Waymaker on the Colorado Trail

  Thursday July 31, 2025 Isaiah 15 - 16 Mile 102.4 - End of segment 6 Another noteworthy day.  I started out very early, with the coldest weather yet.  My morning included one long climb, but mostly level or downhill grades.  I cruised along all morning, eventually passing a trail made sign indicating 100 miles completed.  My first milestone of the day.  It was a gorgeous morning, with beautiful weather, sublime views, and crossing paths again with several hikers I had met over the past several days.  Late in the afternoon, with only a few downhill miles to go, it started to cloud up suddenly and get windy.  As the rain started to fall, I pulled out my sun (now rain) umbrella and prepared to fight the wind and rain the rest of the way.  Suddenly, my umbrella started to sound like I was popping popcorn on the top of it. In front of me was pea sized hail, dropping from the sky and shattering in tiny explosions at my feet.  As it was my fir...

 Wednesday July 30, 2025 Mile 85.6 - Segment 6 Isaiah 13 - 14 What a great day!  I’m finally getting my trail legs and can make it up the side of a mountain (still slowly) but without gasping for breath as I go.  A lot of climbing today, but I was still able to reach the milestone of topping 11,000 feet for the first time. Me with my two poles leaning against a tree signifies the 11,000 foot feat.  I also crossed onto the junction of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), which shares the Colorado trail for over 100 miles. From there, it was all downhill for a couple of miles to where I ended up camping.  A huge storm came up just as I hit my camp spot, but I got my tent up quickly and avoided the slashing rain in the dry comfort of my cozy abode.  It’s supposed to be around 40 tonight but my 10 degree sleeping bag can handle it with ease. Tomorrow I have a long day, as I head into Breckenridge for my first hostel stay of the trip.  I’ll be at the Bunkhou...

Tuesday July 29, 2025 Mile 70.6 Kenosha Pass - end of Section 5 Isaiah 11 - 12 Short day today as I headed into Kenosha Pass by 11:30 to meet back up with Micah.  Having a support system for this first part of the hike has truly been a blessing.  My day started early as usual, with moderate weather (50’s in the morning and mid 70s by the afternoon).  Quite a scenic day compared the last few, and I’m told that this area pales in comparison to what’s to come. A few of the high points: someone had assembled a bunch of stones into spelling out “Durango”  with an arrow, just in case a hiker was unsure of where they were heading; my first glimpse of snow topped peaks, which I’ll be climbing through for the first time in several more days; and meeting four other thru hikers while sitting around at Kenosha enjoying soda and fruit at a trail magic set up in the parking area.  They had all also hiked the Appalachian Trail a few years ago, so we swapped hiking stories. Mic...

Monday, July 28, 2025 Mile 63.7 - segments 4 - 5 Isaiah 9-10 Today was a much easier day, consisting of mostly downhill slopes (my favorite kind), and more moderate weather.  I started early and covered 14 miles, more in line with what I’m shooting for.  The day started out great, with spotting a large moose within 10 minutes of heading out.  I was so amazed that I called out “cool” as I reached for my phone for a photo.  He immediately turned tail and headed back into the woods,, so I missed my shot. Regardless, it was a cooler day without so many climbs, so I cruised most of the day.  I still have to stop regularly to catch my breath and rest my legs, but I can tell each day that I’m doing better. Tomorrow will be a short day of about 7 miles, as Micah is picking me up at Kenosha Pass at lunch time.  We’ll head back up to his place where I can get my first shower and laundry done in 6 days.  Really looking forward to that.  He’ll take me back to...

Sunday, July 27, 2025 Mile 49.7 - Segment 4 Isaiah 7-8 Today was a slow slog, my toughest day yet.  Although the scenery was beautiful, the weather was in the 90s through the middle of the day and the climb continuous.  I was only able to make 10 miles today.  A lot of it was in the open, so I’m glad I decided to take my sun umbrella. I’m falling behind my plan but should be able to make up the miles as I get farther down the trail.  I admit that the altitude adjustment has taken longer than I had anticipated and frequent rest stops are necessary.  That said, I’ve met a lot of interesting people on the trail, including several that have also hiked the Appalachian Trail.  We shared stories of our exploits on the AT.  It’s a very friendly and diverse group out here. Tomorrow is mostly downhill, so I hope to make more miles than today. Until next time…

   Saturday July 26, 2025 Finished segments 2 & 3 Isaiah 5-6 I got an early start today and made it to the fire station (the only source of water for miles) by 8 am. Easy going the rest of the morning, with few climbs.  After a stop at a trail head for some “trail magic” (food and drinks supplied by former thru hikers), I was picked up by Micah and went into Bailey for a gourmet burger for lunch.  After lunch, he dropped me off and I hiked several more hours. Tomorrow is another big climb, so I’ll be starting early.  Met several interesting folks today including Great Dane, a student from Denmark who’s doing 20+ mile days to finish in 3 weeks.  He was filling up at the fire station after completing the distance in one day that I had covered in two.  I won’t see him again.   Turning in now. Until next time…