Daily Miles: 12.6, Total Miles: 347.4 Masterbraider, Yaya, Star and I headed out together continuing up the smaller and smaller Cochetopa Creek. We got stopped cold by a big bull moose standing on the trail. He seemed in no hurry to yield probably because he wanted to go in our direction. After many photos, we decided to walk off trail below him and circle back up to the CT. Probably due to all the noise we were making, he decided…

Daily Miles: 22.6, Total Miles: 334.8 The coyotes were howling early this morning. A fast pace this morning through the Gunnison NF across large meadows and in and out of dry or muddy drainages. Definitely in cattle country now unfortunately highlighted by a dead cow practically in Ant Creek. The smell was absolutely horrible and I sped up – needed water but not that bad. I soon dropped into the Cochetopa drainage, flowing well with an active beaver population and…

Daily Miles: 19.1, Total Miles: 312.2 The ankle felt better this morning although still tender. I’ll keep the ankle brace on the left side. Most of the morning was spent hiking the ridges high above Razor Creek through the Rio Grande NF. I met a couple in full camo, archery season for mule deer. I dropped down to Lujan Pass and a dirt road, following it along the creek until I found a bit of running water to filter from….

Daily Miles: 17.2, Total Miles: 293.1 I was less than a mile into the hike this morning on a steep, loose, rocky descent when I rolled by left ankle really hard. Not the first time but probably the hardest. Outward roll, just like on my surgically repaired right ankle, not happy and a few choice words. After the pain subsided a bit, I switched my ankle brace from the right side to the left side and cinched it up real…

Daily Miles: 22.7, Total Miles: 275.9 Trail Angel Debbie picked me and one other hiker up and was on the trail at Hwy 50 by 8am. A crystal, clear morning with a hint of fall in the air. After gaining considerable elevation, I finally rejoined the CDT/CT where east meets west. I revisited a beautiful camp spot I had on the CDT on the Divide crest. Panoramic views were a real highlight but this section of trail also receives heavy…

Daily Miles: 13.9, Total Miles: 253.2 Always an early start on a town day, a bright and sunny morning on the trail. Magnificent views of Tabeguache Peak and Mt Shavano, both 14k peaks. Worked my way down to US Hwy 50 below Monarch Pass. I stuck out by thumb and within two minutes had a ride into Salida. I checked into my motel, washed my clothes at a nearby laundromat and took a short nap. Recharged, I walked into downtown…

Daily Miles: 20.1, Total Miles: 239.3 Up and on the trail by 6:15am. I climbed out of the Cottonwood Creek drainage and continued south on the east flank of Mt Princeton. Walked through the aspen and ponderosa pine forest for about seven miles. I finally reached a road that descended into the Chalk Creek drainage and the Princeton Hot Springs Resort. First stop was the market for a refreshing drink. Then walked across the street to the upper pool and…

Daily Miles: 23.2, Total Miles: 219.2 The brilliant night sky, including the Big Dipper was on full display from my tent last night. A tough but beautiful day on the trail today. Up and over Waverly Mountain just before sunrise then down to beaver paradise at Pine Creek. I skirted the flanks of two 14k peaks, Mt Harvard and Mt Columbia, and passed by pretty Harvard Lakes before dropping down to North Cottonwood Creek. I took a lunch and water…

Daily Miles: 18.5, Total Miles: 196.0 Not sure why my alarm didn’t wake me up this morning, but it didn’t set me back too much. Out of the door by 6:30am, I’m guessing temps in the low 30’s with clear skies. I rejoined the CT at the Hwy 82 crossing and traversed around Twin Lakes. Then joined the Collegiate East Route which is also the original CT route. I hiked the Collegiate West Route as part of my CDT hike….