- CT Day 9, July 8, Saturday
- Start: S11 mile 2 2, CT mile 171.5
- End: S11 mile 11.9 ,CT mile 181.2
- Miles walked: 13.0 (includes off-trail)
The morning starts with a passage through an aspen grove. If you like climbing 14k peaks, turn off to the Mount Ebert trail. (Personally, I try to avoid 14ks so I am not tempted to do more of them.)
A nearby pond features a beaver lodge.
Ouch, someone lost their Garmin.
Twin Lakes come into view through the trees.
A 2-mile detour takes me to Twin Lake Village. The crazy-busy General Store serves as resupply for the next few days.
I see CT hiker Kris again at the store, last seen near Breckenridge, and also Charlotte, Phantom, and Blaine.
This visitor center building has a second-floor door that opens into space. Perhaps an exterior stairs used to be attached, but I suspect the door was an exit for winters with heavy snow.
The trail continues around the north sides of the lakes, with mountains as backdrop. Sagebrush is in the foreground, and I approve.
A pond along the lake shows yet another beaver lodge.
All manner of people are out enjoying the lake at several pull-outs, bring kayaks and paddle boards to the water, or biking or trail-running or camping Yurt are located near one parking area.
I divert off the trail 1.4 miles to a hiker hostel, where I will rest up for a couple of nights.
A friendly colorful group of folks operating a lake tour business out the same location makes tacos in the hostel kitchen, and treat me to dinner. I am the only hiker in the bunk house, and sleep comes fast.