My intentions today are just that. Pie in the sky dreams of long miles on the trail. We haven’t been leaving camp before 7am. It’s just nice sitting in our cozy tents, drinking coffee and slowly preparing for what this trail is going to throw at us.

After walking no less than a mile, we had our morning plunge into the river. Both of us had dried our shoes the best that we could and relished the idea of dryish feet. Short lived! It was freezing cold glaciated water. This happened a few times before we were basking in the sunshine once again.

Our miles went fast in the morning. After two breaks we were at Spotted Bear Cutoff. This is the route that most hikers take but word on the trail was “no-go!” The trail was worse than what we’ve encountered. No trail maintenance has occurred since last year and people were turning around. We made the choice to stay on the Red-Line and take our chances.

Around 1pm we met a Flip-Flopper. His name is K-1 and he’s from Korea. He’s a mountaineer and has much experience in the outdoors. His trail intel was “worse blowdowns on trail are coming,” Take your time and after three or so miles, take the Sun River Route. Red-Line is no-good! This kind of info is the best as he has firsthand knowledge and knows what he knows. So after deliberating, Blue and I decided to call it a day early.

We found a flat grassy meadow by the river and relaxed. Tomorrow we will climb Sun River Pass, tackle the three miles of Lincoln logs and bee-line for the Sun River Trail. As long as I keep heading south, that’s all that matters. My legs will appreciate the reprieve from constant climb over and unders, and I’m ready for some scenic miles. I’m sorry but Bob Marshall Wilderness is not that pretty. Many years of forest fires have destroyed the trees and I’m ready for some greenery! Onward-Ho to Sun River Trail.

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬