I woke up early to a very light dusting of snow. While trudging off trail looking for a good bathroom log I scared up a couple of huge bull moose. I tried to follow them, but they easily ditched me in the thick trees.

Later I passed Moosh, Sunshine, and Leto, who were just getting up.  I found out later that Gaucho had camped about a mile back.

The others caught up with me and we all went over Bowen pass together. Once over it was all downhill to Grand Lake.  I did 17 miles today and took the Rocky Mountain National Park shortcut since I’ve seen it before. 

Grand Lake is a nice little touristy town. I’m currently staying at the Bighorn Lodge.  Tomorrow I take a zero and get to visit with Blakelee and Zach who are coming up to see me!

I had dinner with Gaucho, and will have breakfast with him tomorrow. I also ran into Wallace at the laundromat so we got to visit while waiting for the clothes to finish.  It turns out he is 38, much older than he looks, and he is a real pleasure to talk to.