Day 6 was my planned day zero (i.e. no miles of hiking) in Leadville. I am using Leadville for several zero days as we currently call Leadville home.
I started the day by writing blog posts from days 1 to 5. I’m using the HikerFeed app to write my journal entries while I’m on the trail; When I get back to Wifi or data, I use those journals to write this blog.
A breakfast of coffee and PopTarts while I write this week’s blogs.
The biggest focus of this day was spending time off my feet. Because I had blisters on each toe and both heels, my feet were swollen and throbbing. I elevated my feet most of the day, but also soaked in antibacterial water a few times. I also researched what shoes I wanted to try on at REI the next day.
Blister treatment in full swing.
We ended the day watching a movie from the couch.
Rocky ready for movie night.
Day 7 was an additional day for the blisters to heal.
I visited REI in Dillon and tried on every trail runner they had in my size. Interestingly, with swollen feet, I am now a women’s size 11-11.5 (normally 10-10.5). Most women’s shoes just didn’t seem right. REI employee Gabe had the great idea to try on Mens 9.5; This seemed like the perfect solution. The shoes fit much better. I bought 2 pairs (Altra Lone Peak 9 and Topo Athletic Ultraventures).
New shoes that hopefully won’t destroy every surface of my skin.
I’ll be wearing the Altras tomorrow on the trail because they have a wider toe box and my blisters still need more time to heal. I’m also implementing a different sleep strategy and changing the way I wear socks. I’ll report back once I find what works best for me; Maybe my strategy will help someone else in the future!
No subtitles needed. The meals these last 2 days have been glorious.
Tomorrow I’ll pick up where I left off and hike segment 7. Then, I’ll spend one more night in Leadville before tackling sections 8 through 11.5. Then it will be another day and zero hour planned to decide whether to hike the Collegiate East or West trail.
A map of the Colorado Trail: the yellow line is where I’ve been, the white line is where I’m going!
See you there
Britt
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