I've been playing with the idea of combining backpacking and trail running, two of my favorite pastimes. Just recently there have been a couple of packs released with just that idea. One of them is the Montane Dragon 20L which I recently picked up. I've been itching to get it out and give it a go, but our close by mountains got a big dump of snow and temps have been close to 20 degrees below average, not the most ideal conditions to go out w/ a minimal kit. But I couldn't wait and started laying plans for a long distance run/camp in the Crazies. My wife was very against the idea and reminded they were still looking for a missing hunter in that area (I would see evidence of that search w/ multiple helicopter sightings). I figured while I was at it, I'd combine another favorite pastime and add my pack rod 
I got up early and was at the trailhead at 8:00 AM, it didn't bode well that it was 27F at 5000' and the lakes I would be visiting were between 8-9000'.
heading up it looked more like November than September!
it was really windy at the pass and there was enough snow that a cornice had already formed covering a good chunk of the trail
Sunlight Lake
the fishing gods were smiling and I caught four cutthroats in short order (all let go)
time to head down the drainage, got some good running headed downhill and was surprised how well the pack was carrying
several hours later I arrived at Moose Lake, my camp spot for the night
put the pack rod together and pretty quick hooked into this chunky rainbow, kept him to augment supper
it's easy setting up camp when you're sleeping in a bivy
that evening two bull elk were trying to out bugle each other, then later when the moon came out the coyotes put on a grand concert; not sure how cold it got, but guessing mid-20's
nothing like a small fire and some coffee to start out the day
the lake was dead calm and got this neat reflection shot
the trail conditions were a little tough as the semi-melted snow froze, making it a little slick. I also had several fords to make and the water was chilly to say the least
ran into this nanny and kid on the way back
A great outing, glad I decided to go!
I got up early and was at the trailhead at 8:00 AM, it didn't bode well that it was 27F at 5000' and the lakes I would be visiting were between 8-9000'.
heading up it looked more like November than September!
it was really windy at the pass and there was enough snow that a cornice had already formed covering a good chunk of the trail
Sunlight Lake
the fishing gods were smiling and I caught four cutthroats in short order (all let go)
time to head down the drainage, got some good running headed downhill and was surprised how well the pack was carrying
several hours later I arrived at Moose Lake, my camp spot for the night
put the pack rod together and pretty quick hooked into this chunky rainbow, kept him to augment supper
it's easy setting up camp when you're sleeping in a bivy
that evening two bull elk were trying to out bugle each other, then later when the moon came out the coyotes put on a grand concert; not sure how cold it got, but guessing mid-20's
nothing like a small fire and some coffee to start out the day
the lake was dead calm and got this neat reflection shot
the trail conditions were a little tough as the semi-melted snow froze, making it a little slick. I also had several fords to make and the water was chilly to say the least
ran into this nanny and kid on the way back
A great outing, glad I decided to go!
