Day 79-Rocks and Rattlesnakes

June 5-13.2 miles-Blackrock Hut to Pinefield Hut-AT mile 898.2

Today was a much welcomed shorter day. It was still hotter than blazes, but at least we didn’t have to go an extended time with no water. 

We finished the climb up to Blackrock. At the top was a huge pile of rocks. Dusty was sitting at the top. If she hadn’t been up there, I might not have gone up. But, you know how that goes...monkey see monkey do. 

Dusty on top. 

Now where to I step???

I’m not sure this is a good idea!

Okay...I made it. 



Sure Foot. Notice he wore his pack up there. I did not. I generally have a rule that I will not wear my pack on any side trails. 

Coming down was just as tricky. I mostly used my hands on the rocks. The boulder field went on below the trail as well. 


A couple miles later, we came to the Dundo Picnic area. Dusty took a nap on a picnic table. 

We were also able to ditch our trash. That always feels great!

Even though we had a relatively short day, the forecast was calling for thunderstorms at 3:00. I really did not want to get soaked again (even though it was hot). My goal was to get to the hut before it rained. 

Sure Foot and I were walking on a sunny part of the trail when I heard a rattling noise. I figured it was a rattlesnake, so I just kept going (albeit a little faster). When I got to the hut, Dusty asked if I’d heard the rattlesnake. Apparently, she had come across it in the middle of the trail. It took about 5 minutes before it would leave the trail. I’m just glad it was off the trail when I went by!

I managed to make it to Pinefield Hut about 2:40. The rain didn’t come until an hour or so later. Again, there are really not good tent sites, so we are staying in the hut again tonight. 



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