Back to the trail. Woke up in a tiny hotel room in Gunnison. It’s an old place, clean but small and could use some serious updates. Especially when you consider the rates. We had our hotel breakfast and hit the road to the segment 18 trailhead. As I was driving Cherie said “look at that”. The sun was deep red, wild fire smoke is increasing. Oh great. I can actually smell it now. Ug.
She dropped me off and I was on my way. Hard to leave her, miss her. Then there is all the family stuff going on. She caught me up on everything. I feel the tug to be home doing what I can but there is nothing I can do. I told her if I’m needed, I’m off the trail. Don’t hesitate to call me back home. It’s tough out here, and your alone alot, you think about home alot.
Right around 11:30 I came upon Apple a trail angel offering some trail magic. Drinks, doughnuts and cookies. Also showing up were hikers, Lazy Cat, Lucian, Ibex, Two Mile, Snicks, and Mason. Had a good chat. Apple actually had a device up the trail hooked to a radio letting him know someone was coming. He’s pretty serious about trail magic.
Nasty wind and smoke all day but was able to make alot of miles. There were issues of course, the water is super scary, cow poop everywhere. In fact all over the section, it’s just a bunch of pasture and grazing land. Had a hell of a time finding a place to camp, hope cows don’t show up tonight!
