First Water Creek

3 years ago as I readied myself for the Tahoe Rim Trail I did a few over nighters in Spanish Fork Canyon.  I've returned to that same area to ready up for a different trail.  The snow line in the high Uinta's are keeping me from my favorite locations so I've come here.

A little more than an hours drive to the turn off for Sheep Creek.  The road is well maintained as are spurs.  I don't carefor off highway vehicles but, the folks I've met along the single track on their trail bikes are pleasant.   I thought for sure a few would be obnoxious.  I'm the odd ball.  What's a fellow doing on OHV trails?  Preparing for something bigger, I'll reply.

Tonight I'm at the top of First Water Creek.  If you've heard of Fifth Water Hotsprings, that's a few miles a way.  I camped here 3 years ago.  Did I look up?  The tree I initially set up next to has a few widow makers (dead branches up high).   Since returning to the ground and tenting, I forget to look up.  I moved a few feet away.

I really can't say all to much.  This is US Forest/BLM land, expect cows.  I'm a bit early for them to have spread out.  I saw a few cattle trucks returning empty on the main dirt road.  So far I haven't seen any moo'ers.

Do I think I'm ready for the next big hike?  I'm saying yes.  I've swapped out the Zpacks tent for something a bit more roomy and that I can view stars without mosquitoes interacting with me.  I've changed water filters to the Be Free from Katadyn.  I've worked out and feel strong.  I found resolutions to that which plagued me in Washington.

My fears for this trip are: ticks, poison oak, and fires.  Resolutions: bug dope on everything and daily if not hourly body checks; learn quickly what it looks like and ID it; keep alert, share trail knowledge and know the exit points. There is a good article on the PCT Association' web page for what to do about fires in the backcountry. 

Dinnertime, leftovers from last year.  Who knew I'd have leftovers from previous resupply.

As the sun lingers below the horizon the moon rises.  Hum, do I or don't I utilize the rainfly to shade my face?

In the morning I have an up hill hike to go.  I'll start with a hot coffee to motivate the heart.  I had planned to go as far as Mud Spring but not checking the terrain profile until I was on the trail made me reconsider.  I went as far as Fourth Water Ridge before turning around.

I don't mide a short day.

Exiting...  

The moon rose, I heard something across the creek.  I shifted, the crinkling of my tyvek groundsheet spooked it.  I heard the crashing of tree branches of what ever it was departing.  I rolled over to shade my face from the full moon.

I awoke to dew on the quilt.  I waited until the sun struck me before climbing out of bed.

I made a coffee and ate a year old cherry poptart.

I made fast time to the car and since I hadn't been down this forest road before I followed it out.  Out to Strawberry Reservoir, it's a bit rough without suspension in my car but, very drivable.

The next entries may be from the big hike coming up.  Oh, it's close.  My work mates will be glad when I leave for they will have peace for a while until I return and then...

Hike on, hike wise