CDT Day 32: June 6, 2025

Start: 628.1

Stop: 653

Today’s Miles: 24.9

Total CDT miles: 514.4

Ah, so, I got my room by 4:30! I was so glad that man didn’t call and say, “sorry, we actually are full tonight!” I would have probably had a full blown meltdown! The room was gorgeous, too. The outside isn’t much to write home about, but the inside was redone, with stone shower flooring and a waterfall shower head, exposed beams and a massive king sized bed with the fluffiest of pillows. I showered, started my laundry, and relaxed. 

Once it was time to put my clothes in the dryer, I text Pebbles, he met me and Ellie at McDonalds. A cheap dinner and a new friend! We talked and ate (one of us constantly going back for “one more thing..” I think the hiker hunger has set in hard!). Once it got dark, we said bye to Pebbles as he walked to his tentsite and Ellie and I made our way back to the motel. Yall. I slept like a baby. 

I didn’t stir until 7:45am. I packed, chatted with Ellie as I walked out. She’s having to zero here while waiting for new shoes to arrive. I know that pain. I walked down the road to a tiny restaurant inside a gas station, Chaco Grill, where I met Pebbles and got 2 breakfast burritos and some Fry Bread to share. The burritos were phenomenal. 

We hiked out around 9am, and took the old CDT route, which led us away from the area known for loose dogs attacking hikers. It was a paved road to a gravel road to a dirt road to a trail. It was the same old thing until we hit the actual trail. Nothing very exciting, all residential for the most part. 

We ate lunch sitting at a stream right at the start of the trail itself. Then, the elevation continued to gain as we walked, and the beauty got more incredible with every step. I think this has been my favorite day on trail so far! I mean, yesterday truly takes the cake, but views wise: today! There were firs, pines, aspens all around, and then green mossy meadows and wildflowers as far as the eye could see. Butterflies and birds.. I was seconds from starting a musical I was so happy. 

Water was everywhere, and even with wet feet my mood couldn’t be dampened. It was like magic. Blue skies, and just.. LIFE.. everywhere. I was in love. We ended up cowboy camping in a little meadow, far enough away from all of the widow makers. I can hear elk bugling in the distance, and birds are still singing, even with the sun about to set. I’m pretty dang content. Goodnight, everyone!