Lake City to Salida-Mountains, Meadows and Magic

We were able to do most of our tasks. Weasel bought a new pair of pants when he broke his knee on a dead tree a while ago. We spent some time at the local hostel catching up with our friends. We all went to dinner at the Alfred Packer Cannibal restaurant. Apparently, in the late 19th century there was a sensational trial about a cannibal who consumed the rest of his group. Hopefully, we won’t encounter a similar situation down the road.

Day 1

Miles driven: 16.76 Originally planned: 20

Elevation Gain: 4,888 feet Elevation Decline: 3,727 feet

Highest point: 12882 feet

Hours between camps: 8 hours 13 minutes

Weather: 81 F Perfect conditions, little wind, partly cloudy

We enjoyed some turkey cheese rolls and a couple of cinnamon flat rolls from the local bakery.

Robyn, the owner of The North Face Lodge, drove us and Pacman to the trailhead. It was very nice of him to do so.

We had a great hike all day. Lots of up and down and essentially no snow. The high meadows are now beautiful with alpine flowers. We came across the first purple Columbine on the trail. The Columbine is the state flower of CO. They also taste very good, similar to mint. We saw some marmots wandering around.

We camped next to a beautiful snowmelt stream and had great company. Pacman, Alpine, Journey and Pitstop were all there.

It was a great day on the road.

Day 2

Miles driven: 23.8 Originally planned: 20

Elevation Gain: 2,107 feet Elevation Decline: 4,291 feet

Highest point: 12612 feet

Hours between camps: 10 hours 15 minutes

Weather: 81 F Warm, alternating sun and clouds. Threat of rain but no precipitation

Animals: Pika, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, red-winged blackbird, woodpecker

We had a lovely trail and dirt road to hike in the La Garita Wilderness. Easy rolling terrain all day. Nice green meadows that mostly followed the Coachatopa Creek. Weasel carried 6 liters of water the last five miles to camp. Oh, that’s 12.5 pounds.

I broke another tip of my Burstin trekking poles. I guess I get an upgrade in Output.

We loved a lovely dinner with our friends in the evening.

People found: Pitstop, Alpine, Joker, Pacman, Vacuum, Temu and Loser. We haven’t seen Temu and Loser since shortly before Ghost Ranch.

Another great day on the road.

Day 3

Miles driven: 26.2 Originally planned: 20

Elevation Gain: 4,846 feet Elevation Decline: 3,079 feet

Highest point: 11682 feet

Hours between camps: 11 hours 13 minutes

Weather: 80 F Alternating sun and clouds. A couple of drizzles but no rain. Very hot when it’s sunny

Animals: birds, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, crows.

A mix of singletrack and dirt road all day long. Beautiful views, some climbing but nothing excessive. Today there is plenty of water available from decent sources. Beautiful clouds at dawn with red and yellow reflections.

Joker saw a mountain lion on the road today.

Today we experienced the magic of the trail. A nice couple from Omaha set up a roadside snack bar and respite. They are very generous and kind in helping us all. We had a great time outdoing our friends all day long.

Today I broke the mesh on my Burstin’ trekking pole. That’s three mesh wristbands on this trip.

Another excellent day on the road. My feet hurt a little, but that’s expected for day 3 and beyond.

People found: Alpine, Joker, Pitstop, Pac-Man, Vacuum, Johnny Condom and Cheese Curd.

Day 4

Miles driven: 23.85 Originally planned: 20

Elevation Gain: 3,924 feet Elevation Decline: 4,111 feet

Highest point: 11909 feet

Hours between camps: 10 hours 4 minutes

Weather: 79 F Sunny most of the day, very windy

I lost my pendant on the trail some time after Middle Baldy. Maybe someone will find it. It is a dark colored shiny stone with a silver edge and is inlaid with green, black and white on the back. The new chain I bought in Pagosa Springs only lasted a week.

The trail was rolling today, it felt like we were going uphill for miles and miles. The landscape was beautiful alternating meadows, wide views of mountains and forests. Today we were in a mix of conifers and aspen.

We got water from a beautiful spring. It’s so nice to have clean water.

It’s a challenge to be so dirty every day. My feet have a shell of dirt that won’t come off with socks. My socks have a crust of dried mud on the edges and bottom. My only explanation for the mud is dust and sweat. It’s impressive.

The second toe no longer bends. They hurt like you can’t believe you can move them. The bottom of my toes didn’t hurt as much as they did at the beginning of the hike. The pads of my feet have gotten a lot of weight. I think from muscle development. I have a callus/blister on my right heel that has been with me since day 1.

Weasel made a hole in the roof of our awning with his trekking pole. We put a patch on it, but we’ll need a more definitive repair in Salida.

My favorite food today was cherry pie and Archer turkey fingers. Sometimes you want salt and bitter.

People found: Johnny Condom and Cheese curd.

Day 4

Miles driven: 14.72 Originally planned: 20

Elevation Gain: 1714 feet Elevation Decline: 1717 feet

Highest point: 12,148 feet

Hours between camps: 5 hours 45 minutes

Weather: 73 F Sunny, cooler, extreme wind

Today was a leisurely hike up to Monarch Pass. Glorious day, perfect conditions and beautiful views. I loved the walk today and we had an easy trip into town. Mike, a Salida local, picked us up at the pass and dropped us off at the Simple Hostel. A great guy and a successful entrepreneur, difficult to achieve in an area with a high cost of living.

Salida has grown tremendously since we visited in 2020. The city center is lively and walkable. Everything we need is within a couple of blocks.

I was able to buy some new trekking poles and we bought some materials to repair the rainfly.

Weasel will get his first haircut on the road tomorrow.

We had a great time with Joker and Journey at Moonlight Pizza. There was karaoke bingo for entertainment.

Next stop is Twin Lakes in 4 or 5 days.