(Backup) 8 Days to Princeton Hot Springs Con't

8/1-  Happy August!  Day starting off with a wonderful breakfast. Thank you Sue for packing all the goodies and for managing all of our gear. Both you and Sharon are the best!  

Our old trail buddy Frank was walking by so we invited him for breakfast as well. He was a happy camper!

Day started late. Didn't get on trail until 9:30. Data book suggested it would be a relatively easy day. Only 2 elevation gains of about 700'. We ended covering 16.8 miles. Not bad for a late start!  Spent much of the day walking in the woods. We would find ourselves in these beautiful aspen groves and then in a couple of steps be in an arid meadow of sage. 




We came out of the woods in the afternoon and walked around Twin Lakes. 




You'll notice the haze. We believe the smoke is from the Westin fire and from a smaller fire near Aspen.   Just a wee bit unnerving. 

One cool thing we came across today was a pond wth the largest beaver lodge I have ever seen. 




I have  lots of energy today from all the good eats last night and this morning. Looking forward to a great day tomorrow.  

8/2-  Yesterday's reprieve didn't last long. Today started with a 2700' elevation gain over Mt  Waverly,  a 1000' loss, followed by a 1200' gain. We did well to cover 15.8 miles today. Hit the milestone of 200 miles. Pretty unbelievable.  I'm looking forward to a 2 day break in Princeton Hot Springs Saturday. 
PS-  Not sure how I managed to have the text underlined  and not sure how to undo on my phone...Such is life. 






RM getting and giving updates on the satellite phone. Cell service is a rarity on the trail. 


8/3-  The yoyoimg continues today as we drop  600' in elevation from our camp at Cottonwood Creek but then climb 1100' as we enter the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.   Rain is threatening all morning and sure enough it lets go around 1:00 pm. We are wet and cold, but don't like the weather?  Wait a few minutes and it will change in the Rockies. We were sweltering by late afternoon. Got into camp at Brown Creek early today. Only 14 miles tomorrow to Princeton Hot Springs and 2 days off the trail!



Ominous skies. 

I wonder if the cabin is for rent?  





Camp site for the night at the bottom of the hillside. 
8/4-   We put the jets on and cruised into Princeton Hot Springs.  We were there by 2:30 and Sue, Jeff and Brenda were waiting for us. I got teary hugging Brenda, not having seen seen her in more than 3 weeks.  We have hiked 230 miles and are almost  half way through the CT. Time for some real food, sleep and R&R.   

Mt. Yale piercing the sky. 

Mt. Princeton in site. 
Brenda and Sue relaxing at the camp site. 

Good ole Van Gogh offering warmth and protection from the elements. 

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