Saturday, September 7, 2019; day 49
I rose and moved to collect water from Palmer Lake.
I filter while reviewing the guide book. Looks like the route soon becomes a “maze of fading old roads and cow paths” until it reaches Cold Springs , and the “jump off point to the Pasayten Wilderness”.
These confusing routes no longer stir fear in me.
I found I was rather talkative this morning; spouting my thoughts verbally to myself in silly voices, humming Nutcracker melodies.
I glance at the easily accessible water spigots protruding from the grassy private property nearby. The sprinkler had been left shooting streams of water all through the night, and continued rhythmically with the break of day. So interesting how we live, with “ownership” of land and water.
As I walk towards Toats-Coulee Road, the people are all smiles and waves and outhouse offerings. People seemed to know what I was up to.
I was not enjoying the lake water, however. Things lose their essence when they stop moving.
Thankful for the cloud coverage, I took a break just before climbing Chopaka Creek Road.
People do not seem to notice much that is not in their path.
I tie my bandana above my left knee. I consider how the simplest measure is often the most effective.
As I climbed the road, I heard ATVs pull up to the lot where I had just taken a break.
I stop to watch and listen.
One of them called out to another, “Hey, how fast can you go up here!?”
“As fast as ya want!” Said the other.
“I don’t know about that!”, the first replied.
“Hey! Watch out for me!” I called.
Judging by their lack of response, they did not hear me. I need to work on my ‘outside voice’.
I began to see the cattle gaurds as a form of childhood hopscotch… which I played often, and was getting rather good at it.
Found myself considering how beautiful this walk would be on a cool clear night.
I longed for the vibrancy of cold spring water.
At 1422, the thunder sounded.
I put on my pack cover.
All the ATVs zoom by me in a rush off the mountain.
I finally come to cold, flowing water. I stop to drink and collect and appreciate.
Cows gather at the cattle guard. Terrified at my approach, yet unable to cross the guard, I watch as they rush off to my left. One somehow pushes itself through a barbed wire fence.
The sky remains clear, giving me confidence as I approach the less discernable parts of the trail.
A rusted barbed wire catches my right leg, entangling as I walk. Surprised, I stop to free myself. Only scratches, no blood drawn.
I connect to a jeep road and continue. Unfortunately, I continued for too long. I was only supposed to follow the road for 300 yards. I turned back and found the correct junction.
I was running out of daylight.
The trail was very faint and difficult to follow in the dark.
I see bright flashes of light in the distance. Lightning. It is not followed by a sound, but strikes my nerves.
In just one more mile, I would come to a clearly defined forest service road.
There is another lightning burst.
The trail has faded away in the night. I am uncertain of where to turn.
Then, something catches my eye. Reflecting the light of my headlamp, is a cow patty. It points me in the direction of a cow path, and I find my way.
As I walk the forest service road, the moon calls my attention.
I stop and stare. I am flooded with joy.
Another flash of light fills the sky.
I am uncertain if I should continue further in to the night.
At 2204, I set up my tent at the Cold Springs Campground. My tent smells fresh, like dryer sheets. It is mold free, from the recent wash and dry.
At 2317, I heard the first drops of rain.
Vibrations of pain shoot up and down the bottom of my feet.
Tomorrow will be cold and wet.
At 0300 I woke to the loud cracking of thunder.
I listen as cows move about in heavy groups in the night.