CDT Day 55: June 29, 2025

Start: Silverthorne Alternate 3.5 

Stop: Silverthorne Alternate 23.5

Today’s Miles: 20

Total CDT miles: 976.3 

Everything was damp when we woke up, and cold-but I was able to sleep well! I did not want to start hiking this morning, but the views were worth it. Close to the top of the first real climb of the day, I could see Pebbles ahead in the distance. I watched him stop completely at a huge patch of snow, start to cross it, then back up.. he was going to wait for me!

I tried to pick up my pace, but at that altitude, it wasn’t much faster than I was already going. It is what it is when you feel like you can’t breathe. When I finally got to him, he showed me the spot he was going to attempt, but said it was much steeper than he anticipated.. so he waited and was considering figuring out a way to hike up and around the snow, since right after the steep part was probably a snow cornice. 

I got up to it and decided to give it a try. Half way across the snow felt totally fine, then I looked up and realized if I slipped, I’d be sliding for a long way. I kind of panicked. My legs started shaking and I realized I was too stressed to back step, so I had to push forward. Pebbles waited for me to clear what we thought could be the cornice, and then he went around the snow. I reached solid ground and had to rest awhile, you know, catch my bearings.. and my breath, damn high altitude! I really dislike hiking across snow like this.

Pebbles and I kept hiking across gorgeous terrain, beautiful snow capped mountains with unbelievable views. There were marmots and snowmelt creeks and it seriously felt like walking through a dream. If a fairy started to fly around my head I wouldn’t have even questioned it, the lack of oxygen definitely could have had something to do with it, too. Seriously, Colorado is out of this world stunning. I just wish I could breathe better here!

Pebbles got away from me, naturally, so eventually when the trail started going downhill, and mosquitos started to bite-he text me to tell me he was on the road walking to Wendy’s in the town of Silverthorne! I started to pick up my pace-downhill helped, and eventually got to the road and started the 3 miles to Wendy’s, too. And to think he wanted to camp before town? Crazy. Wendy’s and a motel bed is just what I wanted!

I was eating my burger and fries just after 6pm, and being flirted with by the cutest 3 year old running around the restaurant. Pebbles ordered a frosty (he’d already eaten by the time I got there), and waited for me to finish up before we walked to the motel close by. We checked in, showered, started our laundry. Now I’m in heaven in this queen sized bed! For it to be a cheaper motel, the pillows are fantastic. But I guess when you don’t use a pillow for days on end, any pillow would be great. Ha. See, I can be ultra light with some things! 

Anyway. That’s all for today. We get to zero here tomorrow and then we’ll take a bus to Denver the following day, then fly to Atlanta for a few days! I’m so pumped. I can’t believe I’m so happy about 6 zeros so early on trail, but honestly, I am. As pretty as the last few days have been, I feel like I’m just doing this hike to say I triple crowned.. not actually because I WANT to really be here. It’s hard to admit that actually. But, it is what it is. I’ll finish it regardless. I just hope I fall in love with thru hiking again soon, because this almost feels like daily torture. I mean-I’m thrilled for flipping Wendy’s—and I actually despise that chain. Ha.. oh, lord. 

Goodnight yall!