Day 43: Storms and Passes

We awoke to a slight frosty of snow. Normally, I pack my backpack outside of my tent but with the wetness, I prepared my bag within my tent. The forecast called for snow or rain so I took care to make sure anything that needed to stay dry was in a secure water-proof location. 

Today required the climbing of two ‘minor’ passes, which are called minor because they dont go above 12,000 ft. Selden’s ascent was gradual and I really enjoyed the views. On our climb, we discovered an unattended fire left in a fire ring so we took care to put it out. 

The descent of Selden was a lot of fun since it allowed for some glissading (meaning sledding down the snow on my butt). 

Once out of the snow, we switchbacked down the mountain only to climb it again for Silver pass. 

I was exhausted and it took all of my effort to put one foot in front of the other. That changed quickly when I saw the dark clouds forming over the pass. Adrenaline pumping, we crossed over the pass as it began to snow. We heard thunder shortly after and I was glad to be off of the exposed pass. 

It began to snow hard and post holing in the soft snow quickly began to make us wet. It was a 3 mile descent to our planned campsite. By the time we arrived, it was pouring rain and we hastened to set up our tents to get dry. It’s going to be a cold and wet night. Fingers crossed it’s dry in the morning. 

Miles: 30

Total Miles: 1,105