The trail descended through Herman Gulch, following a stream that flowed down the middle. This is a popular destination for day-hikers, though it was too early to see any today. It was obvious why they enjoy hiking here. The terrain was easy to walk, and wildflowers were everywhere.
We didn't walk far before we began to see tents pitched between trees at the side of the trail. Considering how many thru-hikers we have been seeing lately, I figured most of these tents belonged to thru-hikers.
Top O' said he thought one of the tents belonged to Thirteen. He tried to call out to her but didn't hear a reply. He didn't want to shout too loudly and wake up everyone.
We were disappointed to learn later Top O' was right. Thirteen was camped there, and we missed seeing her.
Farther down the valley, Torreys Peak came into view. We couldn't yet see its neighbor, Grays Peak, from our angle.
Grays Peak was named for Asa Gray, who is sometimes called the Father of American Botany. He was the first person to hold a permanent professorship in botany at an American university.
Fittingly, Torreys Peak honors John Torrey, a botanist and chemist who was a long-time colleague of Gray.
Torreys is the 12th tallest mountain in Colorado, and Grays is the ninth tallest.