September 4th, 2024
Mile Marker: Silverthorne Alternate
Miles Hiked: 19
We woke up a bit earlier this morning as we had ample amount of time to sleep last night. I slept relatively well however my resting heart rate is the highest it’s been in a while. Not sure why or what that is about.
Anywho, we woke up around 6 AM and got started around 7:15. We started today with a big climb up to over 12,000 feet.
We were blessed with a beautiful morning as we knew rain was predicted for the afternoon. We had hopes of getting over both big climbs before it came down.
The trail had us in the valley of the mountains and we were thrilled with the views. I feel like any route you pick in Colorado is going to be beautiful.
Aster and Whatever had started before us and as we were starting to get steep with switchbacks, we lost trail. Thankfully, Aster yelled down to us and told us to go up and we would see the trail.
Which is exactly what we did. We were able to have a clear trail for most of the way until the last pitch up which we lost it again. It didn’t feel super frustrating as we were used to this happening. It just slowed us down but it was fine.
Once we got to the top, we stayed up high along the ridge. Journey and Whatever flew down and around on the loose rocks and I repeatedly said “No!” when I was uncomfortable and had to hop or take quick steps to get through.
While we walked along the ridge we spotted a moose down below in the valley. There were times when it would stop and watch us hike along and times when it would mosey along minding its own business. I found myself shifting my eyes from the trail to it back and forth repeatedly as I hiked. I just find moose fascinating.
Late morning, darker clouds started to roll in and pass us. We knew rain would be coming before too long.
At our last water source before the last climb it started to sprinkle and we put on our rain gear, here it comes.
However, it quickly dissipated and we grew hot and had to take off our rain gear. It was going to be one of those days. But I was okay with that. I would much prefer an on and off sprinkle than downpour all day.
We hiked up the mountain and I listened to David Goggins on the Rich Roll podcast. I think I have listened to this podcast on all three thru hikes and even during my 100 miler. David Goggins is all about mindset and callusing your mind. It’s always so inspiring and just what I needed to motivate me to keep a positive mindset and strong mindset.
We made it to the top and had incredible views of Silverthorne down below. Beautiful.
We then kept moving since we wanted to get off the ridge before more rain. We were growing hungry for lunch however so we stopped before the last climb to shove food in our faces and continue.
As we ate I didn’t realize the extremely dark clouds that were forming behind us. As I stood up to pack my bag I knew we were in trouble.
We set out and within 5 minutes it started raining on us. I put on my rain jacket and pants and tried to move as quickly as I could.
However, we lost trail, it no longer existed. Then the thunder started and I wanted off the ridge as quickly as possible.
We looked at our app and could read the topo lines where we were aiming for and pushed that way as fast as we could with no trail.
Our ankles were bending in all directions in the lumpy grass and the rain and wind was making our hands and faces freeze, but we kept hiking through.
Eventually we saw a runner and knew that the trail he was on was where we needed to go to.
I set my eyes on the trees he ran through and beelined for it.
Once we made it into the trees the rain seemed to let up and get softer and softer. A quick thunderstorm that rolled through. Whew!
As we continued downhill we came across a couple benches and a stunning view of town.
We sat here for a while waiting for Aster and Whatever and deciding what we wanted to do, stay in town or not. Journey was having an upset stomach so we were leaning towards staying but wanted to see what the others wanted.
After talking it out, it was clear we all wanted to stay in a hotel tonight especially since rain was in the forecast.
So it was settled, we made our way into town, got a hotel at the Quality Inn around 5 PM. Plenty of time to spare.
We went to a local pizza joint for dinner called Windy City Pizza and ate some delicious food. Side salad, garlic knots, and supreme pizza. Oh it was just what we needed.
We then topped it off with a frosty from Wendy’s on our walk back to the hotel. 😁
Journey and I also decided we had enough time to dip into the hot tub at the hotel and soak our tired bodies. Even though we had a couple days off, we still feel tired and sore. The hot tub was perfect.
We are all sleepy so early but hoping to sleep well and head out early tomorrow for a big day.
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 