Segment 5, Colorado Trail, CO21
Although Lost Creek Wilderness was a bit of a disappointment the day before, the wilderness would have the chance to redeem itself. I woke to the coldest morning yet. It was 42f and although the rain had stopped, the vegetation was wet and unfortunately I had to walk through it. Needless to say I was glad I had my cold weather gear with me. The sun was out but the trail is on the shady side in the morning.
The hiking through the meadow was easy, not steep at all. I saw plenty of flowers and some strange pits with logs across them. I don't know what they were for. Altogether it was about 6 miles of hiking through the meadow including what I had hiked earlier. A couple of miles later is Segment 5 at Long Gulch Trailhead and shortly thereafter is Lost Creek Wilderness, part 2.
This is where the trail really gets good, not just good ... great. Awesome views, sweeping panoramas, pleasant meadows and forests. Each time I thought something was fantastic, the next view was even better. Into the woods and out of the woods. The weather was very cooperative as well .... during the day, anyway.
Every Colorado Trail hiker knows the thing to be concerned about are thunderstorms. You can count on them nearly every day and you don't want to be exposed and definitely not above treeline. I hadn't been above treeline yet, but after a 20 mile day, I chose a campsite which was exposed, overlooking the valley and the town of Jefferson. It was a nice campsite where I could see the clouds and inevitable storm coming. Fortunately, I was able to finish dinner before it started.
Segment 5, Colorado Trail, CO21
Although Lost Creek Wilderness was a bit of a disappointment the day before, the wilderness would have the chance to redeem itself. I woke to the coldest morning yet. It was 42f and although the rain had stopped, the vegetation was wet and unfortunately I had to walk through it. Needless to say I was glad I had my cold weather gear with me. The sun was out but the trail is on the shady side in the morning.
The hiking through the meadow was easy, not steep at all. I saw plenty of flowers and some strange pits with logs across them. I don't know what they were for. Altogether it was about 6 miles of hiking through the meadow including what I had hiked earlier. A couple of miles later is Segment 5 at Long Gulch Trailhead and shortly thereafter is Lost Creek Wilderness, part 2.
This is where the trail really gets good, not just good ... great. Awesome views, sweeping panoramas, pleasant meadows and forests. Each time I thought something was fantastic, the next view was even better. Into the woods and out of the woods. The weather was very cooperative as well .... during the day, anyway.
Every Colorado Trail hiker knows the thing to be concerned about are thunderstorms. You can count on them nearly every day and you don't want to be exposed and definitely not above treeline. I hadn't been above treeline yet, but after a 20 mile day, I chose a campsite which was exposed, overlooking the valley and the town of Jefferson. It was a nice campsite where I could see the clouds and inevitable storm coming. Fortunately, I was able to finish dinner before it started.