July 8th
woke up early and refreshed
Determined to to make ammends for a poor day yesterday…
I pushed off and began a small climb but that soon leveled 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 blowndowns 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 moter bikes and so new obstacles of huge puddles and deep ruts but it is what it is.
The trsil 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 hrs 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 perrfect log I dropped my pack and chilled .
God its so hot…
Okay snail let’go
I was still pushing trying to crack miles and get into steamboat .
But 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 drwaf 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 .the sound for progressively louder until the bikers came into view.1,2

3 I stood off trail as they flew by.i 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 .
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. Oh snd bloody hot snd in a burn area there is no shade.
I began to struggle and slurred more water. As I struggled up one hill there was another
Come on trail down or level please because of the heat I was slurping a lot of water and so will need more soon.
Great the trail is now heading down but of course steep snd because of the ruts it was a nightmare to walk down but water I can see water.
At last I dropped my pack and filled and filtered 2 litres . One I downed imeadity.wow was I that thirsty.
Okay lets go. The next few miles was a roller coaster up and down. I was quite impressed on how the bikes get up these hills.
As i struggled.
In the distance I could see a road but typically the trail goes in the opposite direction.
Bit from my app I was getting close to the trail head. From here I cross over the road and then it’s not far to town whoop.
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 the 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 recomends)
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