Remember that stream we crossed earlier in our hike? Well we came across it again further up the trail and although it was much smaller it was much prettier at this elevation.
We decided to take a break and get some fresh water. Thanks to a portable water filter we were able to get fresh water from the ice cold stream, and enjoy the view for a while.
Then it was time to cross the stream again only this time we were going to get a little wet because it was much wider and much more shallow.
We were now above the tree line and our campsite was not that far ahead.
And that’s where we started to see the local wildlife. We found a family of pheasants and were able to get close enough to get this video of them!
Then finally we made it to our campsite. We were close to the stream and had an incredible view for the next three days.
Setting up the tents after a six hour hike and nearly 4,000 feet of elevation change was not as easy as it sounds. The first time I bent over to pick up a corner of the tent I nearly passed out! The last time I was at this altitude I was in an airplane and technology was on my side, but now I had to deal with it on my own. But we managed to set up camp and just as we were settling down we spotted the locals… Marmots!
Sure they look harmless enough but they were prime candidates for stealing our food and messing with our camp. So we decided to try to scare them off, but of course they couldn’t be intimidated!
And finally just before it got dark we made dinner, it was the best meal of the trip so far!
Lucky for us it looked like it was going to rain tonight. I sure hope our tent is waterproof! This was going to be a really good night of sleep, as long as we stay dry!
