The reality of western hiking
It is an unfortunate reality that a hike through the west is very difficult to complete without having to deal with wildfires. That reality hit us on the 6th when we started hearing reports of fires up ahead affecting the Colorado Trail. The Willow Fire is west of Leadville, just a couple of days ahead of us, and I understand it actually crossed our path. I also just learned the unfortunate news that three firefighters lost their lives fighting another fire in Colorado.
I don’t understand why it’s a political issue, but global warming is real. This causes a warmer climate, which has opened the door to the spread of the pine beetle, which devastates forests. I will show some photos below. A warmer climate also means less snow and rain cover. Dead trees, warmer weather and less water are a recipe for fire. I don’t see the situation improving until politicians take the environment seriously. I hope it’s not too late.
Day 5: Rock Creek to Deadman’s Creek (11 miles)
Day 6 – Deadman’s Creek to Swan River (15 miles)
Day 7 – Swan River to Frisco (13 miles)
Day 8 – Frisco to Copper Mountain (14 miles)
Moving up
As we walk, we have been steadily ascending. At this point we are usually above 10,000 feet and have reached 12,500 feet. At higher elevations, the views become more spectacular. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
It seems like every time you look up, there is another spectacular view.
Fire
Well, we heard it was a possibility and it actually happened. A fire broke out further ahead and initially the smoke affected the trail, but the fire eventually crossed the trail. Therefore, a reasonably large section of the trail is currently closed. We’re currently trying to figure out logistically how to fix this. You can see the smoke in the following photos.
Why do so many fires occur? Many reasons. For example, pine beetles are one of the predators that are killing trees.
In the end, the forest is filled with firewood.
With very little rain, it doesn’t take much for a fire to start.
Trail names
The Colorado Trail overlaps in some places with the Continental Divide Trail. We haven’t seen many CDT hikers, but one colorful gentleman was the crazy Frenchman. He came from France to travel to the United States.
Sometimes you pass a group of schoolchildren who are out for a day hike with their class. We passed a group that was interested in the names of our trails. As we walked past them and punched them, a kid about 11 years old jumped up and said, «I’m the Wicked Weiner.» ‘Nuff said, no photos.
Scraps
No large mammals yet, but check out this grouse and her chicks.
We had a great trip to Jefferson City to resupply. We had two super trail angels that took us in and out of the city. In fact, each one of them turned around to pick us up. In fact, one of them took us in the opposite direction he was traveling.
Alpine flowers are amazing. I will need to dedicate an entire post to show some of the photos I have. These are just a couple.
Unfortunately, I’m rushing a little because I haven’t had much time or internet access at the same time.
Anyway, thanks for listening.
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