15-09-26  Day 167  Complete – Mark Trail CDT Blog

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail  – Mark Trail CDT 2015
Start Date 4/12/15    –    Completion Date 9/26/15

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The Full Moon shown over me all night long. It was my last night on the CDT. When I woke up during the night, I thought of all the people that made my journey so very special.  I reviewed my hike day by day, reminiscing all my fellow hikers and Trail Angels that I met along my path, thanking each one individually in my mind. From the Greyhound Bus driver Juan, who bought my dinner on the way to Lordsburg, NM to the hunter Mark, who gave me a liter of his water yesterday so I could have coffee this morning. What can I say about Bront and Shelly from Boulder, my resupply Champion. Ginny my Jacksonville life Manager….Oh Boy, what a job…… And everyone I have missed writing here….Thank You… I am so grateful that I burst out in joyful tears. I cannot contain my emotions once again. I felt like a spring, releasing it’s precious resource……

What a day.

I couldn’t believe the 9 Oz primus fuel canister and the lithium batteries in my spot lasted all the way from Rawlins, WY. on September fourth.

I wanted to lie in my sleeping bag and enjoy the morning coffee but I couldn’t. I needed to pack up and start hiking… The routine. This transition back into the “World” will be different….On the last 11,000 ft peak I called Soudough in Akaska. It was early and  he answered knowing it was me. He congratulated me and we talked about what a time we had hiking New Mexico together.  Somehow I need to spend time in Alaska, just add it to the bucket….

When I arrived at Highway 114, I hiked to the spot I hitched into Gunnison in June. Wow…A strange finish but then again this is the CDT…..

Two hours of hitching agressively, no one would stop….   I prayed for the right person to come help me. Amy stopped going in the other direction. “Where are you going?” she asked….. “Gunnisonn” . ” I’m in no hurry, I’ll give you a ride”…. How does this happen?

We talked about her Yert and ways of gardening in Taos, NM. I learned a lot… Adobe construction and solar power. …  We shared lunch together and she dropped me off at McDonald’s. Thanks Amy, My newest Trail Angel.

I sent out the announcement of my completion of my hike and the well wishes flowed back…. I felt truly blessed and glad to be done. I had contacted a bike trail angel Marti earlier about staying at her home but my bus left at 6:20 am and she lived out of town so I stayed at the Quality Inn. The whole town was booked up but Jessica found a way to get me a room….. With a Jacuzzi… Now that’s the way to Celebrate. Amber Bock and Bubbles….It wasn’t long I was roasted, toasted, and burnted. I went to bed a happy Man….. Thanks CDT for an awesome backdrop for my personal development and growth…. Cheers!!!!!

Mark Trail -The Triple Crown!!

The Triple Crown!!!

Gunnison, Co.   10 Miles

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15-09-25 Day 166. Last Full Day – Mark Trail CDT Blog
Hiking The Continental  Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

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It was a brisk start with pine needles underfoot and woodpeckers pecks echoing through the woods. By 6:45 am I could take my Spot Headlamp off. I was thinking of what I would miss after tomorrow. Maybe the warmth of the morning sun or drinking the cold crystal clear water, maybe the thrill of 30 mile days……..

When I hiked into Marshal Pass, Jon was pressing a fresh pot of Pete’s Coffee. “Is it time for coffee?” I mooched…..  oh,  I mean asked…” You are just in time” !!!!  It is my last full day on the trail and it could not be better. Jon likes history and told me about the train race in the late 1800’s, Each train company competing to complete rail lines through the mountains. I could only imagine what life was like back then. I had 30 miles to hike so I told Jon he blessed me and headed south.

The trail deteriorated from Marshal pass south. In an effort to accommodate all users, the tread was loose rock and gravel. I fell two times….Ouch…. On top of that, it was a dry section for 24 miles….. I carried three liters but by the time four o’clock rolled around I realized I miscalculated. ….I will have to forgo dinner and have a cold lunch….I came around a corner and Mark was going through his hunting things when he said “Hello” . Mark is from Gunnison and loves being in the outdoors, experiencing our wonderful world…  He asked if I needed water…  Ding…. Blessed again…..Could this really happen every day and we are just to busy to notice?????  “Yes Please” and my water problem was solved. As I hiked I was pondering the completion and how blessed I am every day to be able to physically hike and all the support I have had along the way…….

The moon was close to full and suplemented my Spot headlamp. At the thirty mile mark I stopped and made Turkey Tetrazzini , my favorite Mountain House for dinner. Since it was my last night I ate all the Oreos that tasted like baby wipes since they were in my food box for four months.

Upper Razor Creek, 30 miles

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15-09-24 Day 165  Choo Choo – Mark Trail CDT Blog

Hiking The Continental  Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

When I went to fill the pot for coffer the Sawyer filter was frozen solid. I guess it really was cold last night at 11,800 ft. No wonder I had to get up during the night and eat to produce some heat. The sloshing of ice in my water bottles entertained me as I hiked.

I hiked up to an abandoned alpine train tunnel then dropped down to the RR bed. It ran all the way to Hancock and I never saw Hancock……

What’s goes down, must go up so I began to climb again from 11,000 to 12,200 ft. at Caulk Creek Pass. The trail ran the divide to Monarch Pass.. I hiked through the ski resort and it made me think of Wintergreen where I have taught skiing the past two seasons.  It was another amazing day…. The weather and trail was great….

I arrived at Monarch Pass it was 6:00 pm and I had at least six miles to go. Either hike late and complete the hike on Saturday ….OR….  stop early…Humm…. and finish Sunday. I chose to hike. Tough decisions….

The sun set and I night hiked till 9:30 pm the moon was out and it was dreamy. Forty miles to go…..

On the Divide.          Past to CT and CDT split.        30 Miles

Saw  First  Mt Goats with Fred. YEA

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15-09-23 Day 164  Breaking 100 miles – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

I loved my campsite. The stars were twinkling brightly.. It was supposed to rain, it didn’t and I wasn’t going to complain. Regular routine and I was hiking at 5:45am.

I hiked to Texas Creek where you could hike your choice of two routes. Old/New. Same milage so I picked old…I should have picked new. I think it would have been more scenic and less ATV trails.

Along Texas creek, Glenn, Sandy and Matt were base camped for hunting. “Any coffee left?” I asked. Another beginning to a great day. Sandy served me leftover ham, pancakes, bacon, and coffee…I was truly blessed…. Cheers……

I forded Texas Creek with some rocks and logs. My feet got a little wet but not like yesterday’s ford coming out of Twin Lakes..Then the Rollercoaster began, up and down, around Mirror Lake. Then the trail climbed to Tin Cup Pass, 12,154 ft. I was happy to be on the other side as the sun set…..North Fork Chalk Creek,  30 Miles

#backcountrynavigator backcountrynavigator.com marktrailrocks.com

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15-09-22 Day 163 Finish Fever – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

At 5:00 am I started boiling the dozen eggs Carl gave us to eat for free….they were a day out of date, perfect for hikers. Scallywag and The Darkness started stirring so I put the coffee water on. It was a delicious breakfast. Bagels, Egg, and cheese….Yumm.. We packed up the rest of the eggs and started hiking at 7:00 am.

We had to cross the swamp at the end of Twin Lakes. There was a bridge a mile and a half down the road but who wants to hike three miles when you can walk barefoot in mud and freeze your feet right where you are.

We forded  multiple creeks and finally connected with the CDT/CT. We climbed Little Willis Gulch from 9,200 ft to 12,548 ft .

To Hope Pass. Scallywag hiked to the pass as I was hiding Oreo Cookies on the cairn for him and Dark Girl. We hugged knowing I needed to hike on.  I was sad I had to hike alone again but I have the fever…..The Aspen trees were in peek color. Bright Yellow. When I stopped for lunch, a gust of wind blew so many leaves down on me, I thought l had just won the Super Bowl.  It was an incredible moment, so glorious, so wonderful. The moment was imprinted on my soul…..

The trail dropped down to old historic silver mining towns, Rockdale, Winfield, and Hamilton. While I was doing the tourist thing, Maria (Talks a Lot)  and Lisa drove up and unloaded their beef Jerky and snacks on me, Bummer…  Great Trail Magic…Thanks…  I then climbed from 9,847 to 12,400 ft to Lake Ann Pass. It was overcast and there was rain in the forecast so I did the boogie. I am really homesick…  I miss my family and friends. That’s all I can think of….Over and Over in my mind. The finish fever. I need to keep present and enjoy the wonderful beauty that surrounds me every day….

The Head waters of Illinois Creek, 28.7 miles

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15-09-21   Day 162  Twin Lakes – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

As I squeezed the water through the Sawyer water filter into the titanium cook pot the water froze. I think I will wear all my clothes this morning. It was cold…..5:40 am I was hiking.

It was twelve miles to Twin Lakes and I wanted to do an “In/Out”. Get my food, Wash my clothes, And wash my body…in that order.

As I was walking into town, the Aspens were in their glory. Golden Yellow…..It was eye candy….or Delicious.

Jellybean’s sister lives nearby so she texted me she would come to Twin Lakes and do Trail Magic…..once again, I am Blessed.

I walked to the General Store and The Darkness and Scallywag were hanging…..The last time I saw them they were coming out of Leadore. Wow… This is going to be a wonderful finish. Fall color and surrounded with friends……

I asked Carl at the General Store about doing laundry or a shower…..Five miles down the road….Hummm. Not Good. My box? Not here….or there..Really not good……The Beanster arrived and hung out for a time before doing her magic. She assembled all our dirty cloths and drove five miles to the washateria….you know, the Laundromat. Whatever…  Very Nice…..

We all went out to dinner at the Lodge next door and enjoyed ice cream in front of the General Store. Carl, the owner, catered to every request and had a helping attitude. Since my box of food for the next six days was not there, I went through the hiker box and The Darkness and Scallywag shared some of their food….Again…Nice..

After dinner I checked to see if UPS delivered and YES…my box from Ghost Ranch, forward to Lake City, Forward to Twin Lakes arrived.  I was elated……. With much convincing, we stayed in the hut next to the store and caught up on social media.

Twin Lakes.  12 Miles

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15-09-20 Day 161 Curtis, James, Camille – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

Curtis and James are high school buddies and they have not seen each other for 20 years. I had the honor to share in their celebration and reunion. It was wonderful. After I ate three pieces of pizza. James said, “Coffee and Donuts in Leadville tomorrow morning, right?”.

How could I resist?

I was up and packed at 6:00 am to ride into town for coffee. A real treat. James and Curtis went on as if they haven’t been apart for a day. It was wonderful.

Then it was time to hit the trail.7:30 am and Curtis and I were hiking South on the combined CDT/CT. Curtis’s legs were sore from pushing to get to Tennessee Pass yesterday. I was trying to get to Twin Lakes early so I could do a in/out and start on the next section to Monarch Pass. We said goodbye and thanked each other for the awesome time we hiked together. I was truly blessed.

The CDT/CT is a great trail. Most stream crossings have bridges and the blowdowns cleared. The trail is used for winter sports and is well graded which makes for fantastic hiking. I passed by Turquoise Lake and Leadville Federal Fish Hatchery. There was a great place to camp next to Willow Creek..at 7:30 pm.

Willow Creek, 23.5 Miles

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15-09-19  Day 160  Excited and Sad – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

Well I did sleep longer. 4:15 am. I lay there pondering all my past life experiences. Excited about my future life and sad about the past. Extremely sad. It’s starting early, the reentry into our American culture and all I have to deal with.. ..  Reality is, I still have a lot of smiles to hike.I started at 5:45 am. The Conoco at Copper Mtn. didn’t open till 7:00 am so I plugged in my phone and waited for it to charge. Chris came out and gave me a cup of coffee at 6:45 am and I was off.

Soon I was hiking the CDT and the CT. Both trail share the same trail in some places. The trail was wonderful. Every turn was marked with a trail sign. I knew where I was at all times. Maybe that’s why it is perfect for me to be hiking the CT now. I need some stability in my life. The trail provides!

As I approached Kokomo Pass there was a hiker ahead of me….This is the CDT. I never catch up to hikers. Curtis is from Texas and section hiking the CDT….”Yep.. started in Steamboat and hiking south to Twin Lakes…”.Curtis said he was meeting a friend at Tennessee Pass for a ……BEER. oh boy, I’m all in. We had six miles to go and it was 4:30. It would be tight so we put on the boogie..

No one was at the pass so we found THE spot to call James and Camille. “We’re on our way with PIZZA AND BEER…..” wait that’s TRAIL MAGIC twice in one day. This just doesn’t happen on the CDT…Welllllll I am on the Colorado Trail… That’s why…. Is that confusing?

Tennessee Pass.  25 miles

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15-09-18  Day 159  Snow Worries – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

I can’t sleep. It’s not good. It seems like I   haven’t had a good night’s sleep for a week. Its 3:15 am and I keep tossing and turning…. Might as well enjoy some coffee.

At 5:50 am I began climbing from 11,200 to 12,355 ft. No special peak just a high range. I was hoping to see the sun rise but I the clouds were blowing over the ridge. I dropped 2,000 ft. to South Fork of Williams Fork… Talk about Forks …Humm….When I turned the corner along the creek, Rich and Bobby from Dallas Texas were standing there drinking coffee. “Any Extra?”  “Sure” Rich said.. Trail Magic at its best……

We talked about how special that Dad, Son, and Grandson were out hunting together for a week….Special times….. Off I went happy and coffeed up. Next, 2.8 mile climb back up to Ptarmigan Gap, 11,777 ft…It seemed like it took forever. The trail only lost me twice. Fxxxing, Fxxxing, Fxxxing Trail!!!!! Max Frustration…..Then it began to snow…lightly thank goodness. Oh Boy…It’s comming….SNOW WORRIES…

There was an option to walk a bike trail from Silverthorne to Frisco to Copper Mtn. My mind was made up…The walk along Dillon Reservoir was beautiful. The sun came out and there were bikers and skaters along the trail. I stopped in Frisco at the Safeway market to resupply and charge the phone batteries. I night hiked to Copper Mtn till 10:00 pm. Wrote this blog till 10:50 pm.   Maybe I will be able to sleep.

On Copper Bike Trail, 27 Miles

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15-09-17  Day 158   One of the Hardest Days – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

I couldn’t sleep. Not a good thing. I have been hiking by myself and getting a little crazy. The coffee this morning for some reason was wonderful.  I waited a little longer to start as I was climbing from the start. 6:01 am and I was on the trail. I started at Bill Moore Lake 11,400 ft and climbed next to Breckenridge Peek 12,889 and watched the sun rise…..Then Mt Flora 13,132 ft. It’s a shame but the trail dropped to Berthoud Pass 11,315. Bummer.

There was a helicopter hauling concrete up the mtn for some avalanche control they were building….Hey I know what’s happening in the world! …..Yeah Right. I have no idea what’s going on and I think I don’t need to know…..

Now I climbed back up to 12,391 ft. and Stanley Mtn at 12,521. Hikers on the trail need water so instead of staying on the Divide, the trail dropped to 11,500 to a stream before starting back up to Mt. Nystrom 12,665 ft.

The trail ran around two no named peeks before reaching Jones Pass 12,400 ft. The trail then dropped down to 10,400 ft. where it followed Bobtail Creek up the drainage. This is where I stopped due to the trail climbing back up above tree line. Very exposed and taking a risk of weather, not a good thing to do. Looking forward to a great climb tomorrow morning. ….

Someone do the math and let me know how many feet I climbed… Thanks

Bobtail Creek.    23.7 Miles

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15-09-16  Day 157  James Mountain – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

The rain started at 3:30 am. I rolled the beak out. (an extension over the door of the Heximid). I tried to go back to sleep but no luck. At 5:00 am I started the water and was all packed up at 5:20 am. I had to hike with my headlamp till 6:30 am. I had a great start on the day.      It was twelve miles to the next water so I stopped at 7:30 am to load up. As I climbed from 10,000 ft to Devils Thumb Pass at 11,747 ft the sun came up and started to warm me up. It was a up and down climb till I dropped to Rollis Pass at 11,671 ft.

This is where the fun of the day began. I climbed to 13,200 ft James Mountain. As I approached the summit, the clouds rolled in and it began to rain. Nice…..The clouds parted enough for me to get a few pictures then closed in again.     There was an alternate that saves seven miles of hiking but was a risky route and I am alone so I took the longer route. Be Safe. Smart Move!. I stopped at Loch Lomond  Lake, where I met Justin and Rob out to enjoy the great outdoors. They gave me a beer and we spent a few minutes together celebrating today.

3,000 Ft elevation loss later it was 6:20 pm and time to stop for the day. There was a group of trees and none for miles ahead so it made sense.Bill Moore Lake,  23 Hard Miles!

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15-09-15  Day 156. The Lakes – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

Up early to make Bacon and Eggs. Otter boiled six for hard boiled eggs to carry on the trail and fried six to eat…with a pound of bacon. We were full…..Nice.I packed up and said goodbye to Otter and White Face.  At 7:30 am I was hiking south. Well the trail actually runs through the town so I don’t which way I was going…I think West. I turned SOUTH… and hiked along Grand Lake, Shadow Lake and finally Lake Granby. Next was the Roaring Fork Campground where I had lunch. I left the road and entered Arapaho National Forest.

There were fresh footprints on the trail but I didn.t know of anyone ahead of me. Two weeks and three days (Trail Name) was getting some water by a stream. “Wow you hike fast!” was my greeting… We spent enough time for me to share some popcorn and then hiked on. I hiked till 7:20 pm and camped by Hamilton Creek.

Hamilton Creek. 27.7 Miles

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15-09-14  Day 155  Grand Lake – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

As usual I could not sleep. I think I fell asleep around 3:00 am. I don’t know if it is because I am trying to organize everything I need to do or the news from the emails back home, but every town stop the first night is sleepless.

Otter was up as I was at 5:00 am. I worked on the blog and read some news. At 7:00 am we went to the Sagebrush for breakfast. We left hungry and went to the first small grocery store we could find. Otter bought a apple breakfast baked thingie.  I got a banana and popcorn. Yumm..

Since Bront picked me up at the North Supply Trail Head, I had to hike from there. Otter suggested I hike from the Shadowcliff Hostel to the trail head and hitch back. The hike was through Rocky Mountain National Park and it was beautiful. I was carrying my full pack minus food. It was four miles and the time went by quickly.

Just after I entered the park boundary, Das Boots appeared with their Big Smiles. Their BIG leather boots rotted due to being wet all the time in northern Wyoming. Look at those new Keen Boots. We talked about meeting at the hostel later… Cheers.. I stopped by the visitor center and it was just like all the parks centers.

I hitched a ride with Richard and Sonya from Dallas Texas. They dropped me off at the bigger store in town and I bought hot dogs for lunch and spaghetti for dinner. Yumm. …

By 8:00 pm I was done uploading my blog and it was up to date.. YEA!!!!

Shadowcliff Hostel, 4 miles.

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15-09-13  Day 154  A Grand Visit – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

I knew I would be cold. I camped along a creek in a valley. The cold breeze slowly passed through the tent all night. At 5:30 am I was ready to get up and start hiking. I bypassed making coffee to get a quicker start. My college roommate and resupply point man, Bront was coming to meet me and hike into Grand Lake. I hiked late last night so I would be closer but as I looked at Lay’s Map 10, I could see that there could be A LOT of confusion meeting up on the trail.

I met Otter getting his pack stuffed. I met him long ago as we were hiking out of Leadore. It is a small world…..

I pushed hard climbing up to 11,476 ft at Bowen Pass to get phone connection. It was 11:00 am and still Twelve Miles to the trail head. Bront answered the phone….YES… He also noticed the many options and had a detailed map with even more crossing trails. WOW…. He decided to wait five hours after driving three hours for me to hike out.

I playfully sent him pictures of “North Supply 120.4  4X4” road which was steep and full of rocks. Since it was Sunday, ATVs and dirt bikes were zooming by as I descended as quickly as I could. I took screen shots of my GPS position so he decided to hike up and meet me.

At 4:00 pm. we met and went to the Sagebrush BBQ restaurant to eat. The Broncos were playing and I was in culture shock. No tv, No football since I have been on the trail.  Wow…

Bront took me to the Shadowcliff hostel and dropped me off with thicker long underwear and a food drop….I was sad to see him leave as I am getting homesick and ready to prepare to return to ???

Shadowcliff Hostel, Grand Lake, CO

17.5 Miles

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15-09-12. Day 153. Parkview Mt – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

The Elk were calling, (For Help), all night long. It is and was a beautiful sound. I awoke at 5:30 am and started boiling water as the sky changed colors….

  I watched the sun rise as I hiked along poison ridge. I had no trouble crossing Troublesome Pass. Then hiked around Haystack. When I reached the ridge again, I had lunch. Grit walked up and we climbed Parkview Mountain, 12,400 ft, as White Face and Patch followed. It was the biggest climb for me since the Winds in Wyoming. I haven’t had a day off to rest my legs since I restarted at Rawlins, WY.

Grit and I worked our way down the 3,000 ft to highway 125, Cottonwood Pass. There we had our happy hour taking a much needed break.

I texted Bront as we hiked out of the pass. Hopefully we will meet tomorrow somewhere North of Grand Lake on the CDT. I am thirteen miles north of Hwy 34 and when he gets at the trail head he will hike north till we meet….Great. Bront is my Supply person, sending maps and food…. So excited.

Near the top of Trout Creek    21.5 Miles

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15-09-11. Day 152. Climbing up – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

 The frost was heavy on my tent since we were in the open and down low next to Grizzly Creek and the road. I called out at 5:30 am to wake the boys…..Not a sound. I hooted Cock-a-doodle-do as I started the road walk back into the mountains.

The hike was mostly on dirt forest service roads as I climbed from 8,300 ft to 11,500 ft. back up to the Divide.  I passed a few hunter camps and guys posing as hunters just to get outdoors for a few days.

The views were wonderful as I hiked along the Rabbit Ears Range and around Sheep Mtn. I found a special spot to camp at 11,000 ft in the middle of the trail where the wind was blocked and I could watch the sunset and sunrise…No Grit, Face, or Patch

Past Sheep Mtn. 26.5 Miles

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15-09-10  Day 151  Steamboat – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

I was motivated to get rolling so at 5:20 I was hiking by headlamp south two miles to highway 40. It was a little after 6:00 am and since there was no traffic, I hiked east on the road to get in some more miles. When I reached highway 14, the trail turned east. Hitching was still not the best so I turned around and started walking west towards Steamboat. Four miles later, Nate picked me up and took me to McDs for a senior coffee and big breakfast….White Face, Grit, and Patch were in town so I crashed and cashed in on a shower. Patch needed to do laundry so we split the load. I started the recharging of the batteries and Patch let my use his charger to charge the mp3 player….   

Along Hwy 14, 11 miles

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15-09-09  Day 150. Hikers and Hunters – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

The decision to stop at 6:30 pm last night was a good decision. The trail climbed to 11,930 ft with no flat areas to sleep. I looked for the lost ranger on top of Lost Ranger Peak but no luck.

The trail ran along the divide then dropped to Buffalo Pass. It was in the Zirkel Wilderness and lots of hikers and hunters. There was Marita and Dwight, from Idaho, section hiking the CDT. Mike and Cody, from Kansas hunting Elk on horses. Cody shot one one yesterday with a bow and arrow…

Wow. John and Diane, from Steamboat. They had their old backpacks from the seventies. I loved their kelty packs. Then Greg and Michele, from Nunn, Grouse hunting. Greg showed me two Grouse he shot with his Grandfather’s rifle….amazing.

As I hiked there was a chance I could make it to Steamboat tonight. White Face and Grit were in town an I was texting them that it was four in the afternoon and I still had 10 miles to hike. Hummm. Well I missed a turn and hiked a half mile off trail. That was the end of trying to get to town. I decided to hike late and stay at Dumont Lake Campground. I needed water and it was dark. I saw a light and thought it best to ask than search. Jack and Deanna invited me to DINNER…..Trail Magic. I was starving and the chicken and watermelon was delicious. ..Thank you so much……

Dumont Lake Campground 29.7 miles

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15-09-08  Day 149. Quaking Aspens – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

It was getting dark and the only flattish spot was above the spring. Thank goodness for the polycro groundsheet from Gossamer Gear.

Four ATVs  passed by the tent at 6:00 am. Now that’s serious bow hunters. I bumped the pot on top of the stove which bumped my newly made coffee and over it went. I guess I wasn’t supposed to have coffee this morning.The trail at first was not the best start to a day but after a while it was fantastic. As I approached the Seed house trail head and parking lot, I actually saw five day hikers. Really. I haven’t seen any hikers since getting back on the trail in Rawlins. Lots of great ATVers, but no hikers….Just making a comment.

I climbed from 8,085 ft to 10,700 ft. It’s great to be high again. Well I am in Colorado, aren’t I????. Made half of a Mountain House Chicken and Noodles with a half a ramen next to North Lake. Stopped at 6:30 since the trees stopped and the trail continued above tree line… I need a good night’s sleep…

Below Lost Ranger Peak…22.5 Miles

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15-06-25.   Day 75.   Company – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

I haven’t missed waking up with condensation on my sleeping bag since Colorado.  I should have known we would have dew since we were camping in a field next to Weasel Spring. I hiked a few minutes to the spring, pumped three liters and hiked back to have breakfast. Nothing special about our routine.

We were hiking by 7:00 and hiked 5 1/2 miles to Mormon Spring. There was a rock with shade which provided a perfect excuse for an early lunch. Moonwalker went for water while I solved all the problems of the day which meant-  I took a nap. Moonwalker made tsampa soup and I tried to eat everything in my pack. After an hour we hiked mostly west and a little south towards Sweet Water Creek.

We hiked the California, Oregon, and Seminole Cutoff trail. The trail signs came out of nowhere and we left them the same way. Maybe I can do some research about old trail routes that we pass.

The white BLM truck stopped ahead of us. Jim jumped out and asked us if we needed water or could he take our trash…Little things…. Very nice. We thanked him for the work the BLM had done fencing off water sources to keep the cows out.

Shortly we saw three bikers zoom by… We must be hiking the Great Divide Biking Trail. Then Alyson with her Bike Friday rode up behind us and stopped to day HI. She is riding from Mexico to Canada just like us except she will be in Canada way before me.

Then Sterling and Farmer hiked by going south. They are part of a group of veteran hiking the trail. They are the first hikers we have seen in four days. Farmer was helping another hiker mover her car and stopped and was the trail magic king.. Mountain Dew, String Cheese and Water.

At Sweetwater River crossing we had second lunch and worked on Doctoring Moonwalker’s Blister. Cleaning, sanitizing  running thread to help it drain. Hope for healing.

We dropped down to ford Willow Creek three times, made dinner, watched the sunset, and went to bed.

Willow Creek.   18 miles

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15-06-23.      Day 73.       Birthday Girl – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

It’s Moonwalker’s birthday.  We are going to have a party today. Complete with chocolate cake, candle, and coffee for breakfast.

We hiked six miles to Barrel spring along Cooks Creek and watched the Horses play in the distance. The spring was flowing so we stopped and filled up. It was hot and a short four mile hike to Barton Spring were we found some shade. I cranked the Beatles birthday song and we danced, ate lunch, took a long siesta.

After coffee, we hiked past Arapahoe spring with cows welcoming us but the bull through a fit.

The terrain was beautiful, with treed slopes and rolling hills. The Antelope ran this way and that way all day long. We came to a BLM fenced spring that was bone dry. A quarter mile down the hill there were two ponds with cows taking an evening swim. At 7:00 pm Moonwalker realized she dropped her camera about a mile back up the hill and ran to get it. At 8:45 it was getting dark so I packed up and started to hike back up the hill when The happy Moonwalker with camera appeared. We hiked up a side hill and found a great spot to cowboy camp..

Above Two Cow Ponds 17.5 Miles

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15-06-22.  Day 72.   20 Mile Line – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail

Mark Trail CDT 2015

After running out of water yesterday we slept in. We packed up and hiked ten minutes to Bull Spring. The solar powered pump was running and the water was flowing. We made breakfast and loaded up with water. Hiking the Great Divide Basin is very different. We hiked in one direction all day. Northwest… Thats it . We hiked on old dirt roads. Sometimes going up and sometimes going down but always going Northwest.

We hiked to the A and M Resorvour and had first lunch and took a much needed swim. As we hiked along the straight dirt road we found two new water sources that had nice cold, clean water. Quite refreshing in a desert.

Somewhere Near Bare Ring Slough. 20.5 Miles

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15-06-21 Day 71. Hike Naked or Carry Water – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

We watched the sun rise as we drank our coffee and ate oatmeal. Feels like 2012 hiking the PCT.

With an early start we were hoping to have a great first day. After seven miles we needed to get water at Fish Pond Spring and Reservoir.

It has been redone by an assortment of agencies and has a lot of tanks and a Solar panel but I couldn’t figure out where you were supposed to get the water. I found a pool and squeezed two liters. The next water was sixteen miles and that should be enough. We were crossing the Great Divide Basin and you would have thought that I would know that there were NO trees and NO shade. At 3:00 pm were we very low on water and had six miles to Bull Spring. We were walking along Mineral X Road and flagged down Jim and asked for water. Out of luck and I made a poor decision to continue hiking. It was 7:00 pm and Moonwalker was out of water and out of gas.

I went on and got to the spring at 8:00 pm. I filled two liters and headed back when Moonwalker walked up. Wow.. That sure saved me hiking back the two miles. We set the tent up and I quickly took two Advil and went to sleep.

Just before Bull Spring. 23.5 Miles

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15-06-20.  Day 70.   Back on the CDT – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

Up at 5:30, Start the coffee, get the paper, fry the bacon and the eggs… Humm. Bront and Shelly have been awesome Trail angels. I went to college with Bront and he has been the supply point man for me while I hike. After two weeks waiting for my hand to heal we finally came up with a plan. Take Greyhound to Rawlins, WY and hike north.

Moonwalker, who I hiked the PCT with me, is joining me to hike till the 20th of July. Hopefully we will make it to Yellowstone National Park before then.

Bront and I mailed the last box at the UPS store and we left for Ft. Collins to meet the Greyhound bus. We said our goodbys knowing I would be back to finish Colorado this fall. The bus ride went by quickly and we arrived in Rawlings at 4:30 pm. After a few pack adjustments we were soon hiking north. As we were leaving town, Jerry Brown walked up and asked if we needed a place to stay….Wow… Trail Magic strikes again. Since we were all ready to hike and eager to get back on the trail we said we were hiking on. We talked about the trail and thanked him for all he does for the CDT.  We hiked 5.75 miles out of town and at 8:00 we set up the Zpacks Heximid Plus for the first time.

Just out of Rawlins. 5.75 Miles

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15-06-08/19  Day 58/69 Boulder – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

I went to college with Bront. He is my supply point man and trail angel. Dave and Shelly graciously provided me with a wonderful room and a great environment to rest and recuperate. I did a few chores like line trim all the native grass in their garden. Oops. I put all the dishes in the wrong places so Shelly would have to rearrange the kitchen when she came home. All in all it was a great visit.

What to do? was the question. Bus to Rawlins, WY and hike south?…..hike north?

Moonwalker was coming to hike so we needed to get somewhere so she could fly to Denver and catch her flight back home on July 20th.

After much debate it was decided we would hike north to Yellowstone and catch a plane from Bozeman on the 20th. Leaving Boulder was bittersweet. It was nice to be getting back on the trail but sad to leave the Petroy’s lap of luxury. Again. THANKS so much

Boulder  0 miles

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15-06-06/07 Day 56/57 Gunnison

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail

Mark Trail CDT 2015

The critter would not give up. It was brown and squirrel like but no fluffy tail. I shined my headlamp, swung aimlessly my hiking poles, and screamed. When I awoke I assessed the damage. Another animal attracted to the salt on the pack straps.  Please not the shoulder straps. Luckily only a bite but a side strap completely chewed off. Cut as clean as a knife. Luckily not a bite on me.

The right hand was crusting over nicely but the left was beginning to swell. I loosened the bandage and pushed on it. It was sore but no feelings like it was infected.

I packed up and started hiking, looking for someone to help me get to Gunnison for some medical treatment. As I walked the rain pelted the umbrella. I walked on dirt roads with no luck. When I reached Hwy 114 I was filled with relief.  Traffic yes!

Debbie Phillis stopped and gave me a ride into Gunnison. I tried to go the a clinic but they couldn’t fit me in. “The emergency room is right next door”. I explained what happened to Carol, the triage nurse.  “Let’s look at your hand”. As I unwrapped the bandage you could see the missing skin. No infection. “How about you wash your hand in the bathroom and I will get some Neosporin and a few bandages.” “Ok”… I said.  Jay, the Dr. looked at it and said, ” Treat it like a burn”. “So do you want to be admitted?” Carol asked and at the same time said I would be fine.  NO charge… Amazing Trail Magic…

The next hurdle was to find a place to stay till I could arrange transportation to Boulder.

I contacted Kim through the bicycling community and she let me stay in her garage for two nights. I found a bus to Denver and made reservations…. Thanks Carol and Kim, The best Trail Angels!

Gunnison.    15 Miles

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15-06-05.      Day 55.   The Slide – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail

Mark Trail CDT 2015

I wanted to get an early start to avoid the post-holing. I put on the snowshoes and was hiking by 6:20 am. Crunch, crunch as I traversed along the slope. I could see where trees were freshly snapped off and bent over. I looked down and could see the pile of greenery… Humm…. Avalanche? Well at least I’m not post-holing…. As I made my way I could see I had two traverses to cross at the start of Spring Creek drainage. As I looked at the map I could see the first was below a 13,285 ft peak with relatively wide contour lines. It meant that it wasn’t too steep above me, so I wasn’t too worried about avalanche. I could feel my hiking boots dig into the sides of the snowshoes as I crossed the approximately 60 degree slope. I gasped in relief when I passed into the next drainage at 12,400 ft. I only had one more to go before I dropped down below snow line. I began to cross and could see the “trail” crossed tight to the 12,935 and 13,155 ft peaks.

The contour lines were very tight and I could see snow above me. I came to one drift facing me with a six foot wall of snow. I dug in the snowshoes and they did quite well and with the Black Diamond Whippet Ice Axe, I pulled myself up. I was snowshoeing on top of the next obstacle when BOOM………my heart was wailing… Not Good…. Nothing moved, just the snow settling….

Then I had a twenty foot cornice to get down. I found a dip that had the least amount of drop. I sat down with my snowshoes on thinking it was just a short slide. With my Ice axe on my side I gave a wiggle. The ice axe was too deep in the ice crust and lifted it to slide. In a second, I was off to the races. I was spinning as the snowshoes dug into the ice. I had to get onto my stomach and get the whippet into the ice. It was all a blur. By the time I stopped, the skin on the back of my left hand and three chunks on my right had been scraped off by the ice.

I was alive but now had a new challenge. I climbed the 200 ft. back up to the original planned stop and found a spot where I could take my pack off and get something to cover the open wound on my left hand. I put a large band-aid on it and wrapped it with elastic bandage. My main concern was infection and to get some medical help.

I hiked on hoping I might run into someone on the dirt roads that I could see ahead on the map. It started snowing as I descended and dropped below the snow line. The notes on the map noted that there was a bridge crossing the Cochetopa Creek but someone forgot about the snow melt now two feet above the bridge that only went half way across the creek. Be Safe, Be Safe rolled through my head as I entered the rushing water. The freezing ford only went up to the bottom of my pack and the feeling of being swept away quickly passed as I crawled up the opposite bank.

No one crossed my path so I hiked till 6:30. Found a spot in some trees, set up the tarp, ate some cheese and sausage and went to sleep.

Wow… To much excitement for one day on the CDT.

Past Quemado Creek.  22.5 miles

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15-06-04   Day 54   Now There’s One – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail

Mark Trail CDT 2015

We slept in next to the mining train in the Veterans Memorial Park in the center of Creede. She-ra made drip coffee while we waited for the grocery to open. I needed five days of food to make it to Monarch Crest where the road to Salida crosses. I went to the PO to pick up my snowshoes and when I returned,  She-ra was ready to hike to Stony Pass to get back on the divide. We hugged and off she hiked, skis and all.

I stopped by the Creede Museum and learned all about the Silver Mines that were the main industry for the town. Now it’s tourism that is the main economic activity. As I hiked up to San Luis Pass from 8,800 ft to 12,000 ft , I passed as to what’s left of the mines. I wondered what it would have been like back in the day.

As I approached the pass, I could see the snow a mile ahead. At first I tried to hike it without the snowshoes, going from grassy area to grassy areas. I soon began to post hole up to my knees so I put on my snowshoes. Even with the snowshoes, I post-holed deep into the snow. I climbed up to 12,300 ft before the trail dropped along some trees. It was 6:30 pm and the trail was above treeline for the next four miles so I decided to camp.

A Mile North of San Luis Pass  11 Miles

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15-06-03.  Day 53.   Why? – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail

Mark Trail CDT 2015

Woke up at 5:15 am and my sleeping bag was dry. This is the first time cowboy camping where the condensation didn’t form on the top of the bag. I cowboy-ed on the PCT all but a few nights with no condensation. What a difference.

I made coffee mocha to start off the day of the road walk to South Fork then Creede. As She-ra and I walked, we hoped the guys were doing well as they hiked along the ridge. I questioned my decision as to walking the road. All the options and ramifications. All I know is that I don’t want to put myself in the same position as I did five days ago. One slip or one slide and it would have been over…

We stopped in South Fork for second breakfast and Wagon Wheel Gap for second lunch. We were now following the Rio Grande upstream. When I bicycled across the country with Moonwalker, we crossed a dry Rio Grand. This time it was filled to the top with snow melt.

As we walked, we had to pick unique trash. It’s just the right thing to do. The game is to find something unique and give it to your hiking partner to carry.  I think She-ra won by carrying the most trash including an explosive sign.

We walked into Creede worn out after 25 miles at 6:30 pm in time to hit Tommy Knockers for a sandwich and beer. I was to dehydrated to drink my beer and She-ra was so gracious to help me out. We walked to the Veterans Memorial Park and Cowboy-ed behind the mining train……in the center of town….

Creede 25 miles

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15-06-02.   Day 52.   Choosing the Road – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail

Mark Trail CDT 2015

It was time to get back on the trail. I packed up with to much food for the 40 mile road walk to Creed. We said our goodbyes to Rusty as he left for work. First Man and I walked to town for coffee to blow some time before Whip Tail came to drive us back to Wolf Creek Pass. We left Durango at 10:30 am for Pagosa Springs where we dropped off First Man and picked up Lott.

Wagon Wheel, Vanilla Face and Andy were there. We spent some time catching up and it was time to drive back to the pass. Once again we hugged and said goodbye not knowing when or if we would see each other again. At  Wolf Creek Pass, Restless, #2, and Lott hiked north while She-ra and I walked the road to South Fork.

We stopped at Highway Springs campground and found a great Campsite under pines with lots of soft needles. It was a clear night so we could cowboy camp away from the road near the South Fork of the Rio Grand River. It was churning with a lots of snow melt. Melt baby Melt.

Stealth at Highway Springs CG. 9.5 Miles

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15-06-01.       Day 51.     Melting – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail

Mark Trail CDT 2015

A repeat of yesterday’s breakfast with salsa and tortillas…  First Man and I walked back to Jean-pierre’s for a few hours. He left to walk the river while I did the tourist thing. Train musems and Fish Hatchery. A perfect day to enjoy the snow melt. I walked back to Rusty’s and First Man started cooking dinner. Garlic Chicken and Fried Plantains.

Rusty’s.   0 Miles

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15-05-30.   Day 50.   R and R – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail

Mark Trail CDT 2015

Slept in till 7:00 am and made a great breakfast of Bacon, Eggs, Mushrooms, and Cheese… Yum. Town day and much needed rest.

First Man and I walked down to downtown Durango. It was Sunday so there was a lot of activity. We went to Jean-Pierre’s for coffee and parked ourselves for a good three hours catching up with the social thing, email, post cards, and blogs..We walked along the Animas River’s river walk park. The town’s bike and walking trails made it a great place to watch the snow melt rush by. I am hoping that by the time I get to San Luis Pass, I won’t need to use the snowshoes.

At 4:00, Rusty, First Man, and I rode over to Whip Tail’s home for a celebration of  WT’s birthday. Ribs, potato salad, and asparagus.   Yum…

We discussed each hikers plan to continue hiking come Tuesday when we get back on the trail. I’ve decided to road walk 40 miles to Creede, pick up my snow gear and hike up 12,000 ft to San Luis Pass. We shall see…..Pray for Melting……

She-ra, #2, Restless, First Man, and I

Rusty’s Great Home. 0 Mile

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15-05-30.   Day 49.   Wolf Creek Pass – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail

Mark Trail CDT 2015

The ice was just starting to crystallize in my water bottle as I squeezed it into my pot to heat. The birds were having a cheep fest and the sun was up. At 6:15 we started down FS 390 looking for a spot to cross Pass Creek so we could hike cross country up to HY 160 to Wolf Creek Pass. The creek was full of snow melt and roaring.

While we were making a plan, She-ra comes hiking up the road in the opposite direction, also looking for a place to cross.. We shared our previous days adventures and decided to hike 390 east to HY 160 and six miles west up to the pass.

At 10:30 am we met Whip Tail,  who hiked the PCT with She-ra in 2006. He drove us to Pagosa Springs for lunch and then to Durango.

The Band                         First Man, Shera, Restless, #2                       It was Tail’s birthday and he was playing with his Bluegrass Band at the Balcony Bar that (Saturday) night. First Man and I were staying with Rusty, the amazing fiddle player. We had a front row seats and unwound from the five days in the wonderful Colorado snow

Wolf Creek Pass/Durango Co. 10.5 miles

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15-05-29.  Day 48. Amazing Terror – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail
Mark Trail CDT 2015

5:00 am and coffee and oatmeal. Yum. She-ra, Restless, #2, and I hiked to Elwood Pass where you can take the CDT or low route hiking forest service roads. It was a beautiful day… Bright and Sunny….  Humm…..

#2, Restless and I took the CDT high route. It was beautiful. Really. … The snow was firm and you could walk. Around 11:00 it all changed. The snowshoes sunk in 4 Inches and the terrain became challenging. We were to traverse along areas with tight couture lines… (60° +- slope) During the summer, no problem.  Now, 2 to 8 feet of snow….All wet and no trail. Between route finding and the effort to cross 60 degree slopes safety, my bucket of CDT adventure has been filled to the top. My knuckles were white as I gripped my Black Diamond Whippet Ice Axe. The snowshoes would slide sideways a foot or two and then stop. I had twenty feet to slide before I flew off the edge where I could not see where it landed. My heart was pounding out of fear and exertion. My snowshoes were post holing just like I was trying to walk in my boots.

When we got to Silver Pass I had fallen more than ten times. Three times face first down hill. Been off route more than on route. Glissading to try to return to the route.  Since it was getting late and there was more steep traverses ahead, we thought the morning ice would be to dangerous, so we cut down silver pass to FS 388 and to 390. As we where looking for a place to camp, we saw a huge elk and twenty-five yards away, a bear looking for some bugs to eat from a dead tree…

Amazing

Pass Creek next to FS 390.  16.75 Miles

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15-05-28.    Day 47.     Capitulation – Mark Trail CDT

Hiking Along The Continental Divide Trail

Mark Trail CDT 2015

When I awoke at 5:00 I was done. In order to hike the trail you need full blown winter hiking gear. All of it. The problem is I need to hike 18 plus miles a day to reach Canada by September 15th. We’re hiking 1 mile per hour. Thats thirteen miles in thirteen hours. Ouch. Also all that gear is breaking my back. If I continue doing what I’m doing I will be done. Someone told me that I have to be flexible and open minded in order to hike this trail..

The snow is brutal. Snow camping is hard. Fingers and toes are important. With all that said, we decided to drop off the red route and take a lower route. Done.

             As we were enjoying the decent on frozen snow we ran into She-ra and Restless. We followed their tracts all day off and on yesterday. ” Hey there they are… Why did they go that way?  Wow that’s a great way to go…”

It was 8:00 am and they were ready to go so we all hiked together to the El Rito Azul river. Instead of hiking back up to the divide. We took the Conejos River trail to the forest roads. By the time we reached 10,000 ft we were out of snow and on Tera Firma. …  There is hope…. We hiked FS 250 then FS 380. Talking about the trail ahead. Do I flip to Wyoming? Do I find a low route to hike? Do I road walk? Lots of optiong… I know one thing, I cannot hike the crest and make it to Canada by the 15 of September. ….

By Iron Creek FS 380.    20 Miles

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