Day 6 - Head of Dean, Miranda and knee trouble

Wake up at 5:00 as David wants to get going early so we can get to Miranda at a decent time.  The morning air is quite chilly and the sky is an amazing deep blue.  Occasionally we feel a warm breeze sweep through the canyon which feels good as we have our morning coffee.  Funny weather up here for sure.

All the essentials to start the day

One of  the famous Red Roofs.  At least there is a wall between seats.

Not long after breaking camp we have a gentle climb towards Head of Dean and we see a number of deer feeding along the trail.  They watch us in case we go off the trail but otherwise they aren't bothered by us.  About this time Sean starts to have knee trouble so he took some ibuprofen and I gave him my knee brace that I brought along just in case my knee started to give out.  The brace came in handy as Sean would need it the entire trek.

Arrival at Head of Dean - Elevation 8840

http://www.philmontexplorer.com/campsite-information/head-of-dean-camp

Julia gives a warm welcome 

The much sought after Swap Box.  I guess no one else liked tuna either.

View from cabin

Hee Haw!!

Baldy is getting closer

Still a long hike to the cabin

Pack lines at Miranda Camp - Elevation 8920

http://www.philmontexplorer.com/campsite-information/miranda-camp

Must you take a picture of everything?

Black powder talk

Shootin' stuff

Sean is able to get some frozen meat to ice his knee but it's not looking good for him.  The staff is great and they do what they can for him but it's determined that he won't hike Baldy tomorrow.  Perhaps a day of rest will help get him back on the trail and since we are here two nights he might be ready to finish the second half of the trek.  For the rest of us Baldy awaits and our 5:00 am wake up will come soon enough.