July 8th 2022

I  woke up early and refreshed , determined to to make amends for a poor day yesterday… I pushed off and began a small climb but that soon levelled out . I passed the remains of a carcass of some big beast then a few more yards was the skull, interesting .
When I came out of the woods  I was greeted with my first amazing views .Wow.

I imeaditly dropped back into the forest and began the usual chore of log jumping, but I seem low on energy due to my stomach issues.. but I kept pushing it was early and already in the high 80s . Phew once again I came to a clearing  and again amazing views. But I need to get back to my log jumping…. but  omg the trail guys had been in and  the amount of blowdowns was horrendous and they had cleared the lot .amazing thank you so much trail guys. 
The mossies  now decided they were hungry and I was lunch. 

I was recommended to use a spray with picaridin in but the moment I spray myself with this they can’t wait to land on me and feast and  so I’m convinced the Colorado mossies love the dam stuff so switching back to deet for the next section.
The trail was really well-marked and maintained ha ha spoke too soon its now vanished.
Okay got you, I pushed on bumping into a couple from Seattle who were hiking  from Steamboat to Twin lakes.
Nice section. I wished them well. 
I pushed on  up the trail, the trail now began to dropdown into  a skidoo  track , which was no fun at all as  it was cratered and full of rocks and so difficult to walk in so where ever possible I waked on the ridge.

OK snail water we need water. The app says in 1 miles great.

And  not to disappoint there it was. I grabbed 2 liters and double filtered.( MORE cautious  since becoming ill)

I also took a longish  break and ate a few snacks. Okay lets go..
I continued  down  the trail which was hard work before turning off. Great I thought  but this trail also allows motor bikes and so new obstacles of huge puddles and deep ruts but it is what it is.
The trail now entered another large burn area  and even though  it was a few years ago the acrid smell of ash hung in the air, as I hiked along I was joined by a creek ,I  found the sound of it bubbling along quite therapeutic.
I followed this for several hours before the trail split off and climbed to the right.
It started gently but it wasn’t to last and with the temperatures rising I began to melt and soon needed a another break. 
At the perfect log I dropped my pack and chilled . God its so hot…
Okay snail lets go , I was still pushing trying to crack miles and get into steamboat .
Of course the trail began climbing ever steeper and was like a motor cross track and so once again I walked on the top where possible. I was still in the burn  but was  amazed at how dwarf lupins had began to populate the area in a carpet of blue.

As I pushed on I began to hear the sound of motor bikes that grew progressively louder until the bikers came into view.1,2,3  I stood off trail as they flew by, but kept watching so I could see where the trail went. I was just about to resume walking when a fourth biker appeared and vanished leaving a trace of burnt fuel in the air .
I think it’s now safe lol and  resumed but  the trail now resembled a tank training track so walking over it was a nightmare and of course it was up, hot and in a burn area so no shade.
I began to struggle, slurping more water. struggling up the numerous hills , come on trail, down or level please because of the heat I was drinking a lot of water and so will need more soon.
Great the trail is now heading down but of course steep and because of the ruts it was a nightmare to walk down, but there is water I can see water.
At last, I dropped my pack filled and filtered  2 litres . One I  downed imeaditly, wow I was thirsty. 
Okay lets go, the next section was a roller coaster  up and down, I was quite impressed on how the bikes get up these hills as i was struggling but I haven’t an engine lol
In the distance I could see a road but typically the trail goes in the opposite  direction although my app says that I am getting close to the trail head. 
At last I was heading down and could hear the sound of traffic. I  was getting closer and closer and at just I emerged out onto the trail head. Now this bit is a bit hazy……But I went to sit on a rock to take 5  
The kind lady said that I staggered to the rock, went to sit down but missed and fell on the floor and didn’t get  up So she took me to urgent care in Steamboat.

I think with the stomach issues ,pushing too hard and being dehydrated was all too much.
The Drs/ Nurses there were really great . The main Doctor  looked at the meds that I brought  from the UK and said ” Well they aren’t any use”
Well that’s bloody useful no wonder I’ve been so poorly. 
So she prescribed the correct meds plus an extra box just in case and other meds to fix me.

So a little pricy but we’ll worth it as these issues were making my hike a misery .So fingers crossed. 
Okay I now need a bed and  Steamboat is very very expensive.
I found a hotel, far more than I wanted to pay, but it’s done.
Okay quick shop for some lemonade and some yoghurt(Dr recommends)
I flagged down the free bus and set off for my hotel.
I checked in, dropped my gear, got a bucket of ice and poured a large lemonade (NO beer for 7 DAYS !!!! )
Okay shower time and wow its a great shower with good pressure and HOT water .
Okay R&R time.
I feel a lot better after speaking to the Dr and getting the correct meds.
So night all 

Mileage  17