CDT Aug 4-8: South Pass City to Pinedale, WY

BACK TO THE MOUNTAINS, THE WIND RIVER RANGE! 
I was happy to trade the hot, windy sagebrush land of the Great Divide Basin for the mountains.  I have been told by other CDT hikers the Wind Rivers were a pleasant surprise.
image

The CDT initially goes through cow country, but eventually reaches higher, more spectacular lakes and views of the peaks. On the morning I first entered the mountains a couple driving to their fishing spot told me I was entering grizzly country. I implemented precautions such as not cooking and eating in or near my tent. I also hung my food in a tree each of the three nights which I assumed their was risk of grizzly bear. I did not see a bear, but the wildlife I did view were less risky: the largest antelope herd I have seen on the CDT.
image

A cow moose that was not shy at all.
image

A sandhill crane.
image

A falcon that buzzed me a few times, probably to keep me far away from a nest of baby falcons.
image

And finally, a mountain that left scary looking tracks, near my camp, but I did not see this cat unfortunately.
image

This is definitely wild country, but the trail there proved to be fairly challenging for me and my injured knee. I was frustrated at the lack of energy and miles hiked in this section. On August 7 I hiked a very nice 23 miles, perhaps aided by two long thunder showers that motivated me to walk more and rest less. And the nighttime lightning show was spectacular!
image

Ascents like the one above bogged me down on my way to the Elkhart Park trailhead. I felt sluggish and failed to reach the trailhead and a ride to Pinedale the evenings of August 8. Instead I made camp 6 mile from the trailhead and arrived in Pinedale hungry and thirsty on August 9.

I have hiked 1588 CDT miles so far. But now I am more interested in how many miles remain to reach Canada. From Pinedale that number is 1082, which means my thru-hike is 59% complete.

This has been a hard hike, and with over 1000 miles remaining on a painful knee I hope good karma leads me to Canada before the snows come. GREG IN WILD HIKES ON!
image

12 thoughts on “CDT Aug 4-8: South Pass City to Pinedale, WY”

  2. Hi Roger
    Glad to hear from you. The pictures are just great like we are there with you. Did not care for the paw whether cat or bear. Take care of that knee( no ice I assume). Bummer. You are over the half way mark. So one step at a time . You are unreal! Marian/ Bob

  3. Greg, Great meeting you at Twin Lakes, Colorado general store 7 weeks ago. Good luck on that knee. Just know we all enjoy following your adventure and admire your spirit and determination. (Zippy and Dad, Kris)

  4. The Winds are fabulous, aren’t they? But that’s a BIG pawprint by your tent. Golly!

  5. be nice to your knee!!! still cheering you on,of course
    I dont know where Pinedale is . Are you through Gunsite pass yet?
    Marmot

    1. I went through Giunsite Pass on August 4. It was a 2000 foot climb from Green Lakes to the pass, then miles and miles of sagebrush cow country. But I enjoyed the mellow trails which are easier on my knee!

  6. I’m glad you didn’t run into that big cat! Wow! That was a big paw print!

    Stay calm, hike on!

    Marv

  7. Bear paw, it looks like. Is that possible? The pad with the 2 little teeth-like points are clues.

  9. Your beard definitely makes you look like a mountain man. Press on! But watch out for those bears and big cats!

Comments are closed.