July 1st
After a leisurely breakfast of bagels and cream cheese we waive goodbye to Jim and Henry and head north. The legs are still sluggish from their time off in town and the short miles yesterday. It takes several hours of walking to shake of their desire to stop and rest more.
Sonora Pass marks a change, the trail generally descending lower, spending more time in the valleys and when on the crest there are more trees to obscure the views. Still, there are scenes and peaks that inspire awe if not photos.
The daily dose of thundershowers starts up as if on cue. Today’s version includes minor sprinkles, but no real lightening or hail. We call it an improvement and rejoice.
There are fewer mosies too. Except at one break, they only attack in solo formation making it easy to track and kill them. Another improvement and we rejoice again.
The combination of changing soil, longer time since the snow has melted off and recent rain has brought out vibrant wildflowers. The slopes are dominated by mules ear and lupine, with frequent indian paintbrush as well as many others.
We cross Noble Pass late in the day looking back at the most scenic vistas between Sonora and Ebbetts Pass. We camp at Noble Lake, rejoicing that after a full day of hiking our feet are dry – the first time in a couple weeks.
