Waymaker on the Colorado Trail - Day 21 - 26

 

Wednesday August 13 - Monday August 18

Mile 356.2 - Segments 17 - 21

Isaiah 41 - 52

Six trail days with virtually no cell coverage, so I have been unable to update this blog.  I have been in constant contact with Carolyn through satellite text, and she’s kept me updated on all of the prayers and inquiries from my church family and circle of friends.  I appreciate all of the support.  My knees and feet are starting to show the wear and tear that this rugged terrain entails, so your prayers are appreciated.

I’m writing this from Lake City (Colorado not Florida), where I’m making my first resupply (and shower and laundry) in 8 days.  Thanks to skipping my “zero” day in Salida, I’m still on schedule, although this next week could be problematic.  This past week has been filled with all kinds of tough climbs, perilous descents, unbelievable views, and interesting people.  One night, it rained and then the temperature dropped below freezing.  I woke to a frozen tent.  I had to pack it up full of ice and then stop later in the day to dry it out.  Most nights have been in the mid 30s but that night dropped lower.  Fortunately I have the right gear for the conditions and have slept comfortably.  Getting up in 30 degree weather is a different story.

For the past week I have been traveling through designated wilderness zones, with no roads except for forest service dirt tracks.  I’ve gone from first and pines to aspens and back again.  A lot of people out here hiking, but for the life of me, I don’t know where they are originating, as only a few have been thru hikers.  Last Thursday I was treated to trail magic by a former thru hiker and enjoyed soda, oranges, brownies and more.  

The other day I ran into an unusual sight, a pack train of alpacas.  If I’d known I could get a pack train to carry my gear, I might have signed on.  I’ve travelled through rock slide, alpine meadows, stark ridges, and colorful formations.  I’ve encountered 3 moose (from a distance), dozens of deer every day, cows, horses, marmots, beavers, and lots of skittering critters.

The next section I’m hiking starting tomorrow, includes the San Juan mountains, some of the most remote and rugged mountains yet.  As a result, it’s unlikely that I’ll have a signal and be able to post again until I get to Silverton in 5 days or so.  I’ll update again then.

In the meantime, here are some pictures from the past week.

Until next time…

























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