6 Great Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells This Winter
For decades, Wisconsin Dells was pretty much...
Visiting Wisconsin’s Oddball House on the Rock
When I started dating my husband, he said,...
Hiking the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
My quest to hike all...
Day 34: Salida to Marshall Pass Area
Unlike my normal hiking routine, I didn’t head to Monarch Pass the day after I arrived in Colorado. Instead, I gave myself an extra day in Salida to acclimate (a little) to the altitude. I stayed at the Salida Hostel on the edge of town. I arrived Sunday night, after...
Day 35: Marshall Pass Area to Sargents Mesa Trailhead Area
Before I talk about today’s trek to Sargents Mesa Trailhead, a quick recap on last night. I found an OK campsite (a little slanted) and, as I noted last night, a little rain came while I was in my tent. Well, in the middle of the night it rained quite a bit. I heard a hiker go by in the rain at 4 a.m. Yikes!
Day 36: Sargents Mesa Trailhead Area to Lujan Creek
Today’s trek to Lujan Creek was one for the books. First, it rained for HOURS last night. Second night in a row. Around midnight I put my cooking pot outside to collect water, since I was low. But despite the fact that it was raining hard, little went in the pot.
Day 37: Lujan Creek to Ant Creek Area
Woke up this morning to cold and fog. Everything I dried out last night was wet/damp again. Rats. But the trail angels had pancakes and fruit for breakfast, so I gobbled it up. Just when I was going to pack up my soggy tent, the sun popped out and a breeze picked up.
Day 38: Ant Creek Area to La Garita Wilderness
What a day. Had a sweet campsite last night near Ant Creek and slept well. Up extra early to try and make it either just shy of the Organ Mountain-San Luis saddle (12,374 feet / 3,771.6 m) or just over the other side. That would put me in good shape to make it to the trailhead Sunday.
Day 39: La Garita Wilderness to Spring Creek Pass Trailhead
I woke up at 4 a.m. and it was raining once again. GRRR! So I slept another hour and got up at 5 a.m. It wasn’t raining, but my tent was soaked, along with my sleeping quilt and other items. My tent was so wet that I couldn’t even get it in its bag; I had to stuff it...
Day 40: Zero Day in Lake City
After a great night’s sleep, I had breakfast in a cafe across the street, then did laundry at the local laundromat. Liz opted to continue on the CT, taking the noon shuttle. I was a bit sad to see her go. It was nice having company for a while.
Day 41: Zero Day 2 in Lake City
Once again I had a great night’s sleep and finally feel pretty good. (Yesterday my knees were swollen and achy.) I’m still working on that shuttle to Creede, so this is Zero Day 2 in Lake City.
Day 42: Creede to North of Creede
The owner of G&M Cabins, where I’ve been staying in Lake City, found a man to shuttle me to Creede. We headed out after I mailed a box to myself at my next stop and ran a few other errands.
Day 43: North of Creede to South of Creede
I have to say, I’m loving the Creede Alternate! Because it’s shorter, I slept in a little and took my time breaking camp. It was nice not to feel rushed. The miles into Creede were largely downhill – no surprise after yesterday’s insane uphills – but I didn’t go much faster, as the hills were steep and full of gravel.
Day 44: South of Creede to Fisher Creek
Oy, what a day! I thought today’s trek to Fisher Creek and beyond would be easy. I’m not sure why, but I did. And it wasn’t.
Day 45: Fisher River to Near CDT
Had a pretty good night last night – nice campsite and right near water. I let myself sleep in and broke camp slowly, drying out my tent pad and things like that that I don’t normally do. I didn’t start hiking until 10 a.m.! But I don’t have many miles left, so why not enjoy?
Day 46: Near CDT to Valley
Today was a MUCH better day than yesterday! My campsite turned out to be OK and I had a decent night’s sleep. I was pondering trying to reach the Wolf Creek Trailhead, but that would require my trail angel to pick me up a day early. And I’d need a place to stay. Since it’s Labor Day weekend, I knew my chances were slim.
