Update From Leadville!

Ben and I are doing fine, though still dealing with some blisters and pain, but I think it’s getting better.  We took a short day today and then hitched into Leadville, so we’ll get the afternoon off to relax and enjoy some town food tonight.  :)

We ended up hitting significantly more snow in segments 7, 8 and 9, but we survived.  You’ll see a couple pictures of it below.  We did lose the trail several times due to large snow fields, but our confidence is building and we’ve gotten better at poking around in the snow and climbing up until we can figure out which way the trail heads.  A couple times we’ve had to use a map and compass, but a challenge is nice.  I think for now we are done with snow, though.  Next up: the Collegiate Peaks!  We hope to reach the Monarch Spur Campground for our next resupply in about 5 days.  

The aspen groves are incredible...

We have seen SO many hummingbirds!  I had no idea there were so many in the Rockies. We have even seen a male in his mating ritual to win a female: He flies WAY up in the air and then dive bombs and goes right back up.  He does this several times and then sits and looks for a female to be impressed.

Pika!!

We were all excited because we thought these animals were wolverines, but since investigating online and talking with other hikers here at the hostel, we are a bit disappointed to find out they are only marmots.  Oh well.

Lots of snow on some of the passes....