I changed out of my suit, which was a first for me, into my gear and started huffing up the road. The road is in much better shape past the short snowy stretch and soon I found myself at the trailhead. Instead of following the trail I decided that I wanted a more direct line to my goal and left the road to go cross country. I rejoined the road just before it crosses North Fortune Creek. I was dismayed by the high water and wasn't sure if crossing was a good idea. I had a chuckle to myself thinking back to my meeting when I had commmented on the high water in the lakes as I made my way over the pass. I remember saying " at least I won't have to cross any significant water". I had this feeling , as I sometimes do, that I shouldn't have said that. I had been on the trai above me once before on my climb of Scatter Peak. I couldn't remember the crossing but I figured it would be easier than my current position. I again started off cross country up the steepish grade. I was instantly reminded of my recent inactivity and lack of fitness as I struggled up the grade. I tried to stay in the shade because while it wasn't hot it was much warmer than at any time so far this year. I usually have issues on the first warm day and this was no exception. I joined the trail about 500' of climb. I followed it a short ways untl reaching the creek. The water had washed away most of the tread and the creek bed was a jumbled torrent with very poor runout. I decided to have my lunch in view of the Ingall's complex and be contented with just getting out. I ambled back to the car for the long drive home.
Approx 5 miles 1000' of climb
