Bridge over South Fooses Creek, Segment 15, Colorado Trail, CO (5)
CO (Chaffee County)
Day 8
random campsite (Segment 15) to Salida, CO
And then the changed plans are meant to be changed. I slept well, in the 40s, but in the morning, as I started hiking, my knee was still hurting. And this was mostly flat, downhill grade. As I was considering my options, I knew I didn't want to hike 70 more miles in pain. I made it to South Fooses Creek trailhead. Of course, I couldn't find a confidence marker or an actual trail for that matter. The databook was not helpful either. I had to check the CT hiker app which seemed to indicate that the road was the trail.
So I followed the road and kept checking the app. I stayed on course and finally made it to Fooses Lake and then to US50. Almost 3 miles on the road with no indication from the databook that I should even be on the road. I only saw 2 confidence markers. Not helpful, as I was already committed to following the road.
I made it to US50 with the decision to go to Salida and then tomorrow somehow make it to Silver Creek trailhead between Segments 12 & 13 and finish hiking to my car. I'll miss a section, but I won't have to hike in pain for 70 miles instead only about 27 miles. Hopefully my knee will be better.
Bridge over South Fooses Creek, Segment 15, Colorado Trail, CO (5)
CO (Chaffee County)
Day 8
random campsite (Segment 15) to Salida, CO
And then the changed plans are meant to be changed. I slept well, in the 40s, but in the morning, as I started hiking, my knee was still hurting. And this was mostly flat, downhill grade. As I was considering my options, I knew I didn't want to hike 70 more miles in pain. I made it to South Fooses Creek trailhead. Of course, I couldn't find a confidence marker or an actual trail for that matter. The databook was not helpful either. I had to check the CT hiker app which seemed to indicate that the road was the trail.
So I followed the road and kept checking the app. I stayed on course and finally made it to Fooses Lake and then to US50. Almost 3 miles on the road with no indication from the databook that I should even be on the road. I only saw 2 confidence markers. Not helpful, as I was already committed to following the road.
I made it to US50 with the decision to go to Salida and then tomorrow somehow make it to Silver Creek trailhead between Segments 12 & 13 and finish hiking to my car. I'll miss a section, but I won't have to hike in pain for 70 miles instead only about 27 miles. Hopefully my knee will be better.