This was my first solo backpacking trip. I intentionally chose an “easy” trail for my first time. It’s been nearly two years since my previous backpacking trip so I treated this as way to get reacquainted with my gear, old and new.

Some thoughts

• I got to the campsite a bit early and had hours of day light to kill.
• It was fun trying out my new tent: a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 1. I’m used to 2p tents but wanted to try out a 1p for a change. I gotta say, it is narrow inside. It will hold up well for my upcoming trips, but I think down the line I want to switch back to a 2p tent even if just for myself.
• The dirt road to the trailhead was the biggest pain. I initially took a route from north, by way of Wellington Lake, but there was a sharp dip in the road with a giant pool of water. I didn’t trust my car to get me through it and nearly decided to go home. After pouring over the map I found another route that took me through the east side by way of the Cheeman Canyon Fishing Access Trailhead. That dirt road was much smoother. Even if I went home after the first obstacle, I’m glad I made the call to not try to drive through the puddle. It did cross my mind, but I had no exit strategy were I to get stuck.