[cdt-l] CDT Mapping Effort

[Jeffrey Olson]

One of my favorite irony tinged memories is hiking in the Weminuche, a 
couple miles south of Carson, very near the high point on the trail - I 
forget the mountain's name.  We'd started a section hike at Spring Creek 
Pass and so were only a couple days into the hike, and feeling the 
13,000 altitude with every step. 

I remember hiking along and hearing the hum of an engine.  I first 
thought it was a plane, but no, it got stronger, and was oomphing and 
groaning.  I turned, and about 200 yards behind me was a snow white, 
brand new jeep Cherokee.  Glad for any excuse to catch my breath I 
stepped off the two track and watched it approach.  I was prepared for 
them to stop and engage in a little conversation.  When they were about 
15' away I waved.  The man raised his hand as if it pained him to do 
so.  His wife just stared ahead and ignored me. 

Both were dressed in at least half, if not full Clevelands - white 
shirts, white sleeveless sweaters, and my guess was, white pants and 
shoes as well.  They were immaculately clean.  As they crawled by, they 
looked very uncomfortable.  They did the same to my friend a couple 
hundred yards ahead. 

Also, when we dropped down the streep jeep road into Carson, we were met 
with at least 20 whining atvs.  Their noise filled the valley.  Lucky 
the jeep trails became a single track just outside of the abandoned 
mining town as it headed up Lost Creek VAlley.  That is an odd little 
area.  My guess is that atv/jeep access will always occur up on top 
between Spring Creek Pass and Carson.  It's just too heavily used...

Jeff Olson
Martin, SD