We’re just back from visiting my son and family in Helena. Then on to Ketchum ID for a reunion with old friends. Driving through Stanley and along the Sawtooths got me thinking again about an Idaho hike! So what were the best days on the CT? Best wildlife encounters: big bull moose in pond near Cottonwood Creek and another in the headwaters of Cochetopa Creek. “Most” of any trail I have hiked: days rained or hailed on, mountain bikes, dirt…
Daily Miles: 22.9, Total Miles: 486.4 I didn’t sleep well last night, just couldn’t seem to get comfortable. Or maybe thinking about what could be my last night on the trail. I did enjoy the stunning night sky against the backdrop of the La Platas and Taylor Lake. After a quick breakfast, the morning started with a brisk two-mile climb. I watched the sunrise on the flank of Cumberland Mountain. It was then mostly downhill, contouring around the heavily forested…
Daily Miles: 26.9, Total Miles: 463.5 On the trail my 6:30am with just enough light to see the trail. All day in the San Juan National Forest with first a climb to Blackhawk Pass at just under 12,000 ft. In and out of a few heavily forested drainages then stayed high on the ridges. Great views to the east looking down on Hermosa Creek Wilderness and south to the La Platas. Late in the day, I eventually reached the La…
Daily Miles: 23.8, Total Miles: 436.6 I awoke to a drizzle at Little Molas Lake that lasted until about 6am. I had two cups of coffee and waited a bit, finally heading out at 8am to fog and mist over the lake and mountains. This helped make for one of the more spectacular days on the trail. Beautiful scenery, sun bursting through the mist and visiting the headwaters of two creeks I have fished, Lime and Cascade Creek. There was…
Daily Miles: 6.4, Total Miles: 412.8 I was really getting antsy and wanted to get back on the trail today. Snow in the high country last night and still drizzling in Silverton so a late start this morning. By the time I got to Little Molas Lake early in the afternoon, there was a steady rain and really socked in. I set up my tent to wait it out but it drizzled and rained the rest of the day. This…
Daily Miles: 0, Total Miles: 406.4 A second day in Silverton waiting for the weather system to move through. Seems to have stalled and the full brunt of the rain comes tonight and tomorrow. Looks like I can’t avoid it. Another nice breakfast, this time eggs and French toast at the Kendall Mountain Cafe. That was enough until dinner, tacos and salad at the Avalanche Brewery. I finished Season 4 of Stranger Things today. I guess that’s the finish but…
Daily Miles: 14.9, Total Miles: 406.4 Last night I was thinking decisions, decisions – should I try to reach Silverton tomorrow? I actually set the alarm for 3:20am and was on the trail by 4am. A brisk, frosty morning with nearly a full moon – I still needed the headlamp for a few hours. Said goodbye to the CDT at first light as the CT turned west – the CT did not disappoint. First a climb to the Divide at…
Daily Miles: 20.3, Total Miles: 391.5 Noisy with the wind last night so the earplugs came in handy last night. Also, probably the coldest night on the trail. On the trail and could hardly see without my headlamp but that didn’t last long. The gloves and beanie were appreciated this morning on the climb to the highest point on the CT at 13,271′. Then a steep descent to the Carson Saddle historic mining area. I hiked into the Lost Creek…
Daily Miles: 13.3, Total Miles: 371.2 I slept well last night and not in a big rush this morning. Didn’t want to wait for the free shuttle at noon so started hitching while walking to Chillin, the coffee/breakfast stop. I didn’t make it. Got picked up by an elderly resident out doing what he called “honey dos”. He went far out of his way and was quite the tour guide, refusing any donation for gas money. Made my day! On…
Daily Miles: 0, Total Miles: 357.9 Had to look for an extra blanket last night. I should have closed the windows but fell asleep too quickly. Leisurely day in Lake City, a late breakfast at close by Chillin and bid farewell to MB and Yaya. Checked to see if the free shuttle back to the TH was running. It has been extended to Sept 11 but doesn’t leave until noon. I may try hitching -a weather system is moving in…
