A REFLECT – THE WALK

I have been on their way for about 9 weeks at this time. While I feel in the common room of Clifeside Lodge in Grand Lake, I reflect.

The last days have been quite brutal. A cold front mixed with rain has kept the hikers on our toes. Shortly after crossing to Colorado, the path makes its way up to higher elevations in which we have not been for a while or never.

Exposure is a real concern while walking. In the basin, the concern was heat. With little or no shadow, the temperature and the sun that hits relentlessly can be a real problem. For the most part, I was blessed with a decent climate through the basin.

The first days were mostly cloudy. I was more worried about being beaten by a ray than heat. The wind would prepare and the clouds overturned and the temperatures remained acceptable. Great miles were made, including one day of 37.8 miles, my largest in the CDT so far.

However, the day numbers and I walked in Rawlings was particularly hot. Sometimes I have this problem where I will give up food and drink when I try to reach the city. The promise of «real» food makes me abandon the food of the path I have.

After reaching the city and walking 31.7 miles, we headed directly to Taco Bell. I know that this is not considered real food for some, but it is a dream of hikers. After putting my package in a cabin, I went to request and found myself having to sit for dizziness. I got up again. No.

I return to the cabin and lowered my head down. Numbers get me some water and electrolytes. I take it and put my head on the table. A heat and sweat waves rushes to my head. This stinks! I stay like this for at least 20 minutes. I had never felt this before. Little by little I start feeling better.

I think I had so much water and electrolytes that I stopped sweating. Once these resources replied, my body immediately tried to cool. I am grateful that this happened in Taco Bell and not 30 minutes before on the side of a road without shade. I am also grateful that the numbers were there and were willing to help.

The main concern with the exhibition in Colorado is to be above the tree line and storms. Colorado is known for its afternoon storms.

Already in the first week of Colorado we have had to deal with this new concern. With the rain in the forecast during the next few days, leaving Steamboat Springs suddenly, there is concern about how high the elevation goes the path.

Parkview Mountain would be the first test in this new threat. The day opens quite well with rolling clouds on the mountains and through the valleys. I made coffee and I saw the beauty of everything.

Packing and leaving, the day was great and a bit misty. This quickly turned to the sun as it rounded a corner about some hikers that dried their team. This was a place as good as any other, so I joined them.

Continuing, the day soon became released and the rain was evident. There was some debate about a low Dirt Road walk that went around the highest point of the day, Parkview Mountain. When the rain went and left, I decided to send it and wait for the best. The climb was long and steep and more elevation gain that I did in a long time. The rain and clouds were constant threat and concern while we walked along the exposed crest.

Fortunately there were no thunder or rays in sight. The rain remained in a low to medium pin when we climbed beyond the trees. There was no trace during most of this section. Only publications in the distance to navigate as he considered convenient. This often does not lead not to change and is simply directed towards the mountain.

The sun crossed the clouds here and there making a show a lot. I could see rain on a nearby mountain and I picked up staying there.

Slow but surely we reach a small radio tower at the top of the mountain. In the inside, I sat with pockets and meteorology between the peanut of the marmot. This raw stone structure was our protection against wind and cold and we all agreed that it would be a difficult place to spend the night if necessary.

Upon realizing that the sunset was approaching, we left the shelter, we challenged the wind and the cold, and almost ran through the mountain. Rounding the mountain side side, the wind extinguished and frantic my rhythm when the threat of hypothermia disappeared.

That was an adventure and was exhausted. 6,762 elevation feet won in 24 miles is a lot. He felt well to be high and push me, but it was a good reminder of the power and danger of Mother Nature. If the winds had changed against our favor …

If there had been thunder and rays …

But, unfortunately, we invented unharmed from the ParkView mountain to walk another day.

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