The CT Part 2- The One With the Storms

Mile 41-100

Segment 4-6

A Lucky Break

In the first section we were working to outrun the heat, in the second we were trying to outrun the storms. With thunderstorms on the forecast for each of the next four days I was a bit nervous to head into the mountains, but what else could I do? Wait them out for a week.

On the first day segment four started with a pretty tough climb that brought us to a beautiful open meadow surrounded by mountains. It was lovely, but also more exposed than I wanted to be when the storm rolled in. The sky was already turning grey. So I snapped a few pictures and hustled on. Not realizing that the walk through the meadow lasted six miles.

We got sprinkled on a bit but no thunder or lightening… yet.

Around 2pm we were finally back into the forest and heading downhill I picked up my pace a bit as the clouds grew more ominous. A half mile from my planned campsite the thunder started just a short way in the distance. I really didn’t want to set up camp in the rain. Not quite running I hauled ass to the campsite.

A few drops started falling as I tossed down my pack in the first half decent spot I found. I ripped my tent from my pack and threw it up hastily with little of my normal diligence. I pushed the dogs inside chucked my pack in after them, then hopped in myself. Just as I zipped us up inside the thunder roared and I saw little pieces of hail bouncing on the ground just outside our tent.

I could not believe my luck.

The Magic Continues

The next day I was worried my luck would run out, so we got another early start and moved pretty quickly, taking few breaks along the way. Which was fine because segment 5 didn’t have too much to stop and gasp at besides the glorious aspen forest toward the end. We also stopped for our first trail magic! A couple awesome guys had set up just after Kenosha pass with sodas, chips, and, to my delight, fresh fruit! They were on their way out when we arrived so they dumped the remaining blueberries into a ziplock for me and I was elated.

We hustled through 18.5 miles getting to camp again around 2pm. This time the storms didn’t come until later, but they came hard. At least that’s what I was told by other campers who’d been nearby. I slept through it all.

Starry Eyed

Day six started with a gnarly climb but man was the payoff worth it. Finally got to see some of the open mountain views I’ve been waiting for. Near the top of the pass I ran into a bunch of volunteers doing trail maintenance who were lovely to talk to for a bit.

Seeing them made me realize how cool of a thing this all is. Not only the fact that I am out here getting to do it, but the trail as an entity. How much work has gone into creating and maintaining it all. How many people have laid footsteps or bike treads upon it. I am just grateful to be a tiny part of the great wonder that is the CT.

We pushed for 19.5 miles that day and elected to dry camp so we could make it to the supposedly epic spot with a bench along with a few other hikers we had met along the way. It was totally worth it. Sitting on the bench eating dinner, looking out at the beautiful views, laughing with good people was the best way to end the day. Not to mention how nice it was to have a back rest!

…

We coasted it into Breck the following morning, had breakfast with my dad and trail friends then relaxed for the rest of the day. We’re spending a zero day in Breck, where I’m meeting my husband, David, who will join me on the next leg. I’m already itching to get back on trail!

Pup-Date!

The pups are crushing it! I was a little worried after the first section. They were moving slower than normal and weren’t as energetic due to the heat. It made me start to wonder if they were enjoying the trip. Once I made it to Bailey I discovered Elijah’s pack was rubbing him raw in his armpit, and Kai’s feet had a little cracking. I fully prepared myself for them to not make it.

I took Lijah’s pack off, stuffing the contents into my pack. Easy fix. I almost left Kai behind with my dad, but instead asked him to wait for 20min at the trailhead so I could see how he did for the first half mile. He would hate to be left behind.

To my surprise they both had more energy than day 1 and maintained it all through this section. Every morning when I’d pick up my pack, even if just moving it over a few feet they started bounding around as if I had picked up their leashes back home, ready to roll.

I’m still not sure whether they will complete every mile, but they definitely aren’t ready to quit yet.