July 2015 – Page 4 – Sagebrush Trails

Brooks Lake

Day 27, Monday July 13, 2015
Start by hitching 10 miles from Togwotee Mountain Lodge to 17-163RX US 287, mile 1907.7
End 18-055XX, mile 1916.3

I went back to the lodge for breakfast, steak and eggs.

After calling the park service backcountry office to finalize my assigned campsites for each night in the park, I lingered to charge up electronics, then started hitching. A cycling couple with child in back good-naturedly offered me a ride on their tandem.

Continue reading “Brooks Lake”

Togwotee

Day 26, Sunday July 12 2015
Start 16-195M, a couple miles from Sheridan Pass, mile 1890
End 17-163RX US 287, mile 1907.7, then hitch 10 miles to Togwotee Mountain Lodge

The morning was on old fire breaks and decommissioned forest road.

I wanted to like this trail, but there was no visible path most of the time, frequent bogs, and I was often worried about taking a wrong turn.
This bird came at me aggressively with neck ruff fluffed.

Later, the path was improved dirt road for many miles, and I enjoyed the certainty.
This remarkable formation comes closer in view.

Here is a beaver dam, which I have not seen for several days.

Overlooking the dam is the bones of an old yurt.

I get to the road at 3PM and take a half hour to cajole a ride 10 miles to Togwotee Mountain Lodge. It rains during the ride.

The staff are very helpful and friendly. Though I cannot afford to stay as a guest, a $5 card gets me in to the hot tub and shower facility among the cabins.

A coin laundry in a cute little log cabin takes care of my clothes, and a convenience store provides valuable town snacks.
I camp across the road on national forest land, and will call the park backcountry office in the morning to finalize my schedule before getting back on trail.