Ranger

but his technique on the switchbacks was poor in a specific way he took the outside edge on every turn which is the habit of a person who hikes on developed trails and does not instinctively cut the inside of a grade to save distance

A person who grew up walking in the backcountry would have learned the inside cut before they were 12.

I logged that too.

We reached the shelter at 2.15 in the afternoon.

Weather was still holding.

High overcast.

Temperature around 34 degrees.

Wind out of the west at maybe 15 miles an hour.

I did my check of the stovepipe, the chimney cap, the door hinges, the emergency supplies, and the radio.

I raised dispatch at 2.32 and confirmed our arrival.

Dispatch confirmed the forecast was still on track.

Storm arrival estimated 6 to 7 in the morning.

I told them I would stay at the outpost overnight and come down with the permit group in the morning, ahead of the weather.

Dispatch acknowledged.

I signed off.

The three hikers unpacked.

Trent and Elise took the top two bunks on the south wall.

Clark took the bottom bunk on the north wall, next to the stove.

I took the bottom bunk opposite him.

The arrangement was ordinary.