I woke up to more snow and partially frozen water bottles and thought of my down booties, at home. Ok, maybe I would have swapped out some layers if given a chance.

I didn’t want to move until the sun was actually out, and it was for a few minutes. I could feel that today might actually warm up some, the the clouds seemed much more benign.

I walk a quick five miles to Clover Creek and a reliable water source. I move quickly though and my excitement at a natural water source dimmed when i saw the 200 cows wading in the creek. I should have gotten water upstream.

Up into the wind for lunch where I tucked myself between the sagebrush to find any kind of windbreak.

Wind. Really really cold wind.

The afternoon was overshadowed by the piercingly cold wind. A daydream started that featured a hotel hot tub at the end of this hike. I bet I can make that dream come true.

I reached my water cache, called it a day, and tried to get out of the wind.