CDT Day 54 Back on the trail alone

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10th June

8.8 miles

Creede (803.2) to near San Luis Pass (812.0)

First breakfast was at the Snowshoe Lodge, my home for the past two nights. They make home made quiche and fancy cakes along with all the usual continental breakfast fare. From 7-8am I ate and drank. At 8am I wandered across town to meet up with another group of hikers, second breakfast.

All Good, Cheesy, Buttercup, Big John and Zippy Morocco were all there. We hadn’t seen each other for quite a while. We discussed the conditions of the trail and related our tails of misfortune. They were heading north out of town after breakfast. I still hadn’t made up my mind. North out of town or west back to the section of trail I left a couple of days ago.

I grabbed a coin sitting on the table and tossed it. Heads I go back west where I came from, tails I go north to meet up with the trail. I was comfortable with either decision.

Tails. I looked around the table and announced I was walking north out of town. They were also heading this way. I might catch up them all at some stage, maybe on the trail or maybe in the next town of Salida.

Greg in Wild, French Paul and Chauntel walked in. They had driven from Pagosa Springs. They joined us. They are having a couple of days off before getting back on trail. I show them photos and videos of the trail and advised them as best as I could on conditions.

I bid farewell and check out of the hotel. A car pulls up next to me. They ask if I’m a CDT hiker. Then Thermometer jumps out of the car. He had hitchhiked into town. I first met thermometer on the PCT last year. We both started in the same day and continued to see each other all the way through the desert. He speaks little English and loves beer and whiskey. I helped him with directions, as best as my show and tell body language would allow. I pointed him to a cheap restaurant and told him I’d see him on the trail.

I didn’t want to travel very far today. There was a big climb out of town and I didn’t want to induce any form of altitude sickness. Even though my body is adapting much better now.

I felt strong as I hiked up the steep dirt road out of town. Surprisingly strong. The rest had served me well. I passed many old mining ruins. I only paused long enough to catch my breath and have a quick look. I followed the narrow gorge till I reached the open areas where few trees call home. For me it was home for the night. Alone on the trail for the first time.

thought i saw a drop bear
beaver pond
mi casa

Next – Day 55 Finally I’m doing easy miles

Everything you need to know about hiking the CDT:
Complete Guide to Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
CDT Resupply Guide
CDT Gear List

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About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

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10 thoughts on “CDT Day 54 Back on the trail alone”

  1. Hihi, the stuff is the tree does look like a bear, indeed. Thanks for the great pictures (the historical mining buildings in b/w look great), cheers :-)

    Reply
  2. I am reading your posts on the CDT. Good Adventure! I will be hiking Colorado CDT next year and look forward to your hike blogs. Thanks for taking the time to share even though you must be tired at the end of the day.

    Reply
  3. Tuesday 6-14: Decisions, too. Here in Bishop after 2.nights in Independence. Hostel is good. Town has everything. Need to find my trekking juju. And, resupply with better, easier to graze on food. Like your coin flip. Kearsarge and a pass a day = VVR then Red’s and Tuolumne Meadows again.

    Reply
    • I hear you can get to VVR this year, it was a long walk last year. But reds meadow has everything you will need which might save a trip to expensive mammoth.

      Reply
    • Thanks as always Heather. I’m safe, resting and looking forward to getting back on trail. More posts to come.

      Reply

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