I wake up and make breakfast in the communal cook area. The two other CDT hikers, Toast and Ice Age head out while I paint a view of the lake.

Self Rescue and I find one of their spoons! Oh no!

I part ways with Self Rescue (she has a different itinerary) and head up the trail to reunite hiker and spoon. I yell their names but no luck.

I don’t catch them before they turn off onto a different trail up Indian pass to their next campsite. I remember Toast had mentioned they had left a resupply box at Many Glacier… maybe I can leave the spoon there. My permit itinerary has me there a day ahead of them.

It starts to sprinkle and I don my rain gear.

The trail climbs up and over a pass covered with yellow flowers. The rain turns to snow, I’m having a great time but definitely feeling cold and wet.

I put even more layers on, filter some water at 50mountain campsite and eat a high calorie bar before descending. The food and water really help me warm up.

My next camp site is off the official CDT route, the ranger directed me around some snow obstacles higher up. I’m glad to be heading out of the snow. It continues to rain on and off as I pass through an old burn section. I see a grouse, a deer and some bear tracks.

I arrive to my site, Flat Top mountain and meet 4 other CDT hikers, The Professor, Mr. Poppins, Pond Bear and Wild Card. They all flipped up from a southern portion of the CDT to wait out the snow in southern Colorado. Poppins is on trail just through Glacier NP. He is hiking with The Professor for their 10 year hiking friendship anniversary. They met on the PCT in 2013. Non of them were able to get permitted campsites past Many Glacier.

I offer to try and add them to mine. I so far have had extra space in camp each night. They say they’ll think about it.

I retreat to my one tent spot next to a stream. The rain continues to sprinkle on the tent. It’s really cozy and I feel super warm. I’m hoping to sleep well tonight.