July 5th: CALIFORNIA GULCH via GLADSTONE & HURRICANE

We have been wanting to try California but as early as last week the entry was covered in snow.  Hard to believe so much has melted in such a short time.  The melt and help of the Cats opened up the trail this weekend.  Three Jeeps headed out today:  Us, Janet & Patrick, Cheryl & Loy.  Once again, it started raining on us before we returned back to camp.  The rainy season has definitely arrived. 

Looking back toward Gladstone:

 Entering the snow maze:

 Narrow road & nothing on the side of the driver-side snowbank:

 Looking at the vehicles at the top where we are headed:

 Getting closer:

 Janet, Cheryl & Patrick at the top: 

 We think it HAS to be 13,000 feet at the end of the climb:

Me, trying to catch a breath: 

 Little flowers just pop up everywhere:

 Still somewhat frozen Lake Como:

 Headed down toward Animas Forks: