While the getting up early part was a little difficult, the fact that it was unusually warm made it a lot easier.  I thoroughly enjoyed being on the trail by 6am.  It’s just an hour earlier than usual but it’s wonderful hiking when everything still feels calm and peaceful (I love my early morning runs for the same reason).  Plus, when we start so early, we have more time in the day to hike or take a break or whatever.  My long term goal is to make this a regular thing. 

On the way to Hope Pass, we passed G-String, who was just waking up and starting  his day.  He wanted us to pass a message to Woodpecker for him, but instead we let him text her with Nick’s Bivy.  (She hiked Collegiate East since she has already hiked Collegiate West and they were planning to meet back up in Twin Lakes).

The hike up Hope Pass was certainly a challenge - we went up almost 2,500ft in just over 2.6 miles, which is pretty darn steep.  While I normally would listen to my special uphill playlist to get me motivated, there was no way I could hike that fast with such a crazy incline.  Instead, I listened to epic movie soundtracks, which was perfect.  I got to the top of Hope Pass just as the song from Free Solo where Alex Honnold summits El Cap was playing.  It was perfect. 

Even though Nick and I had planned to meet at the top, I Bivy texted him and told him I’d meet him at the trail junction to Twin Lakes instead.  Firstly, there wasn’t much snow to traverse and it wasn’t sketchy at all.  Secondly, it was cold up there.  Thirdly, he’s much faster than I am downhill and I wanted to get a head start - the downhill was even worse than the uphill, going down over 3,300 ft.  

I did my best to hike fast downhill, but Nick still caught up with me about a mile before the junction.  For the life of me I do not know how people, like Nick, can just run down such a steep, rocky decline like that.  There were a lot of trail runners out, too, and I watched them in awe as they just floated over the trail.  Meanwhile, there I was, picking my way down and relying very heavily on my hiking poles.  It’s possible that one day I’ll figure it out, but I don’t think it’s probable.  :)

On our way to Twin Lakes, we saw the same two badass female trail runners three times - first when they were going up the pass, then when they were coming down, and then again when we were on the road to Lake City.  They were talking to each other each time I saw them and they didn’t even sound out of breath!  Impressive.

Rather than hitch to Twin Lakes, we took a side trail that led to a road that took us right into town (if you can call it that, I’d say village). The first thing we saw when we got there was Punky’s food truck and we didn’t waste any time at all ordering burgers. I made a huge mistake and didn’t get the CDT burger.  My burger and salad was delicious, make no mistake, but when I saw Nick’s plate with the CDT burger on it I was extremely envious.  Two burger patties with pulled pork on top?  Why didn’t I get that?!? (I thought it would have barbecue sauce on it and I don’t like barbecue sauce, that’s why.  I should have asked.)

After lunch, we went to the general store and got our resupply package.  I was stoked to see that, along with our food, there were letters and treats from my Body in Balance ohana in Maui!  Since our resupply schedule isn’t very defined, Wendy sent a box to Mary and Mary decided (quite wisely) to include some of the treats and notes from their box in our next few resupplies.  This time I got some wonderful letters from Wendy, Megan, and Steven.  There was also a card painted by one of the clients at the studio, which is so cool.  In addition to the letters, they sent some dried mango, Deep Blue rub, and some green tea.  The mango will be eaten in the next two days (it’s so much better than the Costco dried mango!),  the deep blue rub will be perfect for any future muscle aches, and the tea is especially wonderful since I’ve been without my usual morning coffee alternative lately.  I can’t wait to have a nice hot cup of tea tomorrow!!!  I miss my Maui peeps so very much, it makes me want to cry.  Mahalos!!!!!

Theresa also sent a letter, which I can’t wait to read.  Hopefully I’ll be able to read it after I finish writing this entry, but we’ll see.  (Her letters are always wonderfully long and detailed as she comments on each blog post).

Whilst in town we of course ran into other hikers, which is always a highlight.  We spent a few hours by the general store talking with Puddles, Thighclops, and Steelhead.  G-String and Woodpecker also showed up.  It was a great time.  Because I decided I don’t take enough pictures of the hikers I meet, here are a few :

Before leaving town, we stopped at another food truck for something to eat for dinner tonight.  We made the mistake of going for burritos because they seemed like they’d be the easiest to hike out with.  I assumed they would be homemade burritos, but they were just pre-packaged burritos the guy heated up for us.  They weren’t terrible, but I should have gone with the messier but far superior CDT burger from Punky’s.  That being said, the burrito guy DID give me two apples, so that was cool.  (I’m saving mine for lunch tomorrow and can’t wait.)

As the afternoon progressed, the sky got darker and darker and rain seemed imminent.  Around 3pm I told Nick we should get going, but he had just gotten himself a kombucha from the general store and seemed pretty comfortable in his chair.  I was antsy to get going; However, when he was finally ready to go, I did the typical Midwest thing where you start saying goodbye and somehow end up in long conversations.  (The main topic was Cutie - his death has really shocked, saddened, and unsettled everyone.) 

Needless to say, because of my inability to say goodbye and just leave like a normal person, we didn’t start hiking again until after 4.  We made it a whopping 2.5 miles before it started to rain on us.  While I had wanted to hike further, we figured we should stop and make camp before the rain got any worse. 

So now I’m dry and cozy in the tent while it rains and sleets in fits and spurts.  I’m going to read some of Theresa’s letter before it gets dark and then get myself to bed.  Only two days until we take a zero!!!  :)

Along the way:

Camp: