Segments 14-20, only 8 segments left!

Here's a brief recap on our 2nd foray onto the Colorado Trail...Segments 14-20...

We leave soon for the remaining 8 segments, roughly 145 miles to Durango and the end of the trail.
It's been quite a journey, definitely taking up more of the summer than we thought, and it's most certainly been harder than I thought.

These middle segments included about 115 miles of trail, most of it on or through ranchland and cow herds. I'm just now starting to forget the stench of cow pies!

Cattle Country...

 There were also extremely scenic sections, like coming to the top of Marshall Pass and the Fooses Creek area as well as the San Luis Peak and surrounding high country outside of Creede. We had one particularly crazy weather day when we went from sweating in the 85 degree sun to freezing in 40 degrees and the most epic hail storm ever! All within the span of two hours! Colorado mountain weather-if you don't like it, wait five minutes!!!

Oh boy, yet another afternoon storm!

Almost to Creede!

Top of Fooses Creek Trail

 One of the best things about this trip was the trail magic and fellow thru-hikers.  This seemingly-abandoned horse trailer was actually converted into a hiking shelter, courtesy of one of the local ranches. Inside it was stocked with duct tape, books, a chair, Gatorade, and sodas! Such a welcome treat in the middle of all the pasture-land.

Hiker shelter, courtesy of Coleman Ranch



And we somehow, amazingly, caught up again with our friend John, whom we had met on the very first rainy day leaving Waterton Canyon! I can't fathom the stars that aligned to allow us to meet him again, after he took the Collegiate West route and after we took four days off from the trail... It was fun to hike with him and hear his captivating stories. Thanks for the fun trail times, John, we hope you made it safely to Durango!



And speaking of friends, Hal and I's friend Andy drove all the way to the hard-to-find trailhead in Creede to pick us up when we were done! Thanks a million Andy, wolf-pack for life ;)

Happy to see Andy!

Allrighty folks, that's the short recap version!  We'll look forward to finishing and sharing the final pictures! Thanks again for all the support!
Happy Trails...