JUNE 28th 

My alarm went off I switched it off.

The next alarm I snoozed and snoozed.  Until it began to get light.

I could see that my tent was frozen. 

I was in no hurry to get up . As it wasnt far to Copper Mountain 

At 6.30 I pulled the stopper and opened up.my tent.

My colleague was oacked except for his tentvas he was drying to dry it more in the sun.

Morning .

Okay Snail get into gear .I Unclipped my fly and gently rolled it off  my  tent.

I then packed up.

to head out 

I walked  passed my freinds from last night  them headed down the trail it was a gorgeous day and all ready warm.

Luckily the trail was still down as I still didn’t have heaps of energy. 

The closer I got to Copper mountain the busier the trail became . About a dozen southbound CT hikers and  similar number of other hikers  just  hiking. 

I pushed on until I came to my first view of this huge complex   and first set of ski lifts. 

Getting closer.. the next set of ski lifts appeared to be running. Possibly testing ?

I began to spiral down lower and lower  until I was almost there. 

Wow in front of me was a roller coaster. Wow  that’s kinda cool.

At last I was in the complex. I walked around looking for a cafe. Or similar,I passed a large boating lake with grandpa  and his grandaughter on one of those  round boats having fun. Above them were a dozen children waiting for their turn on a zip line.

I noticed a small convenience shop so brought a bottle of lemonade that I had been craving

I sat outside by the lake watching the kids zoom down the wire.

I then headed off to find a bathroom . On the way back I bumped into Shea. Who I had met earlier thst morning as I packed up.

He was having a coffee and eating doughnuts..  looks scrumpy I said.

Good luck today I said.

Yes Shea said.i need to leave before all the bars  open 

We both laughed.

I headed out to find the bus. 

The busses in this area are all free.i found the stop, but had just missed it. While I waited I got out my fly to dry in the sun.

The bus soon arrived. This bus will take me to Frisco then I fet another to Silverthorne.

I must admit wow what a great town Frisco is.  Very long road packed with shops and unlike UK free parking .

The bus finally stooped and I got off only for the next bus to arrive

It wasn’t long untill I was here.

Okay hotel .

It was easy to find and right next to a huge store perfect.

Okay I need to post 2 boxes of food up trail 5 days and six days 

But I needed to check with one site and they only respond to email. So I emailed  and am waiting.

Once settled in I went to the shop as  they have a pharmacy.

I tried to see if I could get  some more medicine.(giardia)

I took my uk  prescription  with me.

The assistant was very helpful, but the american system wasn’t.

I needed to see a Dr to get a prescription and that would cost a lot of $$$$.  For a $7 packet of pills. I thanked her.

Okay shopping I brought for one box, as havnt heard back yet.

Also lunch,dinner. Beer  and icecream . Sorted.

Once back I grabbed coffee.and ice . And back to relax.

Okay lunch first  then tv and relax. 

Oh and I have ordered my gloves. Whoop whoop and relax.

Mileage   

JUNE 27TH 

After several late night excursions to the loo I managed  to get a good  night’s sleep .

And was up and ready by 6.30.

It was a cool morning but as  I was in the vally  my fly was wet.

I headed out and at once began to climb and climb and climb  infact I spent all morning climbing until I  needed a break ..

I sat on  rock in the sun watching the mist or steam rise from the damp grass now being baked by the sun .

A hiker passed me and quickly was out of sight. I was about to resume but then needed to quickly  run into the forest

I have decided that I have contracted giardia  from dirty water .I have tablets and should have started taking them sooner but was hoping that  the other medicine would fix it.

I was was just about to hoist my pack when another hiker came through his name was silver and he was 72 wow. He has hiked this trail 3 times and is now on his fourth . He told me loads of interesting and useful stuff .

He headed off and I followed still climbing . We will very climbing all day. Such fun . Silver made the climbing look so easy .me puff puff puff stop.

At the next water stop I asked him how he made it look so simple.  He gave me a few tip on walking  and on breathing. All worth trying.

He headed off and I followed 

Eventually getting to the top of  the first summit over 12000 ft.

Silver took my photo and I his as it was such a great view.

A bit more climbing then it’s down snail.

Thank goodness I said  . We’ll actually i swore lol.

So I headed out amazed at the Vistas  all around  me.

At last I was at the top. And once again the views just breathtaking. 

Okay I think its down now  snail.

Silver headed off  following the meandering  line of the trail shortly followed by   myself.

But the trail appeared to be  heading in the opposite direction .

Oh F*uck I havnt finished  climbing as another large mountain appeared before me .

By now Silver was a fair way ahead . I was struggling a bit. I’m guessing  with bacterial infection that  I was suffering from I was suffering from lack of energy.

Several  Ct hikers came through so I asked them about snow. 

All is good they said.

In the distance was a large rock. Perfect for a lunch stop.

I  dropped my pack and silver joined me

I then got out my fly  to dry in the sun.

Great idea Snailtrainer  said Silver and did the same.

It was lovely to sit and relax in the sun for a few minutes.

Okay time to walk.i set off crossing several snow bungs before dropping down over the saddle. 

From now it should be all downhill  and only 6 miles to Copper mountain.

Easy peasy….lol

As I was beginning to decend  gourmet appeared passed me and zoomed off into the distance.

As I began to zig-zag  down  I came to an amazing lodge perched in the mountain . You can rent this place  and wow it looks amazing  probably  many shillings ££££$$$$$$

I pushed  on before noticing another hiker gaining on me from behind. I paused to let him buy only to find that it was Yader. 

Great to see you…catch you up trail  as he was awning to climb the big mountain. .

I was going to take the alternate. 

The trail crossed over the mountain giving great views down the vally before dropping down into the forest. The trail was switchbacked making the going easy. 

But I was still struggling with no energy even though  I was heading down. I needed to stop.

I sat down and took off my pack and lay down on the ground .

My breathing was mad so I lay there until I sounded normal lol.

God I feel rubbish but then I had been climbing since 6.30  and the Altitude kills me normally. 

Okay snail  a handful  of miles to go and it was only 2 pm

I got up sung on my pack and returned to the spiraling downward trail.

But I really wasn’t feeling it. Could  camp there. But I wasn’t carrying  any water. Okay next water and I load up and then the next flat spot  will be mine.

Typically it was a while before water. Okay  now somewhere to camp….The trail now followed the river and once again the beavers had been busy.

Oh there perfect,in the shadow of an old log cabin the perfect spot .

I dropped my pack . Then sat on a rock for a few minutes .

Just in front in some trees I noticed several.other hikers setting up camp.

As I sat  on my rock the clouds began to roll in.

Better throw my tent up quickly .

Okay  done now I can relax.

I had just finished setting up when a CT hiker appeared. Would you mind if I set up?

Not at all go for it.

As he set up I fired up.my stove and made a cuppa.woukd you mind if I cooked here?

No problem. It was actually nice to have some company and conversation  . 

As we were cooking one ofvthe ladies from the trees came over and said they were having happy hr and would you likevto join us for  tequila and lime.

So when we were done we joined them. It was two ladies and 1 husband.

I  enjoyed our drinks  but the weather wasn’t being kind and I was getting cold so I thanked them and left. 

Once back in my tent I had a quick tidy  then got into my bag as it was getting cold.

Actually just in time as the heavens opened  and whosh down came the rain.

Night all

Mileage  12

JUNE 26th

The alarm went off at 7am i silenced it. 

I dozed until 8 then looked at my phone and noticed I had a message from one of my sons,Sebastian 

Are you able to facetime ,he asked

So I did . It was good to see him his girlfriend Charlotte and of course my dog Taylor lol

We chatted for a while until I needed to go as I needed to check out and wanted  to grab a shower too.

The shower was soo good. Okay snail all this stuff on the floor has to go back into your pack.

I started then went to grab some coffee. I was shown how to make coffee yesterday.

Grind the beans then add to machine and hey presto

The owner caught be looking bewildered at it yesterday  and took me by the hand

..how old am I lol.

I sat down with my coffee and scoffed my last two remaining fruit jellies. The family began to emerge and then the big breakfast cook off began. 

It was so nice to see the 5 kids all mesmerised as bacon and fried eggs were cooked.

I asked the mum (I am crap at names) if she had a set if scales

And she appears with them 

Okay current weight is  170lb

Wow  that’s 48lb  I have lost but then I was overweight  to start.

I was fairly pleased with that.

Okay I finished packing and I was ready. I walked  back into the kitchen and just to be noisy got back on the scales.

So with shoes.fanny pack and my pack . Deduct my weight and my pack weighed 58lb. Wow that’s heavy but I have full food and 3 l of water .

By the time I was ready the family had all gone out. So I closed the door and headed down the street.

I was heading back towards safeways as that’s the road.when I arrived I crossed over and took up my stance.  Nothing….

Mmmm okay I will walk to the correct road as this one splits. 

Hope I get a ride before it starts raining as the skies were turning darker. 

Okay I crossed over and stood by the correct road. 

Nope nope nope nope

All of a sudden I heard Snailtrainer.that made me jump.

A car had cruised up behind me .

Snailtrainer the voice said again

How do you know my name I replied 

Because your famous the driver said.

I laughed

I noticed thst he had two oassengers inside either him

I’m just going to drop these two off in  lordsville  and if your still here I’ll take you to the pass.

As he said that then two  cars stopped for me.

How spooky was that!!

So great I’m.back at the pass and on trail. 

Again I thanked my driver  and headed back to the trail the rain began to spit  so I stopped and put on my rain gear

I had just finished when a couple coming the other way appeared.

And said its going to rain all day. 

Thank you so much I said 

I headed down the trail that was very well maintained  almost immaculate. 

I met several bikers and their  dogs and gave the customery how’s it going

I came to what looked like several large kilns . But without any signage I wouldn’t know their purpose. 

I pushed on I  the rain  shortly meeting 3 drenched girl hikers coming towards me.  But they all looked extremely happy.

I wasn’t looking for big mileage today 8 or 9 would be good.

I pushed on down the trail. It waa fairly kind with not many  biggish climbs..eventually I could see the main road again  I did debate about calling it a day. But it was far too  early . Before I could cross he road I had to cross the railway . My first I think on this trip. . Once across  there was a small climb.  And then the trail stayed fairly level.there were some remarks in guthooks  to take the forest road.  As there  was less climbing so I did. 

This then turned off and spat me out by Hale camp.

I had seen this on other hikers blogs and was fairly interested

It was a camp set up in the second world war to train elite  soldier’s  in artic warfare 

I walked along the long line of billets ? . Guessing  2 stayed in  these small rooms in bunks ?

Okay I think we have done enough for today and need to get the tent up  before the rain returns.

TOO LATE whoosh  and big claps of thunder. F*uck thst was bad timing I choose a dorm and sheltered inside. It may stop I said wishfully .

But it just got heavier and if you looked both ways it was just mist and cloud.

Bugger bugger. 

Okay I cleaned up the dorm the best I could as I may be sleeping here!!

Not my prefered option  but its too wet to hike on and the rain doesn’t look like stopping .So putting up my  tent in the rain is not what i want to do.

I got out my mat to be comfortable.  Then got out my stove and made hot chocolate 

Mmmm. Ohhh the rain its stopping.

I quickly packed up and we were out of here.

I pushed on up the trsil but was feeling a little cold and stiff.

Come on snail . We can at least do another hr .

I pushed in up the first road  getting passed by 3 trucks and their caravans. 

I kept on pushing and the rain kept  threatening. Okay it’s almost 5  now I need a spot

Just off trail was a large tree.Yes that will do I  can get my tent in there. It was fairly dry beneath the tree always helpful.

Once up I threw in my gear. Inflated my mattress and then got into my bag.

I was a little cold and needed some warmth

That’s my day 

Mileage  9.5

JUNE 24th

I slept really well last night.i packed up and just had my tea to drink before hitting the trail

Okay lets go..it was a cool overcast  morning  as I strolled off down the trail.

The lakes looked stunning in the early morning light.

Suddenly I didn’t feel well  I felt nauseous and dizzy .

And had to stop and sit down . I really didn’t feel well. I sat for 10 minutes and didn’t feel any better.

Could maybe lunch or a bad batch of water.

I am seldom unwell  and so I wasn’t sure what to do although it seemed unwise to head back into the wilderness.

I decided to hike back into town .

Once in town I visited the restroom for a while.

Brought a fresh  bottle of water and dumped all I was currently carrying.

Okay plan B  my next town was leadville so let’s see if I can get there. 

Ride one was quick,that dropped me off at the intersection. Then a nurse picked me up from there and dropped me off at the fire station at Leadville

Okay I set off for the  “the clouds in the sky hostel “.but when I arrived  it was fully booked.

They suggesest the Abbey.

So I rang them. Yes they had room and was just a block away 

On the way I passsed a train museum .the big diesel engine was just warming up,ready to take passengers on a tour.

Okay the Abbey,i checked in dumped my stuff and quickly had a shower. Once back in my room I lay on the bed  then promptly fell asleep . I  didn’t wake up until 8am the next day 

Maybe it was partly exhaustion  I had been on trail a few days with big climbs, but I still think food or water poisoning. 

I will get some meds today.

Mileage 6*

JUNE 23RD

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 . They both set off along the trail.

I finished my tea . Stowed my cup and I was also 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 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 decended. 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 thst 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 

Leadvile next.

Rain came to break up our chilled out day ,rain  jackets and pack covers quickly appeared.

Okay guys I’m heading out  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 im 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  from the other direction. Which was lucky.  As I had missed a turn and was on a side trail.

So at least I’m going in the right direction tomorrow. 

Milage  17

June 20th

I lay awake staring at the rain drops on my tent

My Alarm went off I silenced  it. 

It’s no good I need to move.i let out the air  from my mattress  then went and got more water.

As I emerged the other two hikers Pittsburg & Keebler  were also packing up.

Dropping  a wet tent is just as much fun as  putting one up.

It had rained through the night but luckily it had now stopped.

I put every thing I could inside my pack  before starting on the tent.

I unpegged it and released  the fly from the tent . I rolled it back before giving it a good shake then Drooped it over a tree.

I folded up my tent and put it in its  bag.i did the same with the footprint. Then I put my soaked fly into  dry bag and then into  the tent bag.o will try and dry it sometime today.

The two boy’s (Pittsburg  & Keebler) headed out. I just had my tea to finish  and I’d be after them ha ha.

Okay we are back in trail 6.45 a little late but hey Rain !!

The trail then crossed onto a dirt road and there was,a sign  saying  mystery House.  So when the trail dived back into the  woods I stayed on this track.

I began to climb  and then followed the trail. The morning was cool   but not cold except for my hands   yes I need better gloves.

I soon came upon two old dilapidated  wooden log cabins.  I looked inside one before moving on. Next came a newly built huge log cabin.

Wow I’d love a  place like this.

I carried on along the  road until it reached the Cdt trailhead.  I was just reading the board when Pittsburg arrived followed by Keebler.  HOW ……

I was surprised to be ahead .as I had spent a lot of time looking at the cabins. 

I set off after them . But the trail was up  so I couldnt match their pace.

I watched them disappear into the distance. 

I  was struggled as the trail crossed numerous  streams and bogs all while climbing

After reaching the top of one part I had to cross a wide section of scree. There were cairns  to  direct you but some of the big slabs moved when you stood on them.once crossed there were several snow bungs to cross over.

Finally I was at the top.okay what’s over the saddle

I reluctantly peered over. Thank goodness I was heading down.

The downs were switchbacked . But still incredibly  steep. 

Once down I pushed on down the trail. But it was slow going as I Once again I had so many streams to  cross. I guess I croosed  well over a dozen . Some were easy other were fast flowing and surrounded  by deep sticky mud.

Some of these streams flowed into the many lakes. That looked gorgeous  with the sun shining on them

I unpacked it and pegged it out in he sun. The wind and sun soon got the  job done as I  finished off some snacks  and  an apple that I had  packed out.

Okay I needed a break  and as it was sunny. It would be a good time to  dry my tents fly

I packed the fly away and continued down the trail.

On my map it mentions  ghost Town.

I thought that it may be interesting and as I am also a tourist  I thought yes let’s take a look. It was off trail but I could detour back when done.

Also I have food and a tent.

I turned right from the official  trail and headed down a dirt road.

Thst was labelled old cdt. 

I followed this winding road . Several jeeps came passed with children hangng out of  the windows  and laughing .

I pased by a sign for  Hancocks pass   and then headed to the Ghost town. Mmm nothing  here

That was disappointing.

Oh bummer. I turned around and began to follow the old train route back to the Cdt.

The good thing about this was the gradient.  Not so steep so it was  easy to walk along.except  there was so much water where large streams dumped their contents.

In some places you could still see the sleepers  or what was left of them.

As I walked on I met several families on their way back from  this trail.

Okay im hot .lunch break and time to remove a layer.

I found a suitable rock . Dropped my pack and ate lunch

After 20 minutes i was ready to go. I swung up my pack and was just adjusting it when Pittsburg  arrived.

NO you  cannot be behind me.!

shortly Keebler  appeared

 Snail how….

I explained Ghost town toursist .

Weall headed off together but Pittsburg is fast and hexwas soon why out in the distance. Keebler  then stopped to text his wife.

I pushed on up the old railway. In places the snow had blown over the trailing other places there had been rock slides. I tried to imagine  how the railway  coped with all this. I then came to a sign telling you about the railways and a competition  to design the best snow clearance device. Very  interesting  as I had seen these machines at the Charma  railway  museum. 

Eventually the railway became single trail again and with it snow. I was crosing a large snow Chute  when Keebler  appeared and found a better way to cross. 

Then I came to a huge snow Chute and halfway up was Keebler.  Omg I have to climb that!!

It actually waa easier than it looked and I was soon at the top.

Except  I wasn’t the trail climbed sharply to my right… Really  I said to myself and set off after the boys.once over the trail dipped into the valley before climbing out Once more. Great  I thought more climbs.

But I seemed to have plenty of energy today so powered up the second hill.

Over the saddle and below i could see Pittsburg & Keebler  taking a break. 

Just once more small climb snail then it’s all downhill.

We sat here for almost 30 minutes  before Keebler  got up to push on.closely followed by Pittsburg. 

I took up the rear. .yes yes once over the next saddle the trail did indeed head down.

As the tred  was good I was able to get some pace and sooon caught the to boys in deep thought. 

Look snail.

In front  of us you could plainly see the two routes  the Red the official zig zagged steeply up the mountain almost to the sky.

The other took a more sedentary  route up an Jeep track.

I had already decided on the alternate. 

Pittsburg & Keebler  moved off and once again I’m in pursuit lol.

As I approached a forest the trail became very manicured I crossed over a sturdy  bridge and into a forest. 

The trail was immaculate. The tred uncluttered and the sides of the trail pegged with  tree trunks.

Looks very smart and omg there were switchbacks .to be fair they were a little over kill  but I’m going down not up. Of course there were about a dozen blowdowns  to navigate over or around. 

It was at this point  I hit my hiking wall and my engine became a plod (limp mode) imploded down and down and down omg it was a long way down.

Eventually I exited out into sunshine and crossed  over  another bridge as I crossed I noticed a tent up to my left with what appeared to be  someone sleeping. Well that’s a bit early !!

I carried on town the trail in the lakes to my right I could see  a family fishhing.

I carried on okay this will do, I climbed up a small hill

Snail snail here….

Pittsburg &  Keebler had found the perfect spot. 

Their packs stood by their chosssen  spots. 

Is this space free I said pointing at the dirt.

All yours Snail.

I dropped my pack then went in search of water with Pittsburg. 

We quickly found then returned to our camp  to set up.

Once that was all done we all sat on a huge log and cooked dinner.

Both boys did double ramen.

Funny I’d  never think to do that. 

I peeled my orange that I packed out and offered  some to the boys before cooking my ramen (single portion) washed down with several cups of tea.

We would of sat chatting for longer but once again the Mossies  thought we should go to bed

Milage  17

JUNE 18th 

So great to have a lie in ,in a soft comfortable bed  

But even though its a zero I have chores. 

I got up and went to see what they provided for breakfast. 

I grabbed a coffee  and  then got scrambled egg.sausage and hash browns. The breakfast was tasty so I had more washed down with orange juice. And to finish off toasted bagel with jam.

Okay to the postoffice. 

It seems recently that  what ever end you stay at  in town,it is great for somethings but not for others.

Typically  every thing in Salida  is downtown  over a mile away .

But it’s a lovely  day as I set off in search of the Post office.and its a carnival weekend  so there is a buzz  in the air.

I walk past about a dozen floats and people in costumes.

Eventually I find the post office  and yes both pairs of shoes are here. (Thank god !) I bounce 1 pair and take the others with me.

I watch the rest of the procession  then do some window shopping.

There’s a great outfitter so i have a wander ,there’s a few items I quite like but the price is too high.

But they have sterilising tablets  which I’ve been looking for for my water bladder.so result.

Just around the corner there is street dancing. So I visit the bar opposite  and enjoy a few pints and a reubens (sandwich)

Have to say I’ve tried a few and this is the best so far.

Okay time to head back  . As I wander back I’m pleasantly  surprised at all the houses all different shapes and sizes  and all unique . 

Once back  I try and track down my missing packages. But ideally  it’s best done on a pc not a phone. Sadly it’s just not user friendly.okay next town then.

Okay it’s a zero. So relax  crap tv  a couple of beers and chips 

In-between I slowly packed up  

Back to the trail tomorrow.fingers crossed with the weather as  its looking like rain 

And fingers crossed for a ride.

Mileage   Zero

June 17th

I was up and packed up most of my gear whilst still in my tent.

Great practice for a wet morning !

When I finally emerged the sun was just beginning  to rise and no sign of any  mossies yet.

I finished packing drank my  hot chocolate  and I was ready.

I was on trail by 6am  and today I am  heading to town or hopefully I am.

I started the climb that I didnt 

want to do yesterday.it looked worse last night. But it was a fairly easy one. A little way up I passed through a gate and over a stream .much better than the water I grabbed last night. 

The trail  followed the contours  of the hill before opening out into the forest,but the trail was a mess due to dirt bikes cutting huge ruts into the dirt that then fill with water and become a complete bog. 

I manoureed  my way around the best I could trying to avoid the mud .At last I exited out ofvthe forest onto rock, but it was slippery gravel and the next minute  I was lying on my back.

I’m okay  so scramble up and continue.  In the distance the trail appears to  wind  downwards  below me . It wod be easy to short cut down.but  I’m not sure if it’s “My trail”!… so I continue on and luckily  its a different trail  s the CDT  takes a sharp left. Just as I turn I notice a tent to my left.

And smile to myself.

The morning is waking up and ahead I see a deer standing  in the middle of the trail .I stop and call out “Good morning Deer” to my surprise a second one appears then a third. I watch them force few minutes  before moving on sendingbthem bouncing through the woods.

In front is now a sign  telling motorised vehicles  to now take a different route. YES!! The trail now returns to a lovely path and I can walk normally, but it’s getting warm and I’m over heating .so as soon as a suitable stop  appears I drop my pack to take off a layer.

It was then I noticed  that when I fell over my ice axe pireced one of my water bottles (the full,one)

Oh well I can get a replacement in town.

I headed off down the trail  I was then surprised to see a lady on a bike cycling towards me  I was more impressed as she was cycling up a very steep hill so I thought maybe it was electric  .but no she was peddling.  We greeted each other as we carried on our journeys .

The trail now skirted around another hill  but in the distance I thought I could make out a road.

Eventually I arrived at the trail head. I checked my app to make sure I was heading the right way.

Yes its goes through the  park(Trailhead)

As I walking along road a car appears and stops. It took adies who are day hiking part of the Colorado trail (CT).we chat for quite a while  before  I head off. Atbthe bottom ofvhevoark is a toilet so it would be rude not to use.

Okay back on trail and on another jeep track that typically climb  steeply, unlike me.  A little way up is  piped spring  so I stop to get water. As I’m filling up the two ladies  I spoke to earlier appear

I will catch you  later I say and laugh.

The jeep track now turns into a a single hiking path and levels out,thank god.

I’m then startled by a huge dog followed by 5 blokes and two other dogs they are out for six days and are all very chatty. I wish them well and push on .

The trail then crossed a large scree and sat in the middle enjoying the amaxing views were the two ladies.  I was just  taking a photo when Mountain-goat appeared.  It was good to see him as he was a little poorly  when I last saw him at Lake City.

As we both walked past the ladies they offered us half an orange each.

Mmmm that tasted so good.

I walked with mountain goat for a few miles  before i gave up on his pace. ONLY 10 MILES Snail…

Wow really.  But we were now heading up and it was a steep.climb.. Mountain  goat  was already half way up.omg that’s steep

I tooka big breath and began climbing.once up invoiced two more big climbs in the distance 

Really I said  to myself..Fuck.

I could see my fellow hiker in the distance..

Actually the  climbs were not as bad as they looked and I had soon completed both .

I stopped to stare at a signpost 5 miles to to monarch pass

I pushed  on,on  a meandering path that vanished into the distance. I must have zoned out as the next minute i was startled by a big dog,who.i also  startled he belonged to two cyclists. We all appogised  to each other.

Then the lead cyclist said three more behind.  

Thank-you  I said and walked on.

It wasnt long until I was passed by the other cyclists. 

As I came over the brew of a hill,sat by a snow bump  was mountain goat . He was making good himself a slushy  with snow.

We set offagain together but as it was now downhill untill the pass I was able to natch his pace

He was very chatty. Told me  off for saying “Fuck ” alot . Told me about God and his theories  about the state of the US.

Well these conversations  took my mind ofvthe hiking and we were soon cruising into the pass.

There is a cable car that takes tourist’s up the mountain.we walked under it snd too the store. 

We dropped our packs,I grabbed a gayor aide and a bottle if lemonade that i had been craving for a while.  I then ordered some  chillie nachos,  they were so tasty We were joined by another hiker but I forgot his name.

He recommended a hotel. Seemed had got a great deal. 

Okay i need to try and hitch into town. But as I walked to the door it began to poureith rain.

Okay I’ll wait a while.

Wow amazing in 10 minutes the storm had passed and the sun was back out.

I said good bye to my freinds  and headed back by the road. 

10 minutes and I had a ride.he was a surveyor  who worked on the roads. 

He dropped me off  at the hotel.

I walked in they had vacancies. 

But when she quoted me $480 I almost died  (festival weekend)

I did some grovelling and negotiating  and $120 a night Inc breakfast.  Yes please 

I  have a lovely room  untill I exploded my pack.  

Shower first…oh that’s better I’m clean.then I headed up to walmart.  I didn’t need much but still.managed to spend a lot.  Abd carrying  it back to the hotel was heavy, luckily a group.of great guys stopped and gave me a ride back

Thank-you so.much guys.

I decanted most  of the food.ice cream in the freezer. Beer fridge.

( important items) Next was laundry.  Okay  now to chill

Oh and update videos and Blog

Milage  16 and change 

June 16th

I slept  so well nice spot but in the morning it was bloody freezing.

So I switched off the early alarms and finally emerged at 7am shocking lol.

It was a quick pack up as the bloody mossies  seem to love me

The morning trail was so nice and easy I was annoyed  that I didn’t go on  but I was exhausted..but being where I was I had cell service so could get my phone sorted. 

The morning forest  was really airey  and cool in the morning sunlight. I saw my first squirrel. Funny I thought I would have seen more but its another animal to tick off my list.  A little further  I came across  mother and Daughter hiking they were just doing a small section of the CDT.

I wished them well and we went our different ways. 

The next water was in 7.6 miles  so thst was my morning target except about an hour in  watch died.  So after the next climb I stopped took off a layer and plugged my watch into my battery pack. OK  now  we can get that water. The trail was fairly  littered with rock  but i felt I had good pace.i was in forest for mostbof the morning then dropped down into a lovely meadow.this meandered for a while before  heading into another forest.  I was on another forest road that  suddenly began to climb and climb quite steeply .I soon needed another break. I needed a log, there perfect. I dropped  my pack . Next to me on the log was a pair of abandoned  glasses. Mmm better than mine.

I chomped on a snickers and glugged  some water. 

Okay trail…but this road climbed  even more steeply.  Come on snail you got this.at last it evened out and I could make more pace.

The trail headed down and then across  several meadows.  As I walked down the trail I could hear the sound of water. Great . I stopped and filled two bottles then looked for somewhere to have lunch.

I big fir tree with lots of shade. 

I dropped my pack and filtered my water then had lunch.

Spam packet, trail mix. Jelly worms and apricots yummy. 

Okay milage I had done 8. Could  I squeeze in another 8 this afternoon.. but there was a huge climb at the end ..  oh well let’s go.

The trail was very easy  few ups and downs but good to walk on 

Then I heard a weird noise I stopped and behind me came two dirt bikes. Wow.  Don’t know why but I found this really  amusing.  Bastards didn’t offer me a lift lol..

I pushed on and in several hrs came to another stream ,I decided to water up  in case I didn’t make my destination.

I hadn’t gone much further when the climbing started. It wasnt that steep asi new what was coming it was about a 1000ft climb but you  normally  climb a bit go down a lot climb some more etc etc.

At last I gotvto the big climb and to  make it more fun the mossies  returned. I don’t know whatvthey like about me but then desended on me in clouds. Every time I stopped to get breath they attacked  FUCKERS….they  are not supposed to be out yet so I am not carrying any spray.

The climb was really steep and long and trying to swat these bastards away  is a nightmare. Several times I stopped and let them land so I could splat them but it was just a pain.

At last I was out of the forest  and with a bit of a breeze they vanished. I began to head down  and was looking forward to a nice camp site..

..but omg  no. They trail dipped then climbed straight ip another mountain.  FUCK no I’m not doing that tonight.. as I said this the mossies returned on mass.

I quickly scouted for a tent spot.

Perfect.  It was up in record time 

I threw I  my pack zipped ip the tent and I was done.

I ended up cooking on my tent. Not something I like to do

But I have room

So beef stew tonight and now bed.

Mileage  17 whoop