August 28th, 2024
Mile Marker: 1642.1
Miles Hiked: 28
We slept in this morning, both feeling lethargic from the long day yesterday and too cold to get out of our sleeping bag.
We only had a minimal amount of water to work for our breakfast since we didn’t fill up before sleeping. I was able to make my coffee and hot chocolate but not enough for my oatmeal so I ate bars instead.
Around 7:30 we headed out and went to search for water. Unfortunately at the water source there was only a small trickle of water but just enough for us to slowly fill our bottles.
As I stood up from filling my bottle, I could feel the deep fatigue in my legs. Oh boy, today was going to be rough.
We started out and after a short climb came out into a huge burn zone. We had heard about the Rocky Mountain National park being in a burn zone but I didn’t realize the size of it.
We moved rather slow and trudged through the burn zone feeling the heat for a change.
We leap frogged with ACE who we met last night. Neither of us saying much to each other, but the occasional “Hi, how’s it going.”
We had mellow terrain where we curved left and right and moved smoothly. Then Journey hollered out to me and said the words we hate hearing,
“We’re off trail.”
How!? I didn’t even see the other intersection but we back tracked enough until the trails were close and bushwhacked over. How I wish I didn’t have to constantly check my phone.
Eventually the more mellow terrain started shifting upward and we had a big climb up to around 11,500 feet.
We moved slow but steady. Before the final push up we ate a quick lunch then continued up and over.
My body felt relatively good as we reached the top, I am still working to get my mind on board.
We hiked on for 3 miles and came to a water source where we met another hiker called Sunrise. We decided to stay here to dry out our tent and sleeping bags for a while and she joined us as she was waiting for ACE.
When ACE showed up we talked about the triple crown and how on the AT she was a purist (hike all miles) and on PCT she lessened since she had to skip for fires and on the CDT she wants to hike the parts she likes.
I liked this motto, do what you enjoy and as always, hike your own hike.
Eventually we headed back out and realized that our original camp spot for the night was inside the Rocky Mountain National Park and we would need a permit for it. So we decided to make an early turn on a highway and get into Grand Lake, Colorado tonight instead of tomorrow.
At the road we saw the two girls trying to get a hitch but decided to walk it so we could have the continuous footpath as much as we could.
While on the road I turned on my cell service and had messages from a few friends. All of whom were encouraging me to continue and showing their support, helping me remember my strength. It gave me a new frame of reference for this upcoming stretch. It’s time to take control of my mind.
“Head up, Shoulders back, Own it”
The road walk took longer than expected and we decided to go into the first restaurant we saw which was also a hotel.
The restaurant wasn’t too busy and the waitress was extra friendly knowing we had just came in late from a long hike.
We both order burgers and scarfed them down and when we finished the waitress came over and let us know that our dinner had been paid for, pointing at a gentleman who looked to be wearing golf clothes and surrounded by 3 other people. She said that as soon as we walked in he told her, “Whatever they order put it on my tab.”
I wondered if he saw the fatigue on our faces or if he passed us on the highway. Regardless, I wish he knew how grateful I was. I felt tears wanting to come to my eyes. I had been struggling and if only he knew how small acts like this are so rejuvenating. Someone else seeing what we are trying to accomplish and wanting to take a part in it.
I was overcome with love since coming into town. It’s all going to be okay.
Journey and I grew tired and decided we would stay the night at the hotel, not wanting to hike back out in the cold and set up our tent in town.
We were very happy with our decision once we saw the room and laid on the bed.
Cozy and comfy, I’m so ready to sleep.
Night Night.
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 