Day 16 – Town Day – Twin Lakes

We had great company last night. I’ve seen an equal number of women to men out here this year, and it’s been awesome.

The Hiking Part

Today we got to see Mt. Elbert. It’s the fourteener right next to Mt Massive. With Elbert you can see the trail leading to the top. There are actually two trails to the top, and some hardy hikers go up and over with all of their gear.

The Driving Part

John and our new friends hiked the remaining 8 miles to Twin Lakes while I drove to our campsite. It was nice to be able to take some of their gear and lighten their load for the last hot exposed stretch. However, my views didn’t suck. I got to see all of Mt Massive from the valley below. So cool to think I ate lunch on that ridge the day before.

The Town Part

After picking everyone up at the road crossing, we headed into ‘town.’ Twin Lakes has a Inn with fine dining, a general store, a set of cabins, and two food trucks.

The general store is nice enough to welcome hiker trash. I even glimpsed the secret room where they stash everyone’s resupply boxes.

To thank us for the ride Geo was nice enough to buy John and me an early dinner. The girl at the window said the ribbon fries would feed 2 hikers- so one John. I did get a few to go with my plate of green. I, like most people, miss fresh veggies and fruit when hiking.

The Camping Part

Then it was off to our Lakeview (but in reality Mountain View) campsite. Tonight we traded our Zpacks Duplex for a very square Wal-Mart tent. Sadly the water here is shut off, so we still have to carry in all of our own. It’s got a flatish spot for the tent, a little bit shade and a little bit of a view. Not bad at all.