Robert Francisco

Destination: Strawberry Junction

Starting Location: South of Apache Spring Trail

Today’s Miles: 14.50

Trip Miles: 182.50 South of Apache Spring (168.0, 7024) to Strawberry Junction (182.5, 8100) ascent (3862) descent (2818)

Hit our first snow at 7:00 a.m. and 7350 feet. During the course of the day we traveled on snow for several miles and lost cost to an hour due to navigation challenges in the snow. In one area we followed foot prints in the snow for over a mile without seeing the trail or any signage. We relied on those out front getting it right and they did as we ultimately found the trail. The altimeter is also proving to be an excellent navigation tool and on several occassions we headed for a topo line based on elevation and then looked for the trail. Tom also loaned us his gps and while it was difficult to follow the trail with it, you could find way-points and head that direction. After having Tom meet us on the trail everyday for nearly a week, and enjoying fresh fruit at every meeting, we finally had to say good-bye as he headed back to Indiana via Montana. I felt a lot of empathy as T-Minus said goodbye so we picked up the pace to hopefully help minimize the pain of missing a loved one. Tom was our angel also as he helped us immensely and it was wonderful to form a friendship. I got a bit frustrated today as we were really off pace. The navigation problem was a factor but we were just slow today. I eventually got over the schedule concern and realized that Gottago would understand if we arrived later than our set rendezvous time. Tomorrow we cross Fuller Ridge. This section of the trail is really beautiful and has a very Sierrian feel minus the abundant lakes and river.

Destination: Strawberry Junction

Starting Location: South of Apache Spring Trail

Today’s Miles: 14.50

Trip Miles: 182.50 South of Apache Spring (168.0, 7024) to Strawberry Junction (182.5, 8100) ascent (3862) descent (2818)

Hit our first snow at 7:00 a.m. and 7350 feet. During the course of the day we traveled on snow for several miles and lost cost to an hour due to navigation challenges in the snow. In one area we followed foot prints in the snow for over a mile without seeing the trail or any signage. We relied on those out front getting it right and they did as we ultimately found the trail. The altimeter is also proving to be an excellent navigation tool and on several occassions we headed for a topo line based on elevation and then looked for the trail. Tom also loaned us his gps and while it was difficult to follow the trail with it, you could find way-points and head that direction. After having Tom meet us on the trail everyday for nearly a week, and enjoying fresh fruit at every meeting, we finally had to say good-bye as he headed back to Indiana via Montana. I felt a lot of empathy as T-Minus said goodbye so we picked up the pace to hopefully help minimize the pain of missing a loved one. Tom was our angel also as he helped us immensely and it was wonderful to form a friendship. I got a bit frustrated today as we were really off pace. The navigation problem was a factor but we were just slow today. I eventually got over the schedule concern and realized that Gottago would understand if we arrived later than our set rendezvous time. Tomorrow we cross Fuller Ridge. This section of the trail is really beautiful and has a very Sierrian feel minus the abundant lakes and river.