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 (VIA). 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.
A lone cow crosses 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 water-less stretch.
Razor Creek has little to no water, so the 15 mile water-less stretch now extends to 23 miles.
It’s after sunset by the time I finally come to a trickle at the headwaters of Lujan Creek.
I set up an impromptu camp nearby, off the side of a dirt road. It’s cold and dark, 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.
Sideways bear says
June 9, 2018 at 5:51 amI am curious because I would have consumed at least 4 liters of water, how much do you drink in a 22 mile day
Jamie Compos says
June 9, 2018 at 8:11 pmFour liters sounds reasonable. I didn’t keep such detailed notes and don’t remember exactly since this was eight years ago. In more recent times eight liters of water has seen me through 24 hours of backpacking Grand Canyon (Including water in a dry camp for cooking) in warmer conditions than are found on the Colorado Trail.