bag since the temp dropped so quickly) instead of out in the open in the storm! But an bout later the sun came out and all was well.
There are a bunch of us camped at Baldy Lake tonight, probably because it's the only water source in many miles. Veda has caught up again, as well as James and George the older brothers from Tennessee. I also finally met Pam and Tom from Michigan, who I keep hearing about but we keep missing each other on the trail. And then there was this other guy Kirk who is hiking a week long section of the CT. Still no sign of Wonder yet - she still may make it in tonight as its only 6pm. However the storm has started up again, just as fierce as earlier! Hopefully she's in a protected area if she's still hiking.
Shorter day tomorrow as well- only 11-12 miles I think until we meet up with trail angel Apple who will give Veda and I a lift into Gunnison. I can't wait to meet him; he's supposed to be quite the character! Plus it means a ride into town so: food, shower, laundry!
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