Forward
Yesterday we woke up from our beach side camp at a slightly earlier time than the last few days. We weren’t technically supposed to be camping there, so wanted to make sure we didn’t get woken up by the nearby camp manager.
We had our breakfast and was on our way. With not a ton of climbing and only 13 miles into town, we were excited to bust out the miles and get some substantial food and sleep in a bed.
The day followed the side of a few lakes, was pretty and cool. Towards the end of it I ran into Rooster, who had given me a ride all the way down on the NM in Chama! Also met a couple others named Season Pass and Fastball. Nathan and I chatted with Fastball for a bit as we got into town. He was from Montreal and was going for his triple crown also. He was heading into Denver with Season Pass, and when we got into town Nathan and I went to the hotel and then grabbed some food.
We surprisingly got in around 1pm. So we had a good time to hang around. The town was a cool old west style town at the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park.
We hung out for a bit and watched some TV, and then eventually went to bed.
Today was a slower morning. We didn’t have much to do as Nathan’s shuttle to the airport left at 12:45. So we woke up late, enjoyed our time and then went to grab breakfast nearby.
When we sat down, there were a couple other hikers, including Rooster again! We mozied around and then went back to the hotel to grab our stuff and make our way to the spot where his shuttle was picking him up.
After he had left, I planned to make my way north. The since the Rocky Mountain loop was closed, and the fire ahead, I wanted to just circumnavigate all that and come back to hike it when they were both open. Also, I feel it’s necessary to end CO for my mental health. I believe that finishing up two states and being halfway done with the trail will help push me to continue. I need to finish the trail now, and I will give it my all to prevent anything from getting in my way.
Nathan’s shuttle driver was kind enough to drive me down the road about 15 mins where I would be on the direct road into Steamboat Springs, rather than me having to hitch from there to the other road.
Once he dropped me off, I started walked west to a split in the road ahead. Not much more than 15 mins later a kind person named Dana stopped to pick me up, and was making their way to Frisco to go to get some gear. Bringing me about a third of the way, we had a nice conversation and drive through some mountains.
Dropping me off at the edge of town, I looked behind me to see a bunch of dark rain clouds approaching. I really didn’t want to get caught in the rain. In addition to not wanting to get soaked, most people don’t want to stop off to pick up a wet stranger...
Fortunately, shiny black Tahoe stopped off. Rolled down the window and said “you look like a hiker”. Gigawatt, as his trail angel name had become, was meeting his husband X-Ray who is on the trail and was heading straight to Steamboat. Hazaa! And before I got rained on. I’m not sure I had to wait more than 10 mins!
I ran into 3 other hikers, and a couple bikers in town, and know another friend is right behind. Also, I’m not even really in town, on the outskirts to save some dollars and be close to Walmart and Safeway. I’d like to check out town, but not going to spend a ton of money on a hotel there.
The hotel had laundry, so I did that and had a couple beers with Cheeto who was also staying at my hotel. Speaking of hotel, this was a two bedroom with kitchen AND balcony. Definitely the biggest space I’ve gotten on the trail yet.
Plan is to head up to the trail tomorrow, and with any luck will cross the CO border
