MRT Day 20: Pinedale & White Mtn Trail System

Daily Miles: 19.5, Total Miles: 285.8

I had just enough water this morning for a cup of coffee and didn’t waste any time on my detour getting into Pinedale. In fact, I think all 500 or so residents were still asleep. I came into town very close to the Forest Service Work Center and checked there first. One of the first unoccupied buildings had a faucet and hose. I filled me first, then water bottles (4L) and was on my way by 6:30am. A very worthwhile four-mile detour.

Much of the day was spent on the White Mountains Trail System navigating through exposed burn areas. A bit of water left in Juniper Tank, more a puddle, but I did pick up a silty liter. Climbed Juniper Ridge to the unmanned lookout tower. I had a brief fantasy of someone coming down the flight of stairs offering me a glass of water – didn’t happen.

I could see smoke in the distance – unfortunately fire season has started early. Had lunch at the bottom of the ridge and had a rare 20-minute nap leaning against a tree.

I made it to Fence Lake late in the afternoon, now reduced to two, big, silty puddles, animal tracks and poop everywhere. Beggars can’t be choosers – I filtered two liters.

As I left, I saw a dozen wild horses, including two little colts, all different colors, raising dust and waiting impatiently for me to leave.

I climbed hopefully my last ridge before Show Low with good views and a healthy stand of trees.