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Today was to be the last day of this section hike. I still had over 15 miles of hiking to make it to Goldhill Trailhead, and then to Breckenridge where my car was parked at the Bivvi Hostel. The morning was chilly but the sun was shining as I began to hike.
The closer I got to Breckenridge I started to notice thousands of down trees. There were criss-crossed tangled trees everywhere. It was real a blight on the landscape. Initially, I didn't know the cause. I thought maybe a new ski area was planned and the crew they sent to clear the mountain went a little overboard. Many of the trees were just on the side of the trail, but eventually someone started making what I assumed were pyres for burning. It really was shocking to see so much devastation.
As I was hiking through, I encountered some bikers who knew the cause. Evidently there has been a Mountain Pine beetle infestation. It is an epidemic which has covered over a million acres in both Colorado and Wyoming. The beetles burrow into the bark and lay eggs. As the eggs hatch, they eat the bark, thereby killing the tree. Very destructive.
I made it to Goldhill Trailhead which is still several miles from Breckenridge (Frisco is also accessible from here). Fortunately, not far away is a bus stop where I caught a free bus ride (which also goes to Frisco). It didn't go all the way to the hostel, but it was close enough. I had thought to stay at the hostel but I had not made a reservation and they were booked. (The Bivvi appears to be a very nice and clean hostel, but not just for hikers. All Breck visitors are welcome, so if you plan to stay, call ahead for a reservation.)
Overall, I was hiking for 7 days. I hiked segments 1-6 on the Colorado Trail. For anyone planning a long distance hike, these segments are a great introduction to the CT. Some difficult spots but some easy hiking as well. Awesome scenery without spending too much time above treeline. It was a great hike; I was ready for more!
Asamblea General de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas: Primer segmento de la Cumbre de “Igualdad de Género y Empoderamiento de las Mujeres: un compromiso para la acción” dedicado al pronunciamiento de compromisos.
Nueva York.
27 de septiembre de 2015.
Full segment is Pont Casse to Castle Bruce. This area is just between Emerald Pool /Pont Casse.
CO (Saguache County)
Day 5 random campsite (Segment 19) to random campsite (Segment 20)
Not a cloud in sight ... anywhere.
Started off chilly and in the 40s. The sun was shining brightly though, so it warmed up quickly. Saw a large pine tree which reminded me of Sequoias ... this was still CO right? There were several more miles in the large meadow/valley. I noticed a fenced area which might have been a spring, but a small sign had DEATH scribed on it. Then up and over a short bump which was through an aspen grove. The trail finally wandered down to Cochetopa Creek.
Cochetopa Creek was flowing very well. The previous few days had intermittent water sources. That would not be a problem today as the trail followed this creek for many miles. I thought I would have to ford it but someone had put a log over it to bridge the gap. Although this area was completely exposed, it was very enjoyable hiking. Easy, unique terrain, fall colors and a meandering creek. One of my favorite sections so far. Did encounter some steep sidehill and had some glimpses of Organ Mountain. San Luis Peak is hiding behind.
A few miles before the end of Segment 19, the trail entered La Garita Wilderness. Wilderness Areas are specially designated areas that remain undeveloped and maintain primeval character. There are additional restrictions to visiting and on the Colorado Trail bicycles are not allowed in Wilderness Areas.
Segment 2 is a very dry and exposed section of the Colorado Trail. In 1996 the Buffalo Creek fire destroyed the pine forests and turned a portion of segment 2 into an arid, almost desert like environment. An unexpected area within the mountains of Colorado. But Segment 2 doesn't start until reacquiring the South Platte River and that was still almost 8 miles away.
After a restful night of sleep I awoke sometime after 6. I lingered in camp until 8 and then started hiking. Took a few pictures before my first break at some rocks with a nice overlook. I thought this was the 'ridge' as listed in my Colorado Trail Atlas, which is the high point before descending to the South Platte. I was not as far as I though I was but it was a nice place for a break after more than an hour of hiking. I took some zoomed in pictures of houses on far away mountains as well as Littleton. The scenery was beginning to be fantastic. There was a campsite behind the rocks, but no nearby water source.
I left this spectacular viewpoint and wandered past the 'ridge' approximately 45 minutes later. It seemed like I was moving slow. It took about 3 hours to hike less than 4 miles, including the break. It was mostly uphill though.
Finally going downhill, toward Segment 2 and the South Platte. Of course, there were nice views along the way including a peak or two of the river. There seemed to be about 50 switchback but going downhill I was hiking much quicker ... 3.9 miles in about 1 1/2 hours. It was 1250 and about 90f, the South Platte Canyon Trailhead was a welcome break.
It was already hot (and promised to be hotter through the burn area) so I took a nice long break, about 2 1/2 hours. The trailhead is on a dirt road, but there were plenty of cars here. One of the hikers from the night before caught a ride into town to reorganize and possibly come back out. There is also a privy here.
How to install an Outdoor Fireplace using Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Block
Custom designed and installed using The King of Hearths King Arthur Outdoor Fireplace Assembly
Segmental Retaining Wall Block by Borgert Products/ ~ Madera Wall Block in Iron Range Color Blend
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Control Knob in its place.
www.flickr.com/photos/gordon_millar/sets/72157633273690386/
Also 2nd Driver Board ready for testing.