August 25, 2010
Today’s Miles: 22.8
Total Miles: 328.5
Breakfast Elevation: 10,280 ft
Dinner Elevation: 9,840 ft
High Point: 12,200 ft

The early morning brings another strong thunderstorm, and I’m drawn out my of tent by the sound of cows that are a little too close for comfort. My tent is soaking wet, but I pack it up anyway.

I swallow a heavy dose of Ibuprofen with breakfast, and say goodbye to Sally and Ginger. They introduce me to the most amazing thing – Starbucks Instant Coffee that’s supposed to taste like the real thing. They offer me a packet that’s good for an 8 ounce cup – it’s an offer I can’t refuse.

I encounter more cows within the first mile of the day along Tank Seven Creek. They don’t give up the right of way so easily.

This morning the trail is punctuated by a number of open, grassy fields, apparently named Cameron Park and Sargents Mesa.

A solo mountain biker passes me, going northbound with a wave and smile. She’s the only person I’ll see on today’s hike.

I take a long break and dry out my tent at the end of this field.

I watch a lone cow cross the field’s entire length, about half a mile to join the rest of a herd.

This is what I mean when I complain about the rocky trail under my feet. The Ibuprofen seems to have magical properties today. My foot doesn’t hurt nearly so bad, and I miraculously manage to put in some steady miles through the woods today.

The main concern through this section of the Colorado Trail is water – the lack of it. I skip the half-mile side trail to Baldy Lake, opting to continue on to Razor Creek, for what amounts to 15 mile waterless stretch.

Razor Creek has little to no water, so the 15 mile waterless stretch now extends to 23 miles.

It’s after sunset by the time I finally come upon a trickle at the headwaters of Lujan Creek. I set up an impromptu, unestablished camp nearby, off the side of a dirt road. It’s dark and cold, but cozy with deer in the area, and that ever important water source. I find a comfortable log on which to sit and enjoy my dinner in the peaceful night. It’s been a successful day and I’m psyched to have gone over 20 miles after almost quitting the trail yesterday.