Blanks Trailhead, Segment 14, Colorado Trail, CO (2)
CO (Chaffee County)
Day 11
Monarch Spur CG to dispersed camping area near Mount Shavano trailhead
After staying at Monarch Spur CG again (great, grassy tent sites by the river) and taking a shower, I went to Pancake Place in Salida also again. Saw an injured deer with a broken leg cross the road. Enjoyed lots of coffee.
I drove back to Segment 14/15 at US50 and met some TX ladies who were about to start a few nights adventure. I hiked to 'top of ridge' at mile point 16.7, 3.7 miles from trailhead. Angel of Shavano CG was another 1.5 mi downhill in the woods.
On the way back I did encounter 2 moose one of which hung out on the trail for 5-10 minutes. I reckon he was watching me as I was watching him. I had backed up to give him space and to keep some trees between us. Some bikers were nearby and I warned them of moose. They approached slowly and the moose soon just wandered into the woods. The rest of the hike was uneventful except for seeing TX ladies again.
I still had to retrieve my package from Monarch Pass. I did so, while enjoying another hot dog and some ice cream this time around. Did not see any other hikers though.
I now figured if I could find Mount Shavano trailhead, I could camp nearby and do some more hiking. I did, I did and I did. The hiking was back toward Angel of Shavano CG, about 1.7 miles one way. Very easy hiking but evidence of cows everywhere. The trail overlooked the CG in a large valley below.
Now it is raining. Tent is setup in overflow parking and dispersed camping area. I'm in car eating jerky and drinking soda. Overall it was about an 8 mile drive on dirt road. Tomorrow I'll do a few more miles in the other direction. Leg is still sore but not too bad. Since I did 'there and back again' hikes today, total miles were approx 10.8. Only 5.4 miles of actual trail miles though.
Blanks Trailhead, Segment 14, Colorado Trail, CO (2)
CO (Chaffee County)
Day 11
Monarch Spur CG to dispersed camping area near Mount Shavano trailhead
After staying at Monarch Spur CG again (great, grassy tent sites by the river) and taking a shower, I went to Pancake Place in Salida also again. Saw an injured deer with a broken leg cross the road. Enjoyed lots of coffee.
I drove back to Segment 14/15 at US50 and met some TX ladies who were about to start a few nights adventure. I hiked to 'top of ridge' at mile point 16.7, 3.7 miles from trailhead. Angel of Shavano CG was another 1.5 mi downhill in the woods.
On the way back I did encounter 2 moose one of which hung out on the trail for 5-10 minutes. I reckon he was watching me as I was watching him. I had backed up to give him space and to keep some trees between us. Some bikers were nearby and I warned them of moose. They approached slowly and the moose soon just wandered into the woods. The rest of the hike was uneventful except for seeing TX ladies again.
I still had to retrieve my package from Monarch Pass. I did so, while enjoying another hot dog and some ice cream this time around. Did not see any other hikers though.
I now figured if I could find Mount Shavano trailhead, I could camp nearby and do some more hiking. I did, I did and I did. The hiking was back toward Angel of Shavano CG, about 1.7 miles one way. Very easy hiking but evidence of cows everywhere. The trail overlooked the CG in a large valley below.
Now it is raining. Tent is setup in overflow parking and dispersed camping area. I'm in car eating jerky and drinking soda. Overall it was about an 8 mile drive on dirt road. Tomorrow I'll do a few more miles in the other direction. Leg is still sore but not too bad. Since I did 'there and back again' hikes today, total miles were approx 10.8. Only 5.4 miles of actual trail miles though.