It is done.

































































It is done.
I had a warning about the trail leaving Lima from some Southbound hikers. They told me that it followed the Idaho/Montana border and it would go straight up and down. It was described as a steep roller coaster.
You can’t change reality, but you can change your mindset. You can control your reaction, feelings and emotions.
I sat in my hotel room in Pagosa Springs with my CDT maps spread across the bed. My eyes followed the thin, red line of the CDT. I heard rumors that the trail ahead would be easier and less sketchy, but I wanted to see what clues my maps would reveal to me. How bad did this look? Did I really want to be up there again in snow? Sometimes, I could tell the trail would be safe, like sections where the trail followed a high plateau. But then my eyes would focus on sections where the trail followed next to a steep cliff. I tried to imagine what it would be like… Would it be dangerous again?
.
I asked myself:
. Did you enjoy the CDT in the last section?
.
Almost immediately, my legs started to shake in fear. The answer was painfully clear.
.
I stopped looking at the maps. I already had my answer.. It was time to follow a lower, safer route through Colorado. I would be safer and much happier following the alternate trail at lower elevation.
It ended up being a really enjoyable section for me. But, it was so quiet out there. I only saw 2 CDT hikers, on trail, between Creede and Twin Lakes. I tried to embrace the alone time. I don’t have to be surrounded by people for the entire trail. So I did my own thing, slept in, hiked late, and ran into plenty of moose along the way. I was safe, and I still had a continuous footpath.
I was happy.
I made it to Twin Lakes last Sunday, and Will came to pick me up. I decided to take a week off trail, so I could wait for my friends to catch up to me. It’s been nice to rest at home, and I have been eating so well this week!
I am excited about heading back to Twin Lakes soon, and hopefully, I will see more than 2 hikers in my next section. 🙂
Just a quick update to let everyone know that I made it to Colorado last night!! Of course, the trail is already getting significantly harder. Yesterday, I was lost in a maze of snow and blowdowns for most of the day. I would check my GPS, get back on trail, and almost immediately get lost again. In the snow, there is no trail. And trying to stay on trail is a pointless waste of time. My friend, who left after me, and mostly navigates with maps arrived at camp before me. I just looked at him when I rolled into camp at 9:15 and laughed. Sometimes, maps are just better than GPS. Or maybe I’m just completely hopeless. 🙂
I’m currently in Chama, NM and getting all geared up for the next section. I have added snowshoes, an ice axe, water-proof socks, microspikes and warmer layers. My pack is going to weigh a ton tomorrow, but I am excited to hike the snowy San Juans!
I have a feeling that I am in for the hardest 2 weeks of my life. I hope that I have what it takes.
Sorry for the short update, but a girl needs her sleep!!
PS: Thanks to Will/Estero for spending the weekend in Taos with me. Can’t wait to see you again soon! ❤