I completed my first venture along the Colorado Trail as the weather appeared to be hinting at turning back towards winter. A windy and cooling May 10 morning as I hiked the final miles, after a warm and gentle night, made me glad that my son was meeting me at the section end to shuttle me back to my car. I hear a foot or two of snow may be falling as I write this blog entry. The lighter gear and my solo venture for these first three sections allowed a pace that I was pleased and surprised at...16 miles on day one, nearly 17 on day 2, and only about 8 miles on the final leg. Words/thoughts for each of the 3 sections -- Section 1: a lovely Waterton Canyon hike; many mountain bikers sharing the trail; great views of the Buffalo Creek burn area (section 2's hike); a sunny day becoming grey that tried to rain but just couldn't muster any real raindrops. Section 2: a frosty morning; many miles of burned over land; hundreds of pasqueflowers; mountain ball cacti; lonely, hot and windy; no water. Section 3: more mountain bikes in the beginning; just me and the wind the last six miles; fleeting views of snowy Mt. Evans; my son Sequoia and his dog Bella greeting me at the end of mile 41. A great start for a great cause, Nature Education. (Photos: view of Buffalo Creek burn, mountain ball cactus, Pikes Peak in the distance in middle of Section 2, my overnight accommodations, feeling good at sections 3 end.)
