Great day of hiking and views but my light is attracting too many bugs so I'm going to hold off on the journal until tomorrow.

Hiding out from the rain catching up on the journal now.

This was a big day.

This was a big day: 22.9 miles and close to 4000 vertical. The day started with 2 big ups and good weather. Then it was a lot of contouring around the sides of mountains looking at the valleys and waterfalls. I got some great views of Lizard Head, El Diente, Glandstone, and one of the Wilsons. This is the first time I've been able to see features that I'll be passing on my return trip. if the weather allows, I still plan on hiking/climbing up El Diente and Gladstone. That won't be long from now. Bolan Pass road was popular with the mechanized crowd. I saw some ATVs, mountain bikes, and dirt bikes. I had some snacks at the lake and headed up to a small saddle on the other side of Hermosa Mountain where I saw a nice lady that i met at Montanya's in Silverton. Small world.

Rain was developing but the walk around Hermosa had me miss it. Nice!!

More small ups and downs until after mile 19 when I came across another thruhiker in his ten. I met John in Silverton and he decided to pack up and hike with me over the pass to the last water for a long stretch. He doesn't have a trail name yet but sometimes uses his Indian name Iinekinmaani (He Who Walks Alone). We made it to the water but couldn't find any camping until another mile and a half down the valley. It was a nice site and good to talk to someone.