Prepping for the Colorado Trail —- How Will It Go?

I really shouldn’t be anxious. I’ve backpacked many a mile and I love the Colorado Rockies. But here I am at home, obsessing about every little detail that has already had its share of obsession doled out.  It happens before every new trail.  In fact, each time I hit the trail again after just a zero day,  I have butterflies in my stomach. But I do know that those disappear after just a minute back on the trail. I’ll be fine.

For those of you who don’t know much about the Colorado Trail, it’s a beautiful 480 mile trek through the Rockies from near Denver generally southwest to Durango, near Mesa Verde.

Each year it continues to grow in popularity. No wonder, after seeing so many amazing YouTubes of others’ journeys. We have hiked just a bit on one section and camped nearby. It didn’t disappoint.

As I have done for the AT and the Florida National Scenic Trail, I have spent the last few months cooking and dehydrating all my meals and snacks.  I follow a whole food plant-exclusive way of eating,  free of gluten and added sugar, salt and oil.  It’s virtually impossible to find premade meals that satisfy my criteria and taste  I have come to enjoy prepping  my food, and see it as a hobby.

I’ve greatly benefited in so many ways, both on and off the trail, from this way of eating, and find that I recover much more quickly each evening from a day of hiking.  This is very much appreciated at the age of 70.  If all of this interests you, please feel free to watch my recent appearance on Chef AJ’s Live youtube just a week ago, in which I talked about my way of eating, showed everything that’s in my backpack and demonstrated how to dehydrate.

I’ve also done plenty of training, both in the gym and on trails.  My gear has been updated with a new ULA circuit backpack

and an almost new Durston XMid 1P tent.

A few resupply boxes have already been sent

My husband will be joining me the first few days, as he does on most of my treks.  It was amazing to have him finish with me on my last big one.

After that, I enjoy hiking solo, but talking up a storm when meeting other hikers.  I lived in these mountains as a child, so this will be a true joy taking zeros in the tiny towns where our family lived, Saguache and Creede.  I plan on taking nearly 7 weeks to finish, to enjoy as many of the small towns as I can.  No rush.

 

Well, here goes.  I’ve had to leave trails several times due to injuries, but I’ll do my best to take care and deal with whatever happens.  It always works out in the end, and here I am at yet another beginning  Life is good.