Colorado Trail - Day 20

August 31, 2017
Camped at 375.9 (18.5) 11,985'

I didn't sleep well last night. My plan was to take a noon shuttle back to the trail but Nathan offered to drive Eric and I there and he would do a hike too.

When we got to the trailhead, Sam & Alex were there trying to hitch into Lake City. It was fun to see them and catch up.

Eric and I were on trail at 11:30. A few miles in and we saw Madeline & Joshua. It was nice to see them again too. They are such a nice couple; Joshua was cooking some food and offered me some.

After about nine miles, we stopped at a spring for water right when it started raining hard. We put on our rain gear and got water in a hurry.

The day went really well. We reached the CT high point and enjoyed hiking with each other.

There were two tents near where we camped. I wondered if Mike and Kathy were in one of them.

We got everything set up and had dinner. It was really nice to have company.

Eric, "This is Why We're Here!"

Lake City's Lake

Where's the Pot of Gold?

Snow Mesa Lit Up (Where I Last Camped)

Colorado Trail High Point - 13,271'

Almost to Camp

Colorado Trail - Day 19

August 30, 2017
Finished at 357.4 (5.5) 10,908

It frosted last night and the tarp was covered in frost this morning. I took my time getting up since I didn't have far to go. I was on trail around eight.

I really enjoyed the walk across Snow Mesa. On the descent to Spring Creek Pass, I met a hiker going up. We had a nice chat.

At the pass were two hikers, Mike and Kathy. We talked for quite awhile while I tried to hitch. They are a retired couple and hope to hike the AT next year. Eventually they continued their CT hike and figured I'd see them up the trail.

It took a bit, but I got a hitch to Lake City from three people that are long distance hikers. They had to move some things around to fit me in. It was a great ride and they dropped me off at the hostel, Raven's Rest.

Lucky, the owner of the hostel was out of town so nobody was around when I arrived. I dried my tarp and did some stuff at the hostel waiting for someone. Eventually I had lunch and resupplied. Still, nobody was there. I saw a sign that said to call Lucky, so I did. After all that I mostly just hung out.

Another hiker, Eric, came in. He showed up when I was out at lunch or resupplying, then went and did laundry. We went to dinner and met four more hikers. Erin and Savannah who are hiking the CT with FIVE dogs, and Mick and Echo a father daughter. Dinner was a kick.

Another guy, Nathan, is staying at the hostel too. He hiked the CT last year.

From Camp Looking to Where I Dropped Onto Snow Mesa

From Camp Looking to Pond on Snow Mesa

The End of Snow Mesa, Time to Descend

Dead Trees and Carcass

Colorado Trail - Day 18

August 29, 2017
Camped 351.9 (20.2) 12,313'

While I was breaking camp, the two CT hikers I returned the lantern to went by. I did make it out of camp a bit earlier at 7:05.

The start was really lush. I went by one pond and there was a bull moose in it. It was fairly close too. I really enjoyed that.

Not long afterwards, the two hikers had stopped for breakfast so I stopped and talked to them and had some food too. They are Peter and Brittany, from Alaska.

As I was going up, a couple was coming down. They had been out for a few days and were heading to the trailhead.

Not long after, a woman was heading down the trail. We said our good mornings, but she didn't stop. I'm almost certain she was Heather "Anish" Anderson, going for the CT unsupported fastest known time (FKT). I didn't think to ask if it was her before it was too late, I would have loved to get a picture with her. She set the self supported FKT on the Arizona Trail last fall and my daughter and I attended a talk she gave on that.

Today was tough, the climbs really wiped me out and they kept coming. The first big climb ended at a saddle below San Luis Peak, the most convenient 14er to access from the CT. This would have been a good 14er to climb but I didn't even think of it before hand. Not long after passing over the summit a hiker that climbed the peak crossed by while I was getting water. We chatted for a bit. A bit later, I met a couple hiking up to San Luis Peak. They were older than I and they talked to me for a few minutes too. Everyone seems interested in us thru-hikers.

After reaching San Luis Pass I had another climb and realized I was short on water. I didn't realize there would be no water for awhile. I was getting pretty tired too so that made being short on water even worse. It really wasn't too far to water, it's just that there was a steep climb and I was thirsty. Who wants to carry water uphill anyway?

On the last climb I met a couple, Madeline and Joshua. They seem to be modern day hippies. They were really nice and Madeline took my picture with the view. Their gear is just whatever they pulled together, a duffle bag and other bags they're throwing over their shoulders. I wish them well.

I'm camping on Snow Mesa, above 12k. It's windy out and rained for a bit. I think it's going to be a cold night.

Moose

San Luis Peak

Thanks Madeline

Looking Towards Snow Mesa

Colorado Trail - Day 17

August 28, 2017
Camped 331.7 (26.5) 10,390'

Last night was the warmest on the trail so far. I slept good but still took my time getting going. Once started I made it out of camp fairly quickly and was on trail at 7:20.

Most of the day was on roads and the terrain was fairly level so I made good time. I crossed a lot of range land too so I spotted a couple hikers way ahead of me. I eventually caught them, a husband and wife section hiking the CT.

I saw a nobo CT hiker. A lady with a Golden Retriever. We chatted for a minute. She said there were two sobos not far ahead of me. She saw them where we need to ford Cochetopa Creek.

Water was more plentiful than yesterday so that was nice. I stopped for dinner at a good stream a bit before five. Cows were heading my way so I yelled at them.

A bit after dinner, I found a collapsible lantern on the trail. Then, not far from where I'm camped, the two hikers were setting up their camp. I asked if they lost a lantern. Yep, they were happy to have it back. They set up their camp on open grass above the creek, I found a nice spot on a rock outcrop under a tree. I bet they get wet and I think I'll stay dry.

Talking to my Camera at Camp