Start: Silverthorne Alternate 34.4
Stop: 1312.4
Today’s Miles: 17.6
Total CDT miles: 1004.8
Welp. I couldn’t make it to where we had planned to camp for the night. I had to call it quits 5 miles short. It’s quite infuriating to feel this defeated, and I technically had some sunlight left before I called it, but I didn’t think I’d make it 5 miles before dark, and I didn’t want to be up on an exposed ridge or exposed but pretty alpine meadows.. and since all I could tell was it would be another 1,000 foot climb, on top of the 3,000 I’ve already climbed today-and no sure answer on anywhere safe to camp between here and that 5 miles-I decided not to risk it. Sorry for the longest run on sentence known to man-I really do just ramble to yall.
Other than the feelings of being a complete and utter failure-today was stunning. The first mile was uphill and over, under, and around blowdowns-which dramatically slowed me down. After that though, it was just beautiful. Views for miles, alpine meadows and mossy ground and flowing water-snow around but not in my way-several creek crossings leaving me with wet feet once I was down in a valley.. I was slow, but I was happy.
At the bottom of the valley, the trail merged onto a dirt road. It zig zagged its way straight to the top of a pass and then reconnected with the red line of the CDT, completing the Silverthorne Alternate. As I was walking up that road, it briefly sprinkled, so brief, I’m not counting it as a “day it’s rained on trail.” But the storm clouds stuffed full of the rain looked pretty scary. No thunder or lightening, and no more rain, just overcast and creepy enough to make me wonder if I should be attempting to go up and over the mountain peaks and follow this ridge line. Pebbles had already done it, so, what was I to do but to keep pushing forward? I think if he had found it too sketchy, he’d have turned around or waited.. and he did neither-so, must be fine.
I’m glad I kept going, because the ridge was magical, breathtaking in every meaning of the word. Mountain ranges for miles and miles all around, grassy areas mixed with sharp rock and snow. And so many marmots! I love those little guys! I almost pet one-and then pictured it gnawing my finger off and kept my hands to myself. This is the second one that when I’ve out loud said, “I wish I could pet you!” It’s turned around and walked up to me. Hmmm. If I lose a finger, it’s because I went for it when the next one lets me get close.
I followed the trail along the ridge and at times it was very steep. I never had to cross snow on the steep parts though, which was a miracle in of itself. The 2-3 times I had to walk across it, I felt safe and could easily step where Pebble’s had. So, all that anxiety about cornices and scrambles was for nothing. However, anxiety gone, I just couldn’t move much faster than I already was!
I went down into another valley, with the trail meandering and traversing around the mountainsides instead of switchbacking up or down. I love when the trail does it this way, it feels easier, even if the outcome is the same. Close to 7pm I crossed a stream and decided to camp before the next big climb. There was already a guy set up where I was aiming, but he was nice and was quickly willing to make room for me.
I told him to hold off and I was going to look around a minute and see if there were any other, flatter areas nearby. I spotted one just a little ways up and yelled back to him that I found a spot. I unpacked and messaged Pebbles on the Garmin. He’s apparently a mile ahead of me and not at the hut we had intended either, unless he pushed there after our message. Hopefully I catch back up with him tomorrow, but if not, that’s ok. I don’t want to keep holding him back.
We’ll see what happens tomorrow. For now, it’s time to warm up and get some shut eye. I wonder if I’ll get up quicker in the morning knowing I’m “behind” or if I’ll say screw it and sleep in since I won’t wake up to hearing Pebbles packing and telling me bye! Haha, hopefully, it’ll be the first option. Hmmmm. Goodnight yall.
