Day 25 : Sheep Lake

Start – Sheep Lake (1800 m)
Finish – Snow Lake (1510 m)
Daily Distance – 34 km
Ascent – 1005 m
Descent – 1250 m

Well, wouldn’t you just know it. No sooner do I start writing about how odd it feels to be camping alone again, and then Art appears, followed sometime later by 3 young lady hikers. Apparently, he was also at Sheep Lake last night, just being buffeted by the wind at a different part of the shore. By token of appreciation for the company, I graciously allowed him to eat the can of salmon I found (presumably deliberately) left at the campsite this evening. I wonder sometimes how thin is the line between long-distance hiker and thief? Unattended food is increasingly likely to be assumed a gift as our appetites grow. In the weeks to come, are people liable to chase us with brooms like encroaching racoons?

There is not all that much to report from today’s walking. After consecutive 30km+ days, I will be glad for a shorter day tomorrow. My feet and energy levels need a little recovery time.

The morning was spent bouncing in/out of the clouds as the trail rose and fell. One moment enveloped in a blanket of cool mist, the next sweltering in bright sunshine. I met a fellow SOBO hiker (trail name: ride on, or right on, Im not sure) carrying a rucksack half the size of mine. I consider my equipment relatively well optimised, but that is a different level entirely. And one that probably wouldn’t be capable of opening a tin of scavenged salmon.

Progress in one section was slow this after on account of hitting the blueberry motherlode! For perhaps 10 minutes, I could eat wild blueberries, walk a few more paces, and eat some more. Bush after delicious bush right next to the trail. A little on the small side perhaps, but it will keep scurvy at bay for at least one day more.