Well, it’s a good thing we only had 8.5 miles to go today or else we’d probably still be hiking.

The first few miles weren’t terrible, although they were full of blowdowns that took forever to get over/under/around (I even snagged my backpack on a branch and now have a hole in the outer mesh pocket that I’ll have to repair somehow).  As I was climbing over a huge tree, I realized that my arms are actually sore from all the work  they did climbing on and clinging onto trees yesterday.  It’s a good feeling, actually - I’m glad my upper body is getting a chance to work a little.  :)

For a while, I convinced myself that we’d get to Wolf Creek Pass before lunch.  

And then we hit another north facing slope.  

It was just like yesterday’s ordeal, where the trail disappeared and I was lost amidst snow and trees.  At least this time Nick was with me.  For the most part, we stayed approximately where the snow covered trail probably was.  It was very slow going and sometimes I’d posthole pretty deep, but at least I wasn’t too worried about sliding off the side of the mountain.

We were doing pretty well until the snow covered trail appeared to go in what looked like a steep, treacherous direction.  This is when we decided to make our own way, which at first was ok - in fact, there was evidence that someone else had hiked a that way a few days ago.  

But then we found ourselves looking at a very steep, snowy, climb to get back to the trail, which was on the ridge line about 100 ft above us. It looked to be a little clearer up there, but the issue was getting there.  I chose to go the direct route, climbing straight up with my hands and feet, grabbing rocks and trees and whatever else I could safely pull myself up with.  It was exhausting but a lot of fun (I lament not learning how to rock climb when I was younger, I feel that’s a sport I would really enjoy).   Nick had been going a different way but I think he saw the wisdom in my tactics and he joined me. 

Once at the top, even though there was still some snow, at least it wasn’t on a steep slope with trees and we could move a little faster.

When we came upon the warming hut a mile later, there was much rejoicing.  I’m so grateful the ski resort keeps that open because it was a wonderful place to rest.  Not only was it warm, but there were even chairs and a table inside, not to mention incredible views.

I sat in the hut and ate most of the remaining food I had - I was starving from all the crazy off-trail work we had to do.  We stayed for about 30 minutes (I could have stayed longer) and then Nick said it was time to go.  I didn’t want to leave the warm hut, but of course we had to.  

The trail from the hut was clear because it was on a south facing ridge line; however, my friend The Wind came back to say hello and to see what I thought of it today.  Not only was it crazy strong, but this time it was also extremely cold.  It was still exhilarating to be sure, but I didn’t laugh as much as I did yesterday.  I still laughed, of course, because The Wind was testing me and I didn’t want it to think it was getting the better of me.  However, I was very focused on getting off the ridge and somewhere a little more protected.  

We lost the trail to the snow somewhere up there, but that’s ok - as it was a ski resort, there was an access road nearby that was wonderfully clear of snow and blowdowns.  We stayed on that for a while until it met back up with the trail a little further down.  And then, just like that, we made it to the highway.  

Our next obstacle was finding a ride to Pagosa Springs.  I hate hitching, so I was excited when I met Mike and Jan from Minnesota.  There’s something wonderful about midwesterners, and I’m not saying that because I grew up in the Midwest.  (Or maybe its because I grew up in the Midwest that I always feel so comfortable with other people from the Midwest?)  Regardless, Mike and Jan were easy to talk to and extremely nice.  They happen to be staying in Pagosa Springs, so Nick asked if we could pay them gas money for a ride back with them.  They of course wouldn’t accept money, but they were very gracious and allowed two dirty, smelly hikers in their car.  Mike even drove the car a little closer to where we were standing so we didn’t have to walk any further - such a gentlemanly thing to do!  While we would have been happy just getting to Pagosa Springs, they drove us all the way to our motel.  If it works out, they might even be able to give us a ride back to Wolf Creek Pass on Tuesday!  Amazing.

Once in the motel room, Nick walked over a mile uphill to do laundry while I started uploading pictures to Theresa.  On his way back, Nick stopped at a restaurant to order us some food.  I ordered two entrees,  devoured them both, and don’t feel bad about it whatsoever.

Along the trail: