Day 113 - Low elevation Day

October 8th

17 Miles

Base of Saddle

After sleeping off the horrible pain of my toes and chaffing, the morning went pretty smoothly. The tent had little condensation and we were out hiking by 8:30. The morning was spent along a small creek in a valley surrounded by peak fall colored aspens and evergreens above them on the hillsides. 

As we trudged along we picked up a dirt jeep trail and pretty much followed different jeep paths from that point on. Water was here and there like most days so we took lunch by a water source. As we got past lunch the environment became drier and sagebrush was dominant once again in this lower desert landscape at a 'low' elevation of 9400. We climbed back up a bit with the open countryside to our right and aspens to our left.

After our gradual climb back up to ten thousand feet, we descended back down to our second and final water of the night where we tanked up and moseyed our way to treeline to find a spot to set up for the night.

Day 112 - Average Fall Day

October 7th

19 Miles

Near Hwy 114

This morning wasn't as super cold as it has been recently. Trucking through the morning was easier when we reached the sun and everything defrosted a bit.

Lunch was quick and the afternoon started to drag on when the pain started to kick in. My toes recently, well more specifically the ingrown toenail parts on my big toes have really been hurting towards the end of the day. My guess is all the water weight has weighed down my pack putting more pressure on my feet paired with my super old shoes that I've had since Montana. When we reached Highway 114 I was done physically my feet were killing me but we pushed on a bit further and found an interesting spot up on a hill in the trees on a slight slope. Hopefully my feet heal up a bit because they can't get worse pain-wise then this evening.

Day 111 - Coldest Night Yet

October 6th

15 Miles

Below Sargent Peak

This morning and past night was by far hands down the coldest it has been on trail. I woke up to the tent covered in frost, the bug netting covered in frost, and the non wet portion of my sleeping bag frosted. Chunks of ice floated in my water bottles and my socks were stuck in the potion I left then in last night. It took a bunch of effort to get up this morning. When I had the motivation to, I went to put on my shoes and couldn't! They were frozen solid and tight so my feet wouldn't fit in them. I slammed them in and after about a half hour of hiking they defrosted.

The majority of the morning was spent in the trees and snow as we hustled along up and down little hills. The view of afar was smaller mountains for once instead of larger mountains in the near future:

As we climbed again the trail got rockier but it wasn't anything to bad and we came along ridge cliff and followed that for a while giving way to views on the other side of the divide:

Lunch was low and in the sun which meant we were able to dry off our sleeping bags and I rolled out the tent, scooped out chunks of frosty snow and let that dry as well. This creek, which we followed for the next two miles, is the last water for twelve miles so we tanked up slightly up the hill and drudged our way up to the top of Sargent's Peak which was a gradual climb but tiresome with all the water weight nonetheless. Another quick two miles down put us at a saddle and 11,100ft which is the lowest spot we can find to camp for the night. We're nestled in trees so hopefully it will be a tad warmer then last night.

Day 105 - OCTOBER

October 1st

13.8 Miles

Mirror Lake Campground

This morning was freezing...literally. The tent was frozen with condensation and it took a while to get going. The beginning of the morning was a river crossing (which both of our feet stayed dry!) and then bushwhacking through willow to the trail. Unfortunately our feet got wet and really cold during that. The trail itself was nice and graded and wide today and sporadically covered in snow and ice in the shaded spots. It was a uphill kind of day and slow going. The morning and early afternoon were spent in the trees and when we broke out into exposed area of was actually kind of warm! The trail turned into ATV track and we followed up the hill where we startled  this guy:

Luckily he was busy munching and not charging us. The hills continued to exposed beautiful views:

This afternoon was another great day and we spent the rest following ATV track down to the lake you see above you to camp for the night. We ended a bit early to camp a little lower and have a pass in the morning and more jeep road walking to do in the afternoon. We'll be able to pick more miles up tomorrow, assuming we get up early enough.

Day 104 - Holy Pass

September 30

16.8 Miles

Along Texas Creek

Oh the feeling of the cold cold night how I didn't miss you at all. The comfort of slack packing and sleeping indoors is over and we awoke a little later than usual but got out of camp around 8:20. It was brisk and after a mile sections of snow/ice appeared on trail. It continued on as we headed towards the pass without a name. We could see it from a distance and it was completely covered in snow. The anticipation of suckiness dwelled upon us as we kept going higher and snowier. When we broke from treeline, it was all white an we followed footprints on trail up around Alice Lake (which was shaped like the letter A). The snow got way deeper and the postholing began. 

When we finally arrived at the base of the pass and switchbacks fatigue had already set in. The switchbacks were more difficult to see up close so we started climbing and making our own footholes, switchbacking every so often. Getting towards the top of the pass is where it got dangerous...the switchbacks were along shallow wet snow and loose rock which seemed not an option so we decided that small switchbacks up would be the best bet. Wrong. The snow was shallow and wet and the slope was steep as well and there was nothing to grab or keep great footing. We decided to hand and foot up to where it evened out which was a bit sketchy but we made it. The view from the top was spectacular but even more wonderful was the lack of snow on the other side of the pass. The other side is steeper and had there been snow like the northern side, I would have turned around.

Going down there were patches of wet slush on steep ass slopes which made it a bit cautious. Spins' feet were numb and hurting so we stopped a mile or so down to warm them up and get feeling back to them. Trudging generally downward with occasional ups through mud, snow, ice, slush, and dirt was the next ten or so miles before we hit the valley floor exhausted from the morning climb. We followed a dirt track along Texas Creek and there was a perfect campsite which we plopped down at thankful for not dying on the pass. Ice axes wouldn't have really helped in the light slushy snow either but all in all its another day on the CDT. October is tomorrow and we're trying to get to sunny NM as quick as possible.

Day 103 - Hope Pass

September 29th

14.5 Miles

Near Granite Mountain

Today Spins and I slack packed around seven or eight miles up over and down Hope Pass from Twin Lakes with Molasses, DC, Emily, Natalie, and her dog Beau. We got up and organized a bit past eight and drove the drop off car over at the Sheep Gulch trailhead and then headed over back to Twin Lakes. We parked by 82 where I left off yesterday and mosey over to the Willis Gulch trailhead area instead of following the ridiculously illogical CDT which went around the other side of the lake adding countless unnecessary miles.

It was brisk and a little cold this morning but nowhere near as freezing as yesterday morning. A few miles in we started going up towards the pass and after a mile or so took a break. There was small patches of snow but nothing terrible and we continued further along until reaching treeline where there was beautiful views of Leadville and the range behind it:

We continued up and hit patches of snow that weren't terribly deep and got closer and closer to the pass. 

When we reached the pass the wind was ripping at us so violently. It made the nice fall weather turn cold and uncomfortable quite fast. We snapped some shots and Spins and I took off down to a wind break.

We made it down a mile or so before finding some small trees to hide behind and have a snack at. Continuing down was an array of beautiful snow capped mountains and multicolored aspen leaves:

Then we made it far enough downtown walk the light the golden aspen groves:

When we reached the trailhead, we both collected the rest of our gear and said our goodbyes and a huge thank you to Molasses and everyone else for helping slack pack us and hike with us for the day. We continued along a dirt road for the next six or so miles passing an old abandoned mining town and found camping at the end of the dirt road with this as our view for the night:

Day 102 - The Beautiful Aspens

September 28th

20.1 Miles

Twin Lakes

Today was day two of slack packing from Leadville and over the night the mountains received a blanket of snow as well as and inch and a half at Molasses place in town. Molasses' car was caked in ice and snow this morning and Arriving at the trailhead it was around twenty degrees. I put on my gloves and headphones and started truckin to get some warmth. The beginning of the day was uphill with a fresh inch and a half of snow covering everything which made it beautiful out. The uphill took my breath away rather quickly with the cold temperatures but ended after a couple miles. I was the only tracks on the trail until then but then followed small cat prints most likely lynx or mountain lion. They merged with black bear track right before Mt. Massive's peak trail and then plenty of hiking footprints were in the snow.

Around past Mt. Massive the snow became more scarce and patchy and gave way to no snow as day hikers past by and I approached the parking trailhead. In between the Mt. Massive trailhead and Twin Lakes was a beautiful assortment of aspen trees. Golden groves as well as hills with transitioning colors as you gained elevation. It was beautiful and stunning.

Making my way down to Twin Lakes gave way to the view of the mountains ahead and I cruised my way to highway 82 where Molasses picked me up and took me back to Leadville. We hung out with DC who also hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2011, his girlfriend Emily, and their friend Natalie for the night. I'm liking this slack packing thing, its a shame I can't get used to it.

Day 101 - Slackin' in the Snow

September 27th

13.2 Miles

Turquoise Lake

Spins and I woke up to Molasses making a fantastic huge portion of food for breakfast which was quite a treat. Outside it was grey and cloudy, not necessarily the ideal conditions for hiking. Over breakfast, we worked out a slack pack for the day from the pass to Turquoise Lake. We emptied our packs minus warm things and some food and hit the trail around noon in a cloud with flurries raining down. We busted out the rain pants, rain jacket, gloves, and umbrella and took off. The trail was graded and quite pretty in the snow falling down but quite cold. It was uphill all morning for pretty much the first eight miles and as we came up to 11,700' there was snow on the ground as well as the mountains in the distance.

We hustled downward to lower elevations and warmerish conditions. About two miles from the trailhead we ran into Molasses heading up to check out the lakes. Continuing down we hit the trailhead to strong winds and snow but got to enjoy the fantastic comfort of a heated car heading towards a heated house and bed. Ahhh slack packing is wonderful. We made big Greek salads and tomato, basil, mozzarella sandwiches for dinner and went to bed hoping the snow would stop soon.

Day 100 - Pushing to Leadville

September 26th

18.5 Miles

Leadville

It was brisk this morning but we got to it knowing that we could make it to Leadville where another friend of ours from the AT, Molasses lives. We spent the morning heading up crunching on frost and ice. The crunching turned to snow quickly as we headed up to the first pass of the morning. In between this pass and Kokomo Pass lie plenty of snow to wade through which made conditions tiring.

Moving towards Kokomo, I had a certain song stuck in my head keeping the freezing cold conditions from getting to me. We were heading where we want to go...up to Kokomo. Except there was no Bermuda, Bahamas, no pretty mamas. It was just more snow and a big downhill to Tennessee Pass and Leadville.

As we got lower, the snow faded and the aspens were out in all their fall colored glory:

We made it past where the 10th Mountain division trained for WWII in the valley and past their bunkers. It was a neat slice of history of the area. We got a ride into town quickly from a Hispanic man who spoke little English in a bright yellow VW bug listening to today's pop hits. It was entertaining. We later met up with Molasses and caught up and hung around his place for the night.

 

Day 99 - Through Towns and Back up in the Mountains

September 25th

19.4 Miles

Up and Around Copper Mountain

Honey dropped us off at a 7-11 in Silverthorne right by the bike path which kept us low and out of elevation and snow for the morning and we said our thank yous and goodbyes from a wonderful time at the farm. 

The bike path went for 13-15 Miles through Silvertorne, Frisco and ended at Copper Mountain. We cruised along it looking up at snow capped mountains and changing aspens. We made our way through Frisco and had brunch at a tasty natural food store/deli. The walk from Frisco to Copper Mountain was along 70 but we then entered the mega-center of Copper Mountain. It was a ski town with all the amenities you could want..and it was all closed because its not ski season. The potential for lunch options was quickly forgotten and we jumped back onto the Colorado Trail/CDT and worked out way back up. There was patches of snow and it was quite chilly when the sun set at our nice flat campsite nestled in a valley.

Day 97 & 98 - Relaxing at the Farm

September 23rd & 24th

Zero Miles

The Farm

We made it to Longmont the previous night and were set up in the barn to sleep. The farm has chickens, goats, horses, ducks, veggies, and dogs. It was a fantastic place to unwind. Longmont was part of and near some of the flooding devastation in Colorado but luckily there farm was spared from damage. We caught a movie and within the mall was a disaster relief center and it really struck a chord on how many people have been displaced because of the floods. While at the farm two ducks hatched which was exciting and the morning of the 25th we were shuttled back to the trail where a ton of fresh snow had fallen along the Grey Torrey's route at 14000 ft. We decided to take the Ley route to Leadville instead which involved and awesome bike path walk.

Day 96 - Snow Day

September 22nd

10.1 Miles

Milk and Honey's Farm

We got up early and headed up to Jones Pass and continued along the spine of the divide all the way up to 13,200ft! The clouds had rolled in and as we left the pass it began sleeting small ice balls. Better than rain in my opinion. We moseyed on further upward along the spine of the divide and the clouds had started producing snow. Along the highest section, it was a strait down drop a thousand feet or so of exposed rockiness. It was a little wet but not frizen so we got that done asap before it had the option to change its mind. 

Heading down the valley, the snow turned to rain. We were cruising to get to the road so we could be whisked away to comfort. Even with the weather, as we got within three miles of the road there were plenty of day hikers roughing it through the rain up to a scenic lake. As we got close the clouds broke and we were greeted with cheesesteaks and beer by our friend from the Appalachian Trail, Milkman and Honeybee who love over in Longmont. Now it's time for a couple of days of R&R.

Day 95 - Back on Up and Down

September 21st

10.5 Miles

Below Jones Pass

We got out of the hotel and back up to the pass right before noon today amidst a bunch of people looking at the various signs and information at the pass as well as day hiking up on the CDT. We took off and made our way up and up.

We were able to chat with a bunch of people out for the day which was nice because out on the trail we don't run into to many people. Around roads in Colorado though people show up in numbers. It's nice to see a state with such an active outdoor lifestyle of people of all types.

Continuing on past the distance of a day hike we came to a low pass where we could take a low route instead of the high and have the opportunity to camp low. Spins usually has trouble camping hog so we went low and hiked a dirt path with plenty of jeeps and SUV's. As we got closer to Jones Pass there were camps set up if people out for the weekend in a really beautiful area...minus the mining operation low in the valley. We set up camp along the road at a switchback below the pass and called it a night. The sunsets colors were pretty and tomorrow we'll arrive at I-70 to get picked up by friends and hang out on their farm on the front range.

Day 94 - Hiking...and Sushi

September 20th

23 Miles

Winter Park

Last night was another night of moose visitors. It was freezing cold but ye moose decided to go for a swim anyways, at this point the water was probably warmer than the air! 

We hiked strait up this morning and got high and exposed with expansive, but freezing views all afternoon. It was really windy though so I had on most of my layers to block out the wind. The altitude and windiness made it quite tiring and by the time we reached Berthoud Pass we were exhausted and hitched down into Winter Park on a whim. We got a room for the night and hit the sushi bar for half priced specials...mmmm.