I hiked up the Middle Fork of the South Arkansas river and up the slope to Boss Lake. There is supposedly a shortcut along the shore, but I missed it and had to traverse the slopes around the lake.

The trail has amazing views as it ascends a series of cirques and old moraines, eventually passing Hunt Lake where I took a break. The trail then ascends to the ridge high above at 12,500 feet. The wind was blowing insanely up here with scattered clouds flying above. For some reason when the wind blows this hard it seems to be even harder to catch your breath, almost like the wind sucks it out of your lungs.

As I hiked along the ridge, I passed a couple of interpretive signs which are very rare on this trail. Apparently the Native Americans used this area to construct low walls to funnel deer and elk into an ambush. The low rock walls are still visible and run in a complicated network.

There were rumors on Guthooks that the CDT was closed ahead due to work at the Monarch Pass ski area, but I didn’t see any signs and walked right through.  The place was pretty much empty and I soon emerged at the highway near Monarch Pass. 

There is a store at Monarch Pass and as I was walking to it I passed a younger guy in the parking lot who looked a bit like a hiker messing around in his car.  I said “Hi” and he asked if I needed anything.   I said “No thanks, although it would be awesome to get a ride to Salida if he is heading that way”  He said “Sure!” and so just like that I got a ride with him and his wife.  I forget his name, but he was an uber-hiker doing the Collegiate loop in record time.  They dropped me off at the Comfort Inn parking lot.  What nice people! 

I checked in and talked to the nice girl behind the counter a bit about my hike.  I went to my room and dropped off my pack and then went back out to get something to eat.  As I passed by the front desk I saw the girl with a can of air freshener spraying over the counter where I had been.  She saw me at the same time.  I said “Is that because of me?  Did I stink the place up?”.  She said “No, no.  There was an older woman who was just in here! It wasn’t you!”  She had a big embarrassed smile so I’m suspicious, but I will take it.  I didn’t really care all that much anyway – I was off  for some town food!!!