DAY 71 Twin Lakes

JUNE 23rd 2022

It took a few tries to wake up but once the plug was pulled on my bed I had to get up.
I quickly stripped down my tent then put on water for tea.
I was just drinking it when yader appeared from behind a rock and then Keebler also appeared.
Snail how ……
We all laughed as they both set off along the trail.
I finished my tea, stowed my cup and I was on my way
It wasn’t long until Pittsburg caught me we gave each other abuse as he vanished up ahead.
Then I was at the bottom of the dreaded climb just over 2.5 miles up and I would climb over 2000ft.
I just cant wait…..
I set off and it was almost vertical at the bottom so more of a scramble.
Come on snail little steps, I slowly crept up the mountain .It was the morning I’m fresh with loads of energy lol.
I climbed higher and higher stopping regularly to gasp for air about 1/4 way up I met yader who was taking a break, there was a lady with him who was a trail person.

Through gasps I said it’s too bloody steep.
I pushed on or rather chugged on and up eventually I emerged out of the forest and could see how much was left to climb.
SADLY. About 1.5 miles oh joy lol.
I carried on chugging up and was now on the switchbacks that were slightly more forgiving. Right at the top I could make out a figure it had to be Keebler or Pittsburg omg that’s high.
But I was getting there and 2 hrs later I crossed the saddle.
Wow the views from up here were amazing. The trail lady took a couple of photos of me.

Then it was down. There were a few ice bungs then it was slippery shale before I was on solid ground. At last I could push
I was heading to town where nice things were….. The trail meandered its was down and once again it was hard work trying to keep out of the numerous streams and bogs
I entered a forest then popped out into a long meadow before going back into the forest., as I descended. I met numerous people going the other way. Several joggers, Day hikers, People just walking their dogs.
Soon the river joined me as I just kept heading down and down and down. At last I came to the shortcut (trail) this one doesn’t take you around the lakes. I popped out by several ponds before crossing over a large bridge over a raging river.

Okay now to Town. I stood by the road for a few minutes but thought it was bit too dangerous where i was.I began to walk but the hard shoulder wasn’t very wide.
Luckily a couple stopped and soon I was outside the store.
I thanked them and walked to the store. There were numerous faces that I hadn’t seen in a while.

I dropped my pack by Yader and went inside,I grabbed a gatorade as they had no lemonade shock!! A tub of blueberry ice cream and a can of beer. I took that back to my table and slowly enjoyed it.

Then I visited the food truck for a burger. Again very tasty.
The rest of the afternoon was spent gossiping with the other hikers and finding out what their resupply plans were and which towns they were planning on visiting my shedule is fairly flexible but plan to visit
Leadville next.
Rain came to break up our chilled day ,rain jackets and pack covers quickly appeared.

Okay guys I’m heading out as I am going to do 2 miles and camp,I headed for the road and quickly got a ride but was chatting so sailed past my stop and ended walking back. Okay I am back on trail.
Water is at 1.7 that will do me then a suitable spot.
As I was removing my rain jacket as the sun was now trying to roast me Yader caught up.
I followed him to the water then headed down trail a little ways.
I quickly got my tent set up and tea on the go.
Then Keebler and Pittsburg then appeared from the other direction that confused me, but it appeatred that i was off trail again or rather would have been heading in the wrong direction as I had missed a turn and was on a side trail.