Bushcamp to Sheep Lake
37.8 miles
SoBo mile 326.9
Total mileage 2979.5
With summer slowly coming to a end, the sun is rising later and later, so rather than hiking in the dark we decided to start waking up later. At 5 my alarm went off, and by 5:30 we were on our way.
We caught a nice sunrise as we padded along a tree lined ridge for much of the morning.
The trail was a bit of a roller coaster, but by noon we’d already knocked out most of the elevation gain for the day.
At Government Meadow we took a short break at Ulrich Shelter. After slamming some trail mix we pushed on, heading up into the heights of Norse Peak Wilderness.
The burn section we hiked through had received some attention since I’d been there last on my way north. Most of the blow downs had been cleared, so navigating the trail was a lot easier.
Last time I hiked through this section I’d been in a cloud, so I was seeing these vistas for the first time.
I saw a herd of mountain goats, so that was neat!
During my final climb of the day I saw a pika chirping on a rock. These guys usually run off before I can get a photo, but this one didn’t seem to mind me.
I crested the mountain to find Sheep Lake waiting below me. I hustle down stoked for some dinner.
When I arrived all the prime campgrounds had been taken, but I was able to find some decent real estate near a solo weekender. I ended up chatting the guy up, which proved quite beneficial. He hooked me up with a Pepsi, bag of Doritos, a Snickers bar and a bunch of Reese’s!
The unexpected trail magic was a game changer. I shared it with Airborne when he arrived. He was glad to have some candy to eat along with his mustard and mayo topped block of cheese.
P.s. Hey Kris! Thanks for reaching out and offering up your generous support! I’m glad to know you’re following along!
Cheers!
Austin and Airborne,
Good to hear back from you again. Those forest burn areas look pretty desolate, I hope the burnt, but still standing trees have the ability to grow back. Great scenery otherwise.
When on the trail, the excitement, intensity and enjoyment of consuming a pepsi and reece chocolate cannot be over-estimated, however the block of cheese with mayo and mustard, not too sure about. Have you tried it with bread?
Looking forward to more SOBO adventures.
Take care,
John
Hahaha I’ll pass along the suggestion to Airborne! Thanks for checking in John! Cheers!
That’s quite the herd of goats!! 🐐🐐
Glad to hear a report, even if from a whole ago. Lol.
So many goats!
that’s a cool concept to ponder. when you first started the trail NOBO, the days were getting longer. now they’re getting shorter and you’re about to experience your third season on the trail.
Agreed!
The trees will not recover. This devastating type of burn is the result of decades long fire suppression that allow the growth of dense underbrush below trees. When nature is allowed to run it’s course the fires run swift with fewer trunks fully engaging. The up side to a fire like this is additional nitrogen added to the soil from the burn will aid germination of seeds.
Good to know! Thanks Terrie!