Chapter 11
@mycrazyadventurescalledlife
Mile Marker 139.3 to 159.8 (20.5 miles)
"A PCT Surprise"
Going up the first saddle of the day
On the way up to a high point, 1,200 ft up
I woke up this morning feeling much better, tho honestly not quite my usual self. In other words, not 100 percent. I did sleep in a little bit because I wanted to take it easy on this section since it will be a hard one.
A few ups and downs today is an understatement. Five saddles and high points above 12,000 ft is a hard day, mainly because breathing at that elevation is laborious, thus slow going. So I took it easy so I can enjoy the day, rather than just push myself, therefore wearing myself out.
On the way up to the second high point, I came upon my first moose sighting close to the trail. It was just sitting on the meadow, enjoying the warmth of the sun.
I love seeing wildlife in the wild, where they belong. Sure it doesn't guarantee I'll see one, but they are in their happy place, not imprisoned in a zoo.
First moose sighting close to the trail
A gorgeous day up towards a high point
So glad to be on top. 2nd of 5 for today
View from the 3rd high point. San Luis Peak, a 14er, on the left.
After the third high point, I came into an awesome view of San Luis Peak, a 14er that is probably the easiest one to do on the Colorado Trail. Unfortunately, I'm still not feeling a hundred percent. The uphills were still a struggle. And I am behind on my mileage.
Unexpectedly met Topo, a PCT 2017 alumni, on his trek for his triple crown
While I was taking a break at a stream after the 3rd high point, I noticed a thru hiker going SoBo. He looked familiar. Then I uttered, "Topo?" And he replied, "Happy Feet?" Oh man I vividly remember this moment on the trail.
Topo, from Austin, TX, did the PCT the same year as me. After the PCT, I met with Topo, Fireball and Peanut, all PCT 2017 alumni, at a brewery in Austin, TX. He mentioned before that he wanted to do the CDT at some point but I didn't expect it to be this year. And to see him on trail 4 years later on his way to his Triple Crown was so cool! Currently, he flipped to Lander, WY, and is now going SoBo because he said it was chest deep in snow in this section a few months ago. Crazy! It was a good surprise.
On the way up to the 4th high point, with dark clouds rolling in again
After that, somehow I got a bit of energy from seeing a familiar face on trail. I managed to go up the 4th high point and the saddle of San Luis Peak with little difficulty. Now the thought of doing San Luis Peak entered my mind, which I did not consider before. However, afternoon dark clouds started to hover at the peak, so that quickly made my decision easy. And at the saddle, it's pretty much an easy downhill for the rest of the day along Cochetopa Creek. Therefore, I chose the latter.
Hmmm, swelling on top of my left foot
When I arrived at Stewart Creek, right before the trailhead, I decided to take a break. It's time to let my feet breathe once again. I noticed a little swelling on the top of my left foot. I said, "Hmmm, I must have injured my foot at some point." But it didn't hurt but a bit of concern entered my head. After getting water, I walked a hundred feet to the Eddiesville Trailhead for a break. Also got to use the bathroom there. Such a luxury.
View of the valley where the trail continues
After leaving the trailhead, and taking the photo of the valley above, rain came quickly. I ran into the trees and waited for a few minutes. Because it came in so fast, I knew it would pass right away. Sure enough, after 10 minutes or so, it passed. I continued on with my hike. The smell of fresh rain enveloped the surroundings. I passed through a few hikers already set camp at the shelf right above the river, but it did not interest me because it is such an open area. If lightning were to occur overnight, it's the last place I would wanna be.
I continued and forded Cochetopa Creek as the bridge is non-existent, and then set camp right after it. I met some cool folks at camp. One is from Texas who is doing the CT again for the second time. Two were older gentlemen who were just having a blast here on the trail. I can't imagine myself doing this trail at their age, because it's been a tough one for me so far.
View from camp of Cochetopa Creek that night, trail in the distance
End of Chapter 11