June 25th, 2024
Mile Marker: 195
Miles Hiked: 24
Started the morning out with getting down our bear hangs and making “breakfast in bed” for the first time since being on trail. Since we weren’t camped in a usual location we decided it would be okay.
It was just what the doctor ordered and so reminiscent of the other thru hikes when I did this daily. Boy, was it needed to get my mindset right.
We took a bit longer than usual and then headed out on trail after 8 AM. Getting up and over Switchback pass took us longer than usual since the trail was not clearly marked in the snow. Eventually Ross and I put on microspikes and Journey would have however his pair was only a lender pair so Ross gave him his ice axe in case. 🫣 The snow was still frozen which made for fast moving with spikes and I have no idea how Journey did it in only trail shoes.
We made it to the top and all its glory. I was so thankful for a blue sky day while in the snow.
Then came the hard part of route finding and going down the snow that was quickly melting.
I found myself getting nervous again for the snow fields and frustrated with the snow. It’s such a love hate relationship. I dislike traveling across sketchy sections but it is so pretty.
Then we made it back to the actual CDT and had 3 larger climbs for the day then a steady downhill to camp.
The first part of the day took us way longer than expected and the climbs took us even longer. Journey and I were gassed from the long day prior and Ross was feeling okay since he had his trail legs.
I half expected him to take off but was glad he stayed along.
Journey started feeling pretty sickly around noon so we took it easy and just kept a constant pace.
The trail was beautiful and led us through lovely wildflowers and tall mountains.
Eventually we went through burn zones again and it almost felt like I was on a treadmill, walking the same spot over and over as everything looked similar.
I so appreciated the easy trail though as my feet are so tender. We kept Journey in the front so he could control the pace and we could monitor him.
We talked about our parents today and how we all enjoyed getting to know our parents on a different level once we were over 18 and out of the house. How the relationship is more open about their past and can have more honest conversations.
We made it 24 miles hoping to see Whatever but it turned out he left us this spot and continued on for a few miles since not all of us could fit. He is rolling with two other people.
I’m not a fan of the campsite but hoping and praying we will be okay.
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 