Whether due to the altitude, dehydration, a slight flu, lack of fitness, or something else I am absolutely drained of energy. Slept for nearly twelve hours last night, and briefly debated taking it easy for the day. My original plan had been to try and scale the huge, bowl-shaped cliffs that surround my camping spot, so I finally decided to make an attempt to get as far up them as I could manage.
Having to carry all of my food with me (can’t have have the bear rummaging through my campsite while I’m gone) didn’t make the trip any easier, but after lots of rest stops, a ton of free-climbing (not easy with a backpack on) and more than a few thoughts about turning back I’m sitting on the top of a sheer ridge, surrounded by steep piles of boulders with an amazing view of my valley on the right, and another valley on the left. I’ve got to believe that this new valley, filled by three small lakes, is a site that very few other people have ever set eyes upon. Beautiful blue skies, a mild breeze, and some amazing scenery make this a moment worth remembering forever.