The Good, Bad, & Ugly
We are now three weeks into our Colorado Trail adventure, and here are a few observations.
Good
A big thank you to all the kind people we have met on the trail. A couple of days ago Kim and I met "Apple," the famed trail angel, who spends six weeks each summer catering to the needs of backpackers. We met him in a remote section of the trail, at 7:30 am, and he treated us to a cup of hot coffee and great conversation.
A compass. I have rarely used this device on other trips, but this simple device has saved us from disaster more than once this trip.
The three beavers who entertained us the other night, while we ate dinner and drank hot chocolate. I am certainly happy these little fellas did not go extinct during the 1840's beaver-hat-fad. Wow!
The town of Creede, which is unique, beautiful, and full of the nicest people a backpacker could ever hope to meet.
The wildflowers have been spectacular. We have seen all shades of columbine, paintbrush, and other flora. Thanks Mom for teaching me all their names!
Designated Wilderness Areas: I never paid much attention to these areas before this trip, but I am starting to think they are America's hidden treasures. They offer spectacular views and terrain, but they get little notice
from the public and have no fees.
Bad
The mosquitoes have been furious at times. I tossed one into the campfire the other night, after it ambushed me, but it rose from the flames unharmed. At this point I fled to my tent.
People who carry weapons while backpacking. We met a hiker the other day carrying a rifle, a dagger, and a large machete. Yikes!
The three bicyclists who raided "Apple's" stash of trail goodies meant for other hikers. Not cool taking more than your share!
Ugly
We came across a naked couple washing themselves and using the facilities in the creek we were using as our water source. Yuck!
-BEN
Great blog - you have a definite gift for writing. It looks like all of your planning and desire to return to the trail are having a lasting impact on you soul. What a great adventure to share and tons of memories to last a lifetime. Life really is about the good, bad and ugly - but I think the good comes out the winner! Take care. Love, Pat K
ReplyDeleteStill loving your posts, and thinking of you guys! All your crazy little descriptions and beautiful moments, and felt so sentimentally 'nudged' by Kim's living in moment thoughts in previous entry, since I let myself get caught up in 'to-dos' so much. Thank you for all the great glimpses of it all! Can't wait to see!
ReplyDeleteThis post was by Ben! :) He forgot to put his name at the bottom. I will see if I can get it on there, but glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDelete