Last Night Arrival - 7/22/14

Arrived in Denver around 7:30 pm last night.  The travel wasn't hard but after being up since 4 am and adding 2 hours to the clock for me, I was tired.

Rented a car and headed for Dana's house.  She is a lovely lady I had the pleasure of meeting a couple years back when I came to Colorado for the 2012 Trail Dames Summit.  She was kind enough to let me crash at her house back then and extended the offer to this trip as well.  She is even dropping me off at the trail head tomorrow morning on her way to work.

Arrived at Dana's slightly later then I had planned.  I did not recharge my phone at the second airport lay over.  I was able to escape the airport just fine, and was making good time when my phone died.  Using the GPS drains it faster then normal.  All the info I had for Dana, phone number, address, etc was stored in my phone.  Luckily I spied a Walmart and exited the highway.  It just did not occur to me that I needed to pack a car charger.  I already have a quarter pound of wires in the pack.  Phone plugged in and back to the highway.

It was great to see Dana.  We chatted for a bit, she had work and I was just beat so we said our good nights.  I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Acclimation time and errands - 7/23/14

I awoke to a beautiful dog in my face at 7:02 am.  I felt rested and ready...  Only I am not hiking today.  I originally planned on the rental car and a zero day so I could meet up with a long lost relative.  Unfortunately some medical issues came up and it wasn't possible.  So, I spent the day doing last minute errands and just putzing around.

Went to the REI.  I hemmed and hawed on what cooking system I wanted to use.  The Pocket Rocket w/canister or my standby alcohol stove w/HEET.  Since at home I never could locate my Pocket Rocket the alcohol stove won out.  On the plan I continued to run it through my head and decided I really wanted to go with the canister stove, that meant a trip to REI.  (Besides who doesn't want to get to see every REI out there!)

At REI, I purchased yet another Pocket Rocket, a canister, a small towel and a container of Nuu Energy tabs for my water.  Also, a little something I saw for my hubby.

In the REI parking lot I took my pack out of the duffel bag it had traveled in.  Omitted a couple more small items from the pack that I really can live without. All of those items, the alcohol stove, the "something" for my husband were placed into the duffle bag.  The bag was then compressed and zipped up to make a small square package.

On my way to REI I saw a street sign that pointed to Waterton Canyon.  That is the trailhead I will leave out of tomorrow.  Curiosity got the better of me and I had to go check it out.  Just love when the first sign I see, says "Mountain Lions are very active in this area, be alert!"  Next sign has instructions on what to do when you come upon Longhorn Sheep.  In reality, I will be lucky if I get a sighting of either.

I called the Durango Hostel, only to find it was closed, out of business.  I checked out a number of the local motels but could not pick one to send a package to.  Next I called the Durango Post Office and asked if they would hold a box for 6 weeks.  The gentleman said that the rule is 30 days, but that I was only stretching it a little.  (2 weeks seems a lot to me.)  He told me to mark that I was a CT HIKER and the ETA (estimated date of arrival). He said there should be no problems with them holding it.  I found a Flat Rate box at the PO that that the duffle just fit into.  It is now on it's way to Durango, just like me.

Stopped for lunch at a Pei Wei for some Asian food.  Doubt I am going to find much sushi along that trail.  None that I would be willing to eat anyway.

I have to say whoever invented the GPS is a fantastic person.  I maneuvered around the out-skirts of Denver like a pro.

Currently waiting for Dana to come home from work.  We will then return my car, possibly get dinner and be ready to head out in the morning. Which means that my next journal entry will actually be a TRAIL JOURNAL!

Till then, be happy, be healthy.

Sue/Hammock Hanger

July 13, 2014

I have one week and a day before departure time.  I don’t know why but I just feel so unorganized for this ttrip.  It is not really any different then trips in the past. In fact it is easier, as there are no permits or international travel to deal with.  So why am I feeling so flustered?

I have received all of my maps and guidebooks.  Contacted a number of establishments about lodging in the various towns I believe I will be visiting.  Some that require two nights stay have waived that requirement due to my hiking status and not needing multiple nights.  Some have kindly offered to accept my mail-drops, so I do not have to deal with postal hours or the trek to and from there.

I have lots of dehydrated proteins and fruit.  Most of the meat is beef related, as for me it dehydrates the best.  There is a bit of chicken and ground turkey. Some is already in something like chili or spaghetti.  There are also packets of dried beef with spinach, peppers, onions, garlic, seasonings etc. These will be added to a Liptons or something else.  I have lots of beef jerky to gnaw on.  The fruit leathers are basically a mash of various fruits, banana, strawberries, blackberies, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, grapes and applesauce. To that I have added protein powder, yogurt, flax & chia seeds, coconut or chopped nuts.  This will suffice as a good snack without having to carry heavy candy bars, that I usually have to gag down.  I still need to get this with my other food supplies organized and put into boxes, labeled for the various post office or lodging locations.  Looks like Monday will be a busy day getting that completed.

The backpack has be filled, as each of my normal items was located and checked off the packing list.  Sleeping bag, check.  Thermarest, check. Clothing items, check and so it goes down the list.  I wanted to bring both my alcohol stove and the pocket rocket to see what would be best but since I can not locate my pocket rocket it looks like the alcohol stove wins out.

I spent an entire day seam sealing my Solo Lightheart tent.  Had this not been a gift, but a purchase, I would have gladly paid the money to have them seal it.  However, it is done and I am happy with it.  Now we wait and see what comments I have after a long night of rain.  I am keeping my fingers crossed.  I really regret not having the comfort of my hammock on this trip. I was told by my friend Judy that I really could hammock. That coming from a tent maker makes me believe it may be so.  That said, I would have to give up sleeping up high, which I love and would naturally curtail my camping spots.  So, I am taking the tent for flexibility.  I do like the Solo Lightheart tent as far as tents go.

I have updated my iPod with lots of books for my nighttime enjoyment.  I do not like to listen to the iPod during the day, as I want to enjoy the trail and all it has to offer.  For me the buzzing of music or a book takes away from that. I have been know to listen to it while walking if there is a long road walk to endure.

I have typed up a lengthy daily itinerary for my husband.  Which of course makes me laugh, because we all know that the itinerary usually bites the dust within the first few days.  However, it gives him a general idea of where I am headed and expecting mail-drops. He will keep track of me through my SPOT Messenger downloads each night.  

In reality it sounds as if I am pretty ready to go, except for the food distribution. So, why, do I feel so unorganized?  Deep breath!

I am excited and so ready to go, in my head. Hell, I was ready to go a month ago.  Snow in the Colorado mountains can be intense and not something I choose to deal with. The last report I got was that the trail was passable in all sections, including the West Collegiate West route.  I am looking forward to the diversion off of the traditional trail and taking the newly blazed higher route.

Not to blow my own horn or pat myself on the back, because that really is not my style, but did want to share some good news.  I was at the Trail Dames Summit last month as a clinician for one of the various workshops offered.  That Saturday night I was award, The Adventurer of the Year Award.  I was truly surprised and very honored.  The Summit is a great place to share and learn. All my women hiking friends should check it out, Anna “Mudbutt” Huthmaker and her staff put on a excellent event.  (The wine parties on Friday nights are lots of fun, but don’t tell anyone!)

Plane tickets secure, food in the dehydrator.

The plane ticket has been purchased. I changed my departure date by two days and saved almost $100.  Not too shabby.  I am hoping to met up with a long lost relative and needed wheels, so a car was rented for 2 days.

I have be lucky enough to have been invited to stay at a friend's house, who will also drop me off at the Denver trailhead. It is always nice to have a local connection.  Not sure of what will happen when I reach the Durango end. How I will get back to make the return flight is still up in the air, but I know it will all come about when it needs to.

I have given myself 6 weeks to visit with a couple of folks and get the hike completed.  I think that is very doable. I plan on starting out slow until I get acclimated. Then work up to some good mileage days. Since I am solo I can hike as early and as late as I would like.  That should get me a few extra miles every day, which of course adds up.  I don't, however, want to rush through by any means.  There is just so much beauty and I want to take time to sit and soak it all in.

I have received the Colorado Trail Atlas, by Erik the Black. (I used his lightweight atlas on the John Muir Trail.) I wanted to order the Colorado Trail, All in One packet with guidebook, data book and maps but it is unavailable from their Online Store.  I was told they are updating it. I am afraid that if I order it once available that it will not reach me before I leave. The CT Atlas has maps in it but unsure if they are enough... Since I am alone I don't want to wander off course.

I gave up dehydrating food for the trail years ago, I just wanted something mindless that could be boiled and eaten.  After having attended one of Lightheart's dehydration workshops, I have decided to give it another try.
Last night I made up breakfast fruit leathers. Using fruit, juice, coconut, wheat germ, flax and chia seeds.  Some have a bit of protein powder. Since breakfast has been an on-going problem for me this should help. I just can not seem to eat food in the morning without gagging. Hoping the sweet fruit will go down easy.

This morning I made hamburger jerky which has always been a favorite of mine. Tonight we had spaghetti and I will be dehydrating the leftovers. That is something Judy taught in her workshop.  Dehydrate those leftovers.  Can't wait to try dehydrating some Chinese or Thai food.

I haven't even started to get some food boxes prepared to mail out. Good thing I work well under pressure. I think when the calendar turns to July a fire will ignite and I will get it all done.

So, the travel arrangements have been secure, check!  Shuttle to the trailhead, check! One guide/data book, check! Gear, shoes, check!  Once the maildrops are complete I will be set.  Still unsure if I should use the soda can alcohol stove or bring the MSR Pocket Rocket canister stove. Any thoughts from the peanut gallery????

Five weeks until take off.

Cousin', steps, bridges ....

DATE:  May 12, 2014

START:
DESTINATION:  bear Creek Camp #2

DAILY MILEAGE: 12.4
TOTAL MILAGE:   38.9

DAILY Steps 31,721

NOTES:
23.  3 suspension. 13,078 wooden steps

The days hike was to be our longest of the trip so far, so we left camp about 45 minutes earlier.  Since yesterday had become a shorter day we needed to make up  a bit of miles.

The hike started out with a strenuous climb. I immediately began to pour out sweat like a faucet fully opened. Having had problems the day before I was a tad concerned.  What can ya do?  I left camp with a completely full Platypus. It made the climb a bit harder but necessary.

The Duke Electric Company built and maintains this section of trail.  On some of the steeper slopes the have embedded wooden block steps. Steps that are built far apart are hard on my short legs, especially with a loaded pack. Aloha keep count of today's steps. She came up with 1378 steps, give or take.  Some were on the steep inclines others on the steep descents. They were all rough on me, all 1378 of them.

When we got to the "boater's campsites" complete with picnic tables, fire ring and lantern holder we found an Immunity Necklace. (It is a Survivor show prop.). Maybe it wasn't the real deal but it looked the part.

We then crossed the Toxaway River on a 45 foot bride. Once again Aloha counted, yes, she is a bit strange. She came up with 23 bridges, 3 of which were suspension style.

The water was so much higher then when I last hiked it I did not even recognize the campsite as I passed by. Smokestack sat on a log with a nice view to puff a bit on his pipe. Aloha stay with him while I kept moving up. I had a slight burn going and figured I would run it out and kept going.  The ascent was long and grueling. It took a while but the other 2 final caught and surpassed me. At the top the sat for a break. Still feeling the burn I kept moving.

There was a bit more ascending before the trail turned into an old logging road that pretty much skirted the mountain with fairly mild ups and downs. I was loving it and just cruising. It was about 4 miles before the others caught up to me.  It was beautiful hiking. I was a happy girl. Of course that could not last forever!  I am still a bit breathy on the ascents. Working on better breath control. The legs, however, were doing great.

We enjoyed lunch at a campsite by ?? creek. Once again a tuna salad wrap.  Today it was complimented by cheese. I enjoyed it but wish I hadn't eaten all the sundries tomatoes yesterday.

Came across a 3.5 foot black snake across the trail. He was not moving. We carefully walked around him. All the while he kept a eye on us.

We met 6 young men out on their first backpacking trips. They were essentially doing out trip in reverse. They were hot, tired and basically wanted out.   I doubt they made their intended camp for the evening.

Later in the afternoon we crossed Horse Pasture River. From there it was a tremendous climb up.

Sleep is taking me away...

There is more to say but I can not keep my eyes open.  Exhaustion is taking over. Needless to say I am having a good time.


SIGNATURE:

Wilderness is not  a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit. - Edward Abbey

Swim, drown, surf...

DATE: 5/10/14

START:  Old Homestead
DESTINATION:  Laural Creek

DAILY MILEAGE: 10.7
TOTAL MILAGE:  16.8

DAILY STEPS:  30,000 Steps

NOTES:
We were up early around 6 am but did not pull out until 8:15.  As out of shape as I am no large mileage days are on the agenda, so it really does not matter when we depart.

Hiking up Sassafras in the thick humidity had me sweating pretty hard, early in the day.  It only got worse. At one point I was putting out so much body fluids I honestly thought I might drown  My clothes were sopping wet and the weight of them began to weigh on me. At one point I took my wet shirt off an left on just the camisole. At lunch it went back on.

There were a couple of morning breaks at around the 2 & 4 hour marks.  Around 1:00 with the ascent and the humidity I was beginning to stagger and was much in need of lunch.  Luckily as I crested yet another ascent, I found Smokestack and Aloha stopped for some lunch.  Today was simply a tuna salad wrap. I had some sundries tomatoes but forgot to put them in.  Leaves more for tomorrow.

Shortly into the hike post-lunch the sky opened and the threat of rain became a reality. I was just to tired to put my pack cover on and hoped for the best. My clothes were already dripping wet so no need for a raincoat. The wetter my skirt got, the heavier it got.  It was already a tad loose.  It began to inch down more and more. I thought it was going to fall off when it was so low it was slapping the back of my legs.

As I was descending a really steep set of wooden, block, steps the bottom step (which was a rock) began to slide.  I surfed it for a few seconds before finding myself sprawled across the trail, covered in mud. Luckily only my pride was hurt. As I ended the next set of steep steps I saw Aloha. She was rinsing off by the creek.  I joined her.  I removed my wet and now muddy skirt and blouse. Usually my body heat will dry my clothes but the sweat and humidity just were not working in my favor. I rinsed them, wrang them and strapped them to my pack. I was now hiking in my camisole and underwear. Not a pretty sight.

Not exactly sure where the next camping opportunity would be we gladly stayed at Laurel Creek where Smokestack was waiting for us.


SIGNATURE:

Wilderness is not  a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit. - Edward Abbeyt

Up, up, and more up.

DATE:  5/9/14

START:  Tablerock State Park, Visitors Center
DESTINATION: Old Homestead

DAILY MILEAGE: 8.2
TOTAL MILAGE:  8.2

DAILY HIGH POINT:

NOTES:

Today turned out to be a rougher day then I had planned for.  For some strange reason I remember the 8 miles being a bit easier after reaching the  Pinicle.  So I was playing mind games with myself and that is always exhausting.

Smokestack took the lead and maintained that the entire day.  He is in great shape and already trail hardened.  Aloha who has been working out (and looking great) remained behind me most of the day as we had a lot of catching up to do.  So there was a lot of chatter as we hiked.

As I said I played head games with myself and it made the last 3 miles rather tough.  At one point I urged Aloha to head off, so Smokestack would know everything was okay, that I was just dragging a bit.

Once on my own I was able to tell myself to suck it up and act like a hiker. Aren't self talks grand.  I knew that part of the problem was nutrition. Aloha and been telling me to stop and eat, but when group hiking I really do not like to stop without the group.  Since, however, I was now already alone I took care of business.

At the first available water I stopped.  Guzzled a quart and a half. (No it was not filtered, the Sawyer has not left the pack!). Had a little sponge bath and relaxed for a few minutes.  Had it not been so late I probably would have removed the shoes. Instead I grabbed the other half of my sub and had dinner.  After a few, I felt much better and ready to make the final push.

As I arrived in camp, Aloha was just headed off to see if I was ok. I bet she was glad she did not have to hike down and find me, only to have to hike back up again.

I could not find workable trees near her site and had to move on the other side.  So, she is over next to Smokestack and I across the way between two other couples.

I managed to get my hammock up, water, eat some M&m's, chat around the fire pit and activate my Spot before the sky opened up.  Now every one is zipped up tight in their tents.  I on the other hand have my awning up and am sitting in the hammock looking out beyond my front porch and feeling pretty good.

Hopefully I will find my groove tomorrow or the next day and poor Smokestack won't be hiking all alone.  Think I"ll brew some tea before bed.

Until tomorrow. Enjoy life, you only get one.


Sorry no pics will post later.


SIGNATURE:

Wilderness is not  a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit. - Edward Abbey

Going for a small walk in the woods.

This year's cards have arrived.  I have over the years learned it is easier to hand out cards then it is to keep writing down the journal information or my email. People are always interested once they find out what I am doing and enjoy following along.

I am headed to the mountains on Tuesday.  A quick visit with some wonderful hiking friends and then off to hike.  This hike is more of a fun activity verses a shakedown hike.  I am pretty much carrying everything I have carried in the past.  Hopefully a little bit less. The only item I am adding to the pack is the new Sawyer Mini Filter. While I have been a free drinker (no filtering of any kind) for the past couple of decades, I am always a tad concerned of new organisms that I have not built up immunities to.  That said I did just fine on the JMT without any filtering what-so-ever. The Sawyer is incredibly light and suppose to be easy to use with instant results.  I will try it out on this play hike and see if it will make the cut.

The trail we will be hiking is called the  Foothills Trail. I hiked this beautiful 75 mile trail a few years back and really liked it.  While I dislike to re-hike a trail it was conveniently located and the right amount of miles for my girlfriend. Unfortunately, she still has to work and has to fit hiking into a week's vacation.  I am very lucky that I have been given the life I have, where I have the time to live out my passions on the trail without having to fit it into some employer's work schedule.

I really wanted to take Mr Murphy along, however, his initial hike here in Florida did not go well.  I know he loves the trail and especially the mountains, but I am still unsure of his limits.  Since there are other people involved in the hike and the possibilities of catching a few days in Damascus for Trail Days, the decision to leave him home was made.

I have not even begun to pack and I leave in 24 hours, so I guess I should get my act together and get busy.