As usual, Gaucho was up super early and was long gone by the time I got up. After hiking for a few hours I caught up with him on a sunny meadow and we had breakfast together. I really enjoy these short breaks visiting with my friend. We don’t talk too much, but enjoy the quiet and the views and the early morning birds tweeting away. It is a time to think about the coming trail and go over the maps and of course eat.

The trail was beautiful with amazing views into Montana on one side and Idaho on the other.  There were a couple of large climbs but much of the trail was fairly flat so we could get the miles done. We hiked 15 miles to Bannock Pass where Sam (who runs the hotel) picked us up and took us to Leadore at 2:00.

I’m still with Gaucho and Mav, who are great company.  They are positive and pleasant to be around.  Gaucho was a cook at an Italian restaurant, but now works at UPS in Santa Rosa.  Mav stands for Marine Army Veteran.  He is retired from the military and now works at a cement plant.