August 29th, 2024
Mile Marker: 1661.4
Miles Hiked: 21
This morning I slept in as much as I could until eventually Journey brought over a cup of coffee. We would need to get up and around before it got too late.
We went down to the hotel breakfast restaurant around 8:30 and I ordered a waffle, eggs, and sausage. I was surprised at the portions, definitely not hiker portions. I ate it all in one bite and was hungry for more.
We went to the post office to pick up a box we had bounced from Encampment and both were pleasantly surprised when we almost had a full resupply. That’s exactly what we wanted. We went to the local grocery store and picked up the remaining supplies. Grand Lake is such a cute town surrounded by mountains. I also received another message from a friend, with words of encouragement and words to question my thoughts and a favorite phrase “I am a woman, hear me roar.” ☺️
We headed out around noon and ran into Twilight. Every time I see him I think it’s going to be the last as he hikes fast and big miles but somehow we keep up.
The CDT went right through the town of Grand Lake, which I loved and the trail actually had markers the whole way. The markers would even be turned to help point to the hiker which way to turn. This is how it should be all the time!
The trail went through Main Street and some neighborhoods then we came out by the lakes and onto a trail.
The trail stayed pretty flat next to the lake for a while. I was loving the terrain, this is what we needed after such an intense go the last few days.
After a couple hours we stopped by a river for lunch. It was a perfect spot with great views. I also spent some time shaking out my shoes and realized just how holey my socks have gotten…. Whoooops. Thankfully shoes and socks are coming so soon.
We stayed next to multiple lakes, going up and down for a bit but nothing too major. We noticed heavy dark clouds in the distance but thankfully all day they went a different direction and passed us by. Thank goodness.
Today was beautiful. I tried harder to be more intentional with what I was seeing. Taking time to really take it in, to really look around.
Around 5:30 PM we came to a beach vibe entrance and Journey decided he wanted to swim. I stayed out and started to cold soak my food and get organized. Journey is a fish, he loves to swim when he can.
We then hiked for another 5 miles. Starting the approach to a big climb.
We got to our camp spot around 8:30 PM and were using our headlamps to look around at a camp spot. We were in the trees but noticed majority of them were dead.
Crap.
We were not fans of staying under them especially when they are so unpredictable. We hear trees falling when there is never any wind.
So we decided to keep going. There was a comment about live trees .9 ahead so we figured we could troop it out. I was initially so frustrated and let out a few tears then reminded myself of the comments from friends; who I am and what I do.
I’m a badass thru hiker and we love night hiking. This is great, look at the stars.
Doing my best to change my mindset. Mindset is everything, it’s going to make or break anything we do.
We arrived late and ate using our headlamps. It is COLD tonight so we are wrapped up and hoping to stay warm all night!
Night Night.
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 