Bastille Day began at 6, with early breakfast and then shakedown by Ranger Jane (the boys dubbed her "Ra-Ja") to get us ready. She cautioned us to bring enough layers for the cold nights, and tonight I'm already concerned a little. Cold rain and windy, off and on most of the afternoon. What do higher altitudes hold?
To the trailhead, more training by the side of the road, then off on our first steps on the trail at 10:42am. We covered 3.6mi and gained 800' in altitude on our way to Vaca camp, at 7400'. Made camp and Ra-Ja gave us instruction to cover camp procedures. By the Fitbit, though, we did 16,908 steps and 7.99 mi, our first bit of actual trail work. Those miles felt pretty good; hope to feel that good in the morning :) but still adjusting to the altitude; this ain't Virginia. Blackjack around the fire to close the evening. Scary how much Stephen was being dealt blackjack...
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| Our pack line, getting ready to board the bus to the trailhead! Here we go! |
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| At Turkey Creek turnaround, the trailhead for our adventure. Getting organized. |
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| Ra-Ja teaching us all how to read the maps. |
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| The view back down the valley (Cimarron off in the distance) on our way to Vaca. |
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| THIS is an awesome dining fly! Nailed it on the first try. Good job 713-L-4! |
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| Thomas and Sean hauling on the bear bags at Vaca. |
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| Working to get the bear bags into the air under Ra-Ja's direction. |
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| The first night's dinner is underway! Connor, Ra-Ja, John, Jacob and David. |
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