Backpacked into Reavis Valley, this time from the north. Great trail with beautiful views the whole way. Spooked a mountain lion just as the trail drops from Windy Pass down into the valley, before the Plow Saddle junction. All I saw was cat rear end and tail, but I did hear her- she "purred" in that particularly ominous way before she vamoosed- scared the h-e-l-l outta me!!

Felt a little selfish Friday night- had the entire Ranch to myself! Well, myself and about 14,000 whitetail deer. The place was lousy with whitetail!

Planned on an extra day and visit to Circlestone, but the low temps dissuaded me from staying Saturday night. Temp down to 29 degrees. Time to invest in some good ultralight long johns! Ate a good breakfast in the morning and hiked a fairly leisurely pace out. Said many hellos along the way, and met our own Mr. and Mrs. Big Load as I made my way along Castle Dome. I hope they enjoyed their camp at the Ranch as much as I did.

Safe to say, as much as I enjoy approaching the Ranch from the South, I think I like the North Trail better. Although longer, the scenery is breathtaking, and now I will forever be looking out for mountain lions- camera ready!

Last backpack of the year due to some minor surgery next week.

Mike