We got everything we wanted–two high routes through the Wind River Range with no thunderstorms and some of the most epic scenery we’ve ever seen! Now we had a slow descent into the desert below and time to process the events of the last week. When you’re in the middle of intense work for extreme reward, you don’t always have time to really absorb it all. These are sometimes my favorite points on a hike. The real work is done and my head is free to wander through the memories of what I just experienced.
For the first time since New Mexico the trees are finally disappearing and giving way to sagebrush and sand. Yet another completely new environment awaits us with its new challenges, and we’ll be ready for it. But first is Landers, WY and a fresh pack full of food. Then it’s time for big-mile days and a race across the rolling desert hills to Rawlins and a long break from the trail. It is the last town with cheap lodging before Colorado, and we intend to make the most of it.