Ed and I had a great night’s sleep and got up early. It was foggy, gray and cold. Grr! We don’t need more rain and cold.
We headed toward the two other properties in this tiny town that have cafes and where we’d inquire about a shuttle. Both were closed, but eventually Platoro Valley Lodge opened. I had a yummy caramel latte there while we explained our plight.
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The owners, Fred and Debbie, said they could possibly take us, but to check other places. So we did. But we came up with nothing.
Leaving Platoro in the Dust
I secured the Airstream for a second night while Ed went back to Fred and Debbie. They said to check back at noon to see if a shuttle would work best for them today or tomorrow. Great!
Ed and I headed out toward the highway and Cumbres Pass. The fog had burned off and it turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day. He turned back after a few miles to check with Fred and Debbie while I hiked on. Debbie said it would be best to take Ed shortly after noon today, so that’s what she did.
Slackpacking Heaven
It was so nice to hike with a light pack (just water, snacks and rain gear) and on a gravel road. There were some uphills initially, but most of the day was downhill. Ed and Debbie passed me at one point!
Later in the afternoon, Ed found me in the rental car. He then parked the car a few miles 
up the road and hiked back to me, then repeated. My feet were sore at the end of the day; even though gravel is nice, it still hurts after many miles!
One fun thing – the guys who shuttled us the last few miles in the rain yesterday passed us. When they realized it was us, they stopped and we chatted a few minutes. Their company is based in Antonito, which is the end stop on the train we’ll be taking in two days.
Day Is Done
I finished around 4:30, then we drove back to Platoro. A shower felt great! We ponied up more money for wifi (they just got Star Link last year), and now are celebrating with some beer and wine.
This is a dry county, so Ed had to buy it at a store on the highway. I should be able to finish the Great Divide Alternate tomorrow, then it’s off to Chama!
Snowshoe
Today’s Miles: 18.1 (29.1 km)
CDT Miles to Date: 685.1 (1,102.6 km)
CDT Miles to Go: 2,414.9 (3,886.4 km)
