Spring Creek Pass to Durango
8/16- The morning started toasty warm sleeping in Van Gogh. A nice breakfast, a goodbye to our friends Jeff, Sue and Naomi, and back on the trail. Naomi was leaving the trail for good to get to a wedding. Sue and Jeff will be heading to Molas Pass Campground to meet us with our final resupply.
Weather forecast was for rain in the afternoon and the weatherman did not disappoint. Today's challenge was to make it over the highest point of the CT, Carson's Saddle at 13,200'. Just under 4,000' of elevation gain for the day. We spent the morning making our way over a final Mesa to our climb. 
Rain clouds and distant thunder concerned us as we approached Carson Saddle, so we waited for the weather to break. The sun peeked through the clouds after about 40 minutes, so we decided to make a go at the Pass.
The views were gorgeous but before we knew it a thunder storm rolled in. We were at 13,000' at the time so we dropped several hundred feet and took cover in a hollow.
A violent hail storm storm exploded all around us with lightening hitting about an eighth of a mile away. Pretty scary stuff. Thankfully the storm passed quickly and we made our way to the Pass.
The trail dropped as quickly as it rose and we were beginning to think about a camp site when it started to pour. No rain suit was going to stand up to this wind driven rain and we got soaked. After covering 19 milest we settled into a wet field just as the rain let up. I hope the sun will be up in the morning to help us dry out. The forecast is for rain throughout the week. Ugh!
RM and I are both big Lord of the Rings fans so here he is fixing second breakfast as we wait for the sun to do it's work. RM's favorite meal of the day is elevensies It seems lately we are having to dry out on a daily basis.
The view from the top of the pass.
The pictures don't begin to do justice to the beauty of the endless mountain ranges we are walking through. We are above tree line atll the time at this point and the views are stunning.
At about 6:30 pm a hiker walked into our camp looking for s place to crash for the night. It was our friend Pickle! Not only was it great to see him but 15 minutes after he arrived the rain stopped and the sun came out.
Heading to resupply.
We said goodbye to Pickle who used his smooth touch to hitch a ride into Silverton.
Back on the trail and making our way into the San Juan Mts.
The view from our camp site this evening. Just stunning. We are 68 miles from Durango and the end of our journey.
Heading to the first Pass of the day.
RM firing up the tunes. We listen to about 45 minutes of music a day just to change things up.
It's that away RM!
At the top of the Pass.
Nothing like the big fig newton to get you over the Pass. Wish I had one to eat!
Made it!
Best waterfall yet!
Checkout how green and healthy the forest is.
A beautiful meadow.
Stunning mountain views.
The view from our camp site.
Making sure the deer don't get our eats.
8/21- We have been on the trail 6 days and there has been significant rain 5 out of the 6 days. There was a thunderstorm last night that shook the ground and lit up the sky and then this afternoon a powerful storm forced us to seek shelter in the trees. Other than soaking feet we are fairing well at keeping the contents of our packs dry.
Clouds rolling in.
After the storm.
While the thunderstorm raged, I sat under a pole pine and made an early dinner. I let the food soak for 15 minutes to rehydrate and then let it boil for about 5 minutes.
Finally, I let it sit in a cozy to finish its rehydration and cook.
The result is a piping hot dinner. This is American chop suey. It's really pretty good.
The San Juan Mts are not what I expected. Considering the elevation, I thought we would be in alpine scrub but it is meadow after high meadow. I felt like I was walking through Christmas tree farms all afternoon. The rolling mountains remind me of central NH.
We covered 18+ miles today and are only 32 miles to our destination, Durango.
Setting up camp after a long day. Of course 15 minutes after I took this picture it started...You guessed it- Raining!
8/22- Woke to pouring rain and fog. I didn't take many photos because it poured all day. We are soaked to the bone but our spirits are high because we are a day out of Durango!
8/23- Our final day on the trail with only 14 miles to Durango. Of course my phone died and I was unable to take photos. We are tired sore and wet but no matter, we flew to the final trailhead.
RM with Vindy and Matt.
Thank you for all your kind words of support for my effort to support childhood food insecurity.
Rain clouds and distant thunder concerned us as we approached Carson Saddle, so we waited for the weather to break. The sun peeked through the clouds after about 40 minutes, so we decided to make a go at the Pass.
The views were gorgeous but before we knew it a thunder storm rolled in. We were at 13,000' at the time so we dropped several hundred feet and took cover in a hollow.
A violent hail storm storm exploded all around us with lightening hitting about an eighth of a mile away. Pretty scary stuff. Thankfully the storm passed quickly and we made our way to the Pass.
The trail dropped as quickly as it rose and we were beginning to think about a camp site when it started to pour. No rain suit was going to stand up to this wind driven rain and we got soaked. After covering 19 milest we settled into a wet field just as the rain let up. I hope the sun will be up in the morning to help us dry out. The forecast is for rain throughout the week. Ugh!
8/17- Our hope for morning sun was dashed but at least it wasn't raining. Nothing like putting on wet socks and boots in the AM.
We had a quick bite and worked to break camp quickly so we could stay warm. The coyotes bid us fair well as we made our way up the trail and to the Polle Creek Pass. Thankfully the sun peeked out of the clouds and we were able to dry our things just below the Pass.
RM and I are both big Lord of the Rings fans so here he is fixing second breakfast as we wait for the sun to do it's work. RM's favorite meal of the day is elevensies It seems lately we are having to dry out on a daily basis.
The view from the top of the pass.
The pictures don't begin to do justice to the beauty of the endless mountain ranges we are walking through. We are above tree line atll the time at this point and the views are stunning.
As has been the pattern for the last few days, we are keeping a close eye on the weather at all times so that we aren't caught above 12,000' with a storm moving in. It can be challenging to read the clouds and the direction they are heading. Today we were lucky and walked in between the rain drops until the very end of the day when we were caught in a storm at the head waters of the Rio Grande. We made camp for the night after only 13 miles so we wouldn't get as drenched as the night before.
At about 6:30 pm a hiker walked into our camp looking for s place to crash for the night. It was our friend Pickle! Not only was it great to see him but 15 minutes after he arrived the rain stopped and the sun came out.
We are at mile 389 and excited that we have less than 100 miles to Durango.
As we were approaching the end of our day at mile 17 we came across a moose feeding in a small pond by some railroad tracks.
It was a long but satisfying day. We are 5 miles from our final resupply and will meet Jeff and Sue tomorrow morning. We are at mile 406.
8/18- We awoke to steady rain this morning. Just when you thought it had let up it would start raining again. We finally had a short break in the rain around 7:30 and threw everything into our packs soaking wet. Of course it started raining as we began to walk. Pickle joined us and brought youthful optimism. The rain continued off and on all morning. There was about a 30 minute break in the weather at 10:00 am so we did a little drying out. The break in the weather didn't last long but at least our things were somewhat dry. The sky to our west haunted us as they were always dark and ominous looking. 
By midday the skies began to clear and we made our way to the Elk Creek Canyon Pass. The views were incredible. Sheep were everywhere grazing and 2 white sheep dogs watched over their flock. If you wandered too close,the sheep dogs would run at you. Very protective and cool dogs.
We made our way down into this beautiful canyon with amazing switchbacks. If you slipped off the trail you would have taken quite the tumble.
By midday the skies began to clear and we made our way to the Elk Creek Canyon Pass. The views were incredible. Sheep were everywhere grazing and 2 white sheep dogs watched over their flock. If you wandered too close,the sheep dogs would run at you. Very protective and cool dogs.
We made our way down into this beautiful canyon with amazing switchbacks. If you slipped off the trail you would have taken quite the tumble.
After 3 days above tree line in the freezing rain we finally were back in the trees. The warmth of the forest and protection from the wind felt great. The sun had also come out making for a delightful walk along the creek.
As we were approaching the end of our day at mile 17 we came across a moose feeding in a small pond by some railroad tracks.
It was a long but satisfying day. We are 5 miles from our final resupply and will meet Jeff and Sue tomorrow morning. We are at mile 406.
8/19- We are 5 miles to the trailhead and are looking forward to a resupply with Jeff and Sue. We hear tell there are showers at the campground! I haven't showered since Princeton Hot Springs. Yes, that was 8/5.
We booked it to highway 550 by 10:30 and waited to be picked up. We had our wires crossed with Jeff and Sue though and didn't make contact with them for an hour. Once we got into camp we decided to eat, resupply, shower and get back on the trail. It would be great to get into Durango Thursday night rather then Friday. We took care of business and were back on the trail by 2:30 pm and hoping to get 6 more miles in today.
This was our last resupply with Jeff and Sue. We won't see them again until we return to Fort Collins. RM and I can't thank them enough for the tremendous support they provided us on our hike. We were the envy of the other thru-hikers. We are indebted to them!
Heading to resupply.
We said goodbye to Pickle who used his smooth touch to hitch a ride into Silverton.
Back on the trail and making our way into the San Juan Mts.
The view from our camp site this evening. Just stunning. We are 68 miles from Durango and the end of our journey.
8/20- Holy crap! The wind howled and was so loud last night that it was almost impossible to sleep. The canyon seemed to act like a Venturi whipping the winds into a fury. We aptly named the canyon Hurricane Canyon. We are both exhausted!
Needless to say we need to move on. Today we went over 3 passes gaining almost 4000' in elevation and covering justo under 17 miles.
The San Juan Mts are unique for several reasons. The first is how jagged and colorful the rocky peaks are as they reach to the sky. They are stunning! Second is how healthy the forest is. Much of Colorado is struggling with a pine beetle infestation that is killing off the pole pines and increasing the fire hazard tenfold. But the infestation hasn't seemed to reach here yet. Unfortunately I think it is inevitable that it will. Finally, the forest is teaming with wild life. I've seen 4 deer over 4 weeks and saw 6 just today alone. Very cool!
Heading to the first Pass of the day.
RM firing up the tunes. We listen to about 45 minutes of music a day just to change things up.
It's that away RM!
At the top of the Pass.
Nothing like the big fig newton to get you over the Pass. Wish I had one to eat!
Made it!
Best waterfall yet!
Checkout how green and healthy the forest is.
A beautiful meadow.
Stunning mountain views.
The view from our camp site.
Making sure the deer don't get our eats.
8/21- We have been on the trail 6 days and there has been significant rain 5 out of the 6 days. There was a thunderstorm last night that shook the ground and lit up the sky and then this afternoon a powerful storm forced us to seek shelter in the trees. Other than soaking feet we are fairing well at keeping the contents of our packs dry.
Clouds rolling in.
After the storm.
While the thunderstorm raged, I sat under a pole pine and made an early dinner. I let the food soak for 15 minutes to rehydrate and then let it boil for about 5 minutes.
Finally, I let it sit in a cozy to finish its rehydration and cook.
The result is a piping hot dinner. This is American chop suey. It's really pretty good.
The San Juan Mts are not what I expected. Considering the elevation, I thought we would be in alpine scrub but it is meadow after high meadow. I felt like I was walking through Christmas tree farms all afternoon. The rolling mountains remind me of central NH.
We covered 18+ miles today and are only 32 miles to our destination, Durango.
Setting up camp after a long day. Of course 15 minutes after I took this picture it started...You guessed it- Raining!
8/22- Woke to pouring rain and fog. I didn't take many photos because it poured all day. We are soaked to the bone but our spirits are high because we are a day out of Durango!
8/23- Our final day on the trail with only 14 miles to Durango. Of course my phone died and I was unable to take photos. We are tired sore and wet but no matter, we flew to the final trailhead.
We did it! What a great feeling of accomplishment. I got a little weepy. We were met by an amazing lady Cindy who is a CT Angel. She brought us to her home, allowed us to shower, do laundry and help us secure a rental car to return to Fort Collins. We spent the night camping in their back yard. We took Cindyand her husband Matt out for dinner. I choked down bog time!
RM with Vindy and Matt.
8/24- We are on our way back to the Fort. What an amazing journey! I chose to take on this challenge. I would either make it or come up short, but either way I get to go home to my comfortable life. Kids struggling with food insecurity face the challenge of hunger on a regular basis. They haven't chosen this challenge but never the less have to deal with it long term. How about being like Cindy and Matt and be a food angel for these kids. Please consider donating to my challenge: Hiking to End 68 Hours of Hunger. Please donate at the site below:
Thank you for all your kind words of support for my effort to support childhood food insecurity.
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