What a fun day!

I savored the opportunity to sleep in and take my time this morning - these days are rare and I always look forward to them.  As a bonus, because it rained a little last night, the extra time in camp gave the tent a chance to dry, which is always a good thing.

When we were just about to leave, I satellite texted Special K to give him a more accurate ETA.  It was such a good feeling knowing we didn’t have to hitch to Leadville and that we were going to see Special K!  He responded saying he might not be able to make it to Tennessee Pass until 2, which was fine with me.

The miles flew by almost without notice, partially because I was listening to an audiobook but also because, despite being mostly in a green tunnel, the hike was great.  The temperature was perfect for hiking, the sky was clear, and the trail wasn’t too easy or too difficult - it was just right.

It turns out the only picture I took while on the trail today was when we walked by Galena Lake this morning.  I’m a little surprised and disappointed with myself that I didn’t take at least a few more pictures, if only for something to remember the hike by later.  The scenery was exactly what you think of when you think about walking in the woods - lots of pine trees, rocks, and streams.   It was beautiful and serene but nothing extraordinary, which is why I didn’t take any pictures I suppose.  I must say, I’m starting to appreciate the green tunnel a little more - I realize its good to miss the epic mountain views a little and, like I said, the trees are beautiful and serene and they provide good shade.

Towards the end of the hike I saw Nick (who was ahead) returning to the trail from behind a tree.  When I got closer to said tree, I saw G-String and Woodpecker sitting on a swinging bench.  We called Nick back and all chatted a bit about our plans for Leadville.  After G-String and Woodpecker left, Nick and I relaxed on the bench for a while - it wasn’t quite 12:30 and I didn’t think Special K would be there that early.  

When we finally made it to the trailhead, however, I was pleasantly surprised to see Special K was already there!  It was FANTASTIC to see him again and to finally meet his awesome dogs, Cal and Monty (aka California and Montana).  

Special K was one of my favorite people on the PCT and it was wonderful to be able to spend most of the afternoon with him.  He just happens to be here in Colorado on a camping/hiking trip and I can’t be happier about the perfect timing.  After picking us up at Tennessee Pass, he took us to Safeway for some hotel room snacks (where we saw and chatted with Shredder), he dropped us off at our hotel so we could shower and do laundry, and then we met for pizza at High Mountain Pies for dinner.  I think the only time I stopped smiling all evening was to eat yet other slice of pizza (I’m pretty sure I ate the equivalent of an entire pizza by myself again, which is insane).

Special K gave me a good reality check, too - I know he’d love to be able to do this thru-hike, as would many other people, so I need to keep that more in the forefront of my mind when I’m having a not-so-great day.  (For the record, just in case it isn’t obvious, I AM having a blast out here and really appreciate the fact that we are able to do it.  I only write about the not-so-great days because I think it’s important to be as honest as possible - I hate it when people act like it’s always sunshine and roses because it most definitely isn’t.)

We’re staying at the Delaware Hotel, which is a wonderfully old hotel that seems like the type of place that would be haunted.  I love it and its abundance of pillows.