near Clear Creek, Segment 12, Colorado Trail, CO
CO (Chaffee County)
Day 10
random campsite (Segment 12) to my car at Twin Lakes trailhead
I tried but my knee was not having it. I made the 9 miles to the end of Segment 12 at Clear Creek Road in decent time. Probably around 2 mph, but each step was painful.
The day started at 0603 and about 43f. Great views of the surrounding mountains. At Pine Creek Trail were quite a few campers. It was a nice spot. I took a few breaks but probably not enough. Chatted with some CT hikers and even though I seemed to be making good time, it also seemed like it took forever to get to the bottom.
Once at the bottom I stopped at Clear Creek Bridge to filter some water and to take a short break. Incidentally, I think it was yesterday that I noticed a pinhole leak in Sawyer Mini pouch. Fortunately it is on the bottom, so I was still able to use. This area is Clear Creek Reservoir Campground. A nice free, car camping, spot.
After resting, I crossed bridge and began looking for the trail. I stayed on campground road too long and had to double back some. Finally back on track, it was easy walking or at least it should have been. My leg seized up and that was it. I could barely move.
I still had 9 more miles to go but I knew that it would not be possible. If I had attempted and gotten stranded before reaching the trailhead, it would have been very difficult to get back to the road. There was a dirt road here so I slowly made my way to it. I didn't want to give up, but I really felt it was the best choice to make. I caught a hitch fairly quickly. Travis, from Golden and doing some 14ers, drove me back to my car. Thanks!
I hung out at Twin Lakes trying to decide what to do. Currently camped at Monarch Spur CG again. Tomorrow I'll try a short dayhike on Segment 14 and see what happens. My leg still hurts. 9 miles for the day.
near Clear Creek, Segment 12, Colorado Trail, CO
CO (Chaffee County)
Day 10
random campsite (Segment 12) to my car at Twin Lakes trailhead
I tried but my knee was not having it. I made the 9 miles to the end of Segment 12 at Clear Creek Road in decent time. Probably around 2 mph, but each step was painful.
The day started at 0603 and about 43f. Great views of the surrounding mountains. At Pine Creek Trail were quite a few campers. It was a nice spot. I took a few breaks but probably not enough. Chatted with some CT hikers and even though I seemed to be making good time, it also seemed like it took forever to get to the bottom.
Once at the bottom I stopped at Clear Creek Bridge to filter some water and to take a short break. Incidentally, I think it was yesterday that I noticed a pinhole leak in Sawyer Mini pouch. Fortunately it is on the bottom, so I was still able to use. This area is Clear Creek Reservoir Campground. A nice free, car camping, spot.
After resting, I crossed bridge and began looking for the trail. I stayed on campground road too long and had to double back some. Finally back on track, it was easy walking or at least it should have been. My leg seized up and that was it. I could barely move.
I still had 9 more miles to go but I knew that it would not be possible. If I had attempted and gotten stranded before reaching the trailhead, it would have been very difficult to get back to the road. There was a dirt road here so I slowly made my way to it. I didn't want to give up, but I really felt it was the best choice to make. I caught a hitch fairly quickly. Travis, from Golden and doing some 14ers, drove me back to my car. Thanks!
I hung out at Twin Lakes trying to decide what to do. Currently camped at Monarch Spur CG again. Tomorrow I'll try a short dayhike on Segment 14 and see what happens. My leg still hurts. 9 miles for the day.