Lately I can’t sleep well in motels. I woke up repeatedly, ready to get moving, but it was still dark out. Once I knew the continental breakfast was open, I was up, eating and gone very quickly. As an aside, I am no longer a coffee snob… drinking lots of crappy drip coffee on this trip!
Got out to the highway, third car picked me up – a nice Navaho guy on his way to work. Leadville was easy hitches – first car on my way into town. The trail was deep in forest most of the day, traversing around Mt Massive, a 14,000ft peak. I had glimpses of it, and across the giant valley to Leadville all day. I’m still on the Colorado Trail, so great tread all the way!
I spent some time last night frustratingly trying to order some cooler weather gear, and today had the bright idea to pass it off to a friend – I had been doing it on my iPhone and just couldn’t find what I needed. I found some cell service and sent off an email, hopefully it works out.
My thoughts were with Gadget, who I know is struggling with the weather and big climbs. Last I had heard he was thinking of getting off the trail, so I was composing an essay in my head on why he shouldn’t quit. When I turned my phone on, I had an email from him saying he was going to keep going, as he had run into some hikers who had encouraged him to continue. I’m relieved, and going through the exercise in my head helped firm my resolve to get through Colorado.
Daily Summary
Date: Sept 16, 2011
Day 85
Daily Distance: 23.9 miles
Trip Distance: 1619.4 miles
It’s challenging to keep going but just as challenging to think of not keeping going. Interesting that in focusing on Gadget’s struggle that you find that same compassion and encouragement for yourself. How do you know I am deep into Heidegger right now-the being of Being…ha ha. I’m so interested, not just in what this hike is like, pictures and events, but the process that happens inside…I think that part is the hardest part to imagine, here sitting at my desk.