23 years has gone by since this epic trek. Each day was an adventure in itself made even more trepidatious knowing I would depart from Deems & Pica. So it was on this day after lunch I departed this experienced duo and descended a dangerous large (size of cars) tippy boulder slope. (left early because of work) The decent was hours long and no trail or cairns existed. Careful boot placement was required the entire way. Once I reached the bottom I kissed the dirt in appreciation of a safe arrival. Fortunately I ate an early dinner and quickly set up my tarp tent since dark clouds moved in quickly and soon after I was pelted with hail for over half an hour. So much hail built up along my tent perimeter it appeared as snow. This photo of Pica wrapped up to stay warm says it all since I can't imagine what it must have been like another thousand + feet in elevation. It was a good test of gear, my route finding and internal confidence. From here on I would be on my own following old sheep herder trails and their old bridge back to the trailhead. Epic for me.
