We are now trudging through between 8 and 18 inches of snow, depending on the area. Hiking in that much snow and going uphill is herculean work. I have remained on the trail for miles but lose it about 150ft before reaching the top of the mountain. I know we are a few hundred feet from intersecting with the trail we came in on last Saturday. I also know there is a signpost at the intersection. I hike straight over the top and scan for the signpost. Once I spot it, I beeline to the other trail. We've come up more than 1000 vertical feet from where we crossed the creek on logs and topped at 8750ft elevation.

By now, I've run out of water, and Andra is too far behind to sip from her supply, so I take to mashing a wad of snow in my mouth every few minutes. It doesn't produce much water, but I'm so hot, it makes me feel better anyway.