Elk and Waterfalls (Day 1)

We are now camped at 11,000 feet. Inside my tent the edge is taken off the cold, but while I was outside cooking my dinner over a small propane stove, the air was bitter. We have seen deer and elk today, but I hope not to get any bears scratching at our tents. I have left my water bottles outside to see if they form ice by morning.
 

We got a late start today, not beginning until 1 pm. The trail climbed quickly. We passed waterfalls, old mining structures, and tall pine trees. Many wildflowers were in bloom, including the columbine.
 

As we climbed higher, majestic peaks came into view and alpine meadows unfolded. Cold water tumbled down the mountain. Small rivulets fed into the main stream. I stopped and dipped my water bottle into the water and filled it to the narrow neck. My fingers became numb as they felt the water. I drank from the bottle, then topped it off again.
 

On the hillside we saw a small herd of elk file up the side. They stopped to look at us. Their bodies were big with brownish-yellow fur. Soon more elk walked out from behind a hill. In a long line they made their way to ridge where they stood on the skyline. I counted thirty-five. A few were bulls with partially-grown velvet antlers. Some of the cows chirped back and forth.
 

The signs told us we had only hiked four-and-a-half miles, but it felt like ten. We climbed 3,000 feet in elevation with heavy backpacks. We could now see the highest peaks all around us. The wind picked up and was bitter on the skin. I reached into my pack and pulled out a long-sleeve shirt.
 
We found a level place to pitch our tents. We cooked our dinner over small propane stoves and then talked over a cold fire pit. We are now going to bed and I hope the bears don't come.