Day 17: 30 miles higher, down and everywhere

It’s time to look for it

This morning, I woke up at the camp in Middle Mineral Creek. Cold tomorrow. Alex and I listen to something big patrolling the area in the early hours of the morning. We suspect that it was an alce since we had both seen one in the final descent. My legs hurt a little, but I had great things planned for the day. A few ibuprofen and a breakfast launched the day. I said goodbye to Alex since I knew today was destined for Lake City.

The morning began with a rise of up to three different mounting chairs, with a total of 1300 feet. I was surprised how fast the climb was considering that I was a bit rigid to start. Once I got to the top, I could see by miles. I saw the circular path around a crest and then fall quickly into the snow table. I had never been on a table before, so I was looking forward to some new characteristics of trails. I went down the crest. I crossed with a few marmotas and some CDT Nebo hikers. The weather was clear and was moving well. My great hopes of a great day were still intact.

Snow table

Finally, I fell to the snow table. There was not much snow, but there were wild flowers as far as I could see. The table was about 6 miles from the widest open space I have seen. I felt like a quite alien landscape for me. We have agricultural lands in Nee England, but trees are never too far. Honestly, the table was really overwhelming. I felt almost too exposed there. The area was so flat, and the sky so clear that I could see 16 miles ahead of the bear that was about to climb.

Avoid luck call

However, before climbing, I fell from the table and to a small cannon. It was a bit rocky and steep. I suffered my first fall in the journey in the cannon. Fortunately, it was just a small touch of ankle and I walked it. The descent to the cannon led to the Spring Creek path. This is the main access point to Lake City. I found a picnic table and had enough service to call my wife. It was nice to hear his voice in the middle of a long day. At the beginning of the path, a group of hikers were waiting for a transport of the church in Lake City. The Church has a group of volunteers who really help the hiking community in this area. Sunday is the night of luck in church, so I was not surprised by the size of the crowd waiting for the ferry. I ran into Alex for the last time at the beginning of the path. We wish ourselves luck on our trips. It was difficult to leave in the midst of the fall of buffalo tacos in the fate of the pot, but I continued.

The roof of the Colorado path

Let the more than 3,000 feet of climbing begin! The first miles of the climb are hurried out loud. I was walking along the way in the intense heat in the land of sheep pastures. It smelled, there was not much to look, and I was tired. It is not a fan until now. In total, I think there were approximately 5 miles of road uphill. Finally, I went through a small forest before breaking the line of trees. Finally I could see the peaks and ridges that I would travel. I could also see some threatening clouds rolling.

The climb to the highest point of the CT was exhausting. This was the hardest hiking that these legs have made. I had a couple of turns from the tree line. Then I crossed a crest line with incredible views. The landscape was impressive, but the clouds kept me in motion. Suddenly, I hit a 600 -foot wall of the direct escalation. When I got to the top, the hail began. Hail is the precursor of Lightning, so I got a little nervous there. Fortunately, without strong blows, so he proceeded with the escalation. After some more ups and downs, I finally saw the sign for the highest point of the CT. I did it with a group of CT Sobo’s. We all took a lot of photos, then we made the long walk to the camp. A big and satisfactory day came to an end. My first 30 Miler and my biggest day on any path.

Pink, spine and sprout

Rose: Make the culminating point of the CT. Looking on expansive opinions was an incredible sensation.

Thorn: It seemed to start rain at the time I began to gain elevation. It’s not ideal!

BUD: I have not always been the greatest admirer of my body. After 30 miles for hard terrain in a day, I can’t finally avoid feeling a deep respect for this body. I hope to see where we will go together for the rest of this trip and beyond.

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