CT Part 7- The One With the Bear

(Highway 114) … To Creede

Segments 18-21

More Cows

After a quick pit stop off the highway to grab a few more days worth of food and a freshly rested puppy I made my into segment 18. Which turned out to be a hot, exposed, road walk through more of cow country. The water sources were mostly mud puddles that smelled like manure. 

I was less than thrilled, and we got hot quick. After around nine miles we took a break in what looked to be the last shade for a while. After a little lunch and a little nap, the clouds blessfully rolled in.

With the Sun’s glare blocked, the temperature was much more comfortable to hike in. This let me actually enjoy some of the views from the valley we were walking through. 

There’s a Bear!

After a solid twenty mile day (16 for Lijah), I checked my app and found we were about 100′ from our camp spot. I looked up from my phone and just then, about 100′ up, a black bear ran across the trail. 

I halted, eyes wide. Luckily Lijah stopped behind me, not noticing the big puppy like creature frolicking through the field playfully in front of us. I watched it for a while, both excited and cautious, before it disappeared into a small bunch of bushes in the field below the trail. This was the biggest item on my list checked off!

Then I realized our predicament. The bear was essentially in our campsite. Even if it ran away, I was definitely not camping there. I thought back, there was really no camping for a while, and I didn’t particularly want to back track. 

I looked at the app. There was a few sites coming up soon. But we’d have to walk past the bear to get there. I pulled out my bear spray just in case, then started inching my way down the trail, eyes pinned on the bushes where I knew she was.

Wanting to make sure I didn’t startle her I started singing “Take me home, Country Roads.” After listening to a couple rounds of the chorus she hustled her way into the trees. 

I was so stoked to get to see such an amazing animal, but I definitely didn’t cowboy camp again that night. 😅

Welcome to the San Juans

The next afternoon we finally got our first glimpse of the San Juans! Towering, jagged, beautiful mountains just on the horizon. Unfortunately the skies above them were a deep, threatening grey.

Hiking closer to an upcoming pass I debated what to do. I stopped at the last water source to fill up before the climb, and thunder began to rumble in the distance. That settled it. We’d have to wait it out.

I crossed the stream and joined six other hikers who were taking “cover” under some bushes. We put on our rain gear and got as comfy as we could. 

The storm progressed over the mountains with bright jolts of lightening and loud claps of thunder. We kept our hoods pulled tight as rain splattered us while we waited.

After around an hour it finally cleared, though the sky was still blanketed in grey. With all the other hikers deciding to push through I decided I’d make the climb as well.

The top of the pass was beautiful, but my attention was drawn to the peak to my right. San Luis peak. A 14-er. And I was only a mile and a half from the summit. I’m not a big peak bagger, only having climbed 7, I have too many other hobbies stealing my time. But it’s still something I love to do and with the opportunity so close, I couldn’t resist.

The Party Continues 

I found a spot a little lower on the saddle with a little shrubbery around. Just before I went to pitch the tent the rain started up again. Quickly I pulled out my footprint and laid it over my gear and Lijah. I hate a wet tent.

I stood next to the makeshift shelter, waiting for a break in the rain, for over thirty minutes. When it finally came I threw up the tent as fast as I could and got everything inside. It was a miserable wait, but less miserable than sleeping with wet gear and a wet dog.

During the night the rain ceased but the wind picked up. It was so loud and aggressive, nearly tossing my tent around, that I was mostly unable to sleep. I was also not convinced I’d be able to climb the peak if the wind didn’t settle. I turned off my alarm.

I woke after drifting off for a little around 5am, and could see the sky. Panicked, I jolted up. My rain fly had blown off. Thankfully I found it still attached to the tent in one spot, while the rest lay uselessly on the ground. I was just thankful I didn’t have to go hunting for it. 

Relieved, I noticed the wind had stopped and light was just starting to peak over the horizon. I grabbed my pack, tossed in some snacks and dog treats, and began to hustle up the mountain. 

San Luis Peak

I watched the sun climb into the sky as I climbed beside it, getting to the top just as it fully uncovered itself for the day. We stayed at the top for a while, just breathing in the sites from a whole new view. Looking down at all the mountains around us. 

Knowing I needed to move on I finally peeled myself away and headed back to camp. We ate breakfast, packed up, and were on our way.

Being in the San Juans was just magical. I think I took more pictures this day than the last four combined. 

Oh Great, More Rain

After a few hours of awe inspired hiking a thunderstorm rolled in. And it was coming directly over the pass I was supposed to climb. So we hunkered down again under some trees and waited for it to pass. 

During a break in the storm we hurried up, but this was not an up and over pass. We stayed up over 12,000 feet for miles. And of course the rain came back with a vengeance just as we hit the middle of the section. With nowhere to take cover there was nothing to do but keep hiking.

I stayed positive for most of it, but as we came to the lake where I wanted to camp I got grumpy. I was sick of being wet, and very much did not want to set up camp in the rain. So I pushed on, thinking I’d just go all the way to town and skip another miserable night at camp.

5-10 minutes after passing the lake the storm broke and the sky started to clear, a touch of sun poking through. And almost instantly my annoyance and frustration was replaced again with joy and love for being outdoors.

We camped at the last water source before the trailhead, and left early the next morning to head into town. David picked us up and took us to a friend’s cabin where we spent a few days talking, playing games, and relaxing. It was the best stop yet.