Week 4: Moo-ving Right Along

This Week in the Trees

We started the week off with a big hail storm! Luckily it wasn’t long until the sun came out to warm us and dry everything off.

This section had less water sources than we’ve been spoiled with so far, so we had to adjust our mileage a bit to camp near it wherever we could. It made me extra appreciative of the plentiful streams that the rest of the trail has offered us.

On the morning of our third day we encountered our coldest temperatures yet! It must have been below freezing, as we were all dancing around shaking our hands and feet, desperately trying to stay warm as we packed our belongings up. Brrrr!! That eve we camped near Baldy Lake where we had our first experience with filtering from a steady body of water. There were lots of tiny shrimps in it!! Luckily we all came out unscathed and made it an additional 14 miles to our destination the next night. My stepdad, Carl, was an awesome support to us and picked us up from the trailhead for a night in the RV with lots of good food and company.

The next day we set off into the land of cows where we covered 21 miles in search of our next efficient water source. You can probably guess that the photo of me collapsed on the ground was taken this day!

Our last few days before Creede were spent wandering up into the San Juan mountains. One morning Zac’s clothing was frozen solid and made for a great laugh.

I’d love to express my appreciation for my mom, who has been an amazing addition to our hiking journey. I’m so grateful for our time spent with her and the strength she shows behind everything she does. I feel so lucky to have such an inspiring, adventurous lady as my mama! I look forward to many more outdoor endeavors with her.

All in all it’s been a fun section with a change of pace from our usual mountain days. We’ve enjoyed our cow friends, but now we must bid them farewell as we head back toward the sky! This upcoming week we’ll be on our way to Silverton, and we’ll be exploring some of the terrain we’ve heard most about.

Happy Trails!!

Daily Mileage + Campsite Elevation

Day 20-

miles hiked: 14.4

elevation: 11,235ft

Day 21-

miles hiked: 7.5

elevation: 10,351ft

Day 22-

miles hiked: 11

elevation: 11,516ft

Day 23-

miles hiked: 14.2

elevation: 9,606ft

Day 24-

miles hiked: 21

elevation: 9,719ft

Day 25-

miles hiked: 14.1

elevation: 11,755ft

Day 26-

miles hiked: 7.6

elevation: 8,799ft (Creede!)

Songs of Da Week!

• One- Three Dog Night
• By and By- Caamp
• Roses- Outkast

Photos