Last day! Fourteen miles, 1000ft up, 6000ft down and then I’m done with the Colorado trail. Quite a few miles to do but Becky won’t arrive to pick me up until later in the afternoon so no rush, I can take my time. The campsite ended up being great, woke up to a dry tent and fairly nice weather. This day, I packed up, had a snack, and planned on eating breakfast after the last climb. Not a lot of water on trail again so at the next stream I did grab quite a bit water. Not a lot of climbing and the pack has gotten pretty light so no big deal.
Made it to the top of the climb and had breakfast. A lot of traffic on the trail, trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and thru hikers. Next stop will be Gudy’s rest. A nice overlook with a bench to honor Gudy Gaskill, the “Mother of the Colorado Trail”.
I stopped here for a few hours, just trying to kill time, again, no rush. Eventually Bill shows up, we chat for awhile, exchange contact info, and start the last four miles together. He lives in the Denver area so hopefully I’ll get together with him for a beer one of these days.
It’s kind of anticlimactic coming down from the mountains, the scenery just turns into trees and greenery. Then you walk, and walk, looking for the trailhead. Lots of folks passing the other we congratulating you on finishing. It doesn’t feel real but soon enough your at the trail head, taking pictures, watching other finishers greet their friends and family. Then it is quiet until the next group arrives. It’s just unreal, the adventure is over. What’s next?
Congratulations Dean! Well done.
You made it! Way to go. Thanks for all the great posts and pics.