FUN ALONG THE ALTERNATES

We’re in South Fork, CO, celebrating my 58th birthday and resupplying. Our plans have changed a bit since we heard about more snow on the “red line”— the “official” CDT route. Currently we’re on the blue route but tomorrow we’re hitching a ride to Del Norte to hike the green route. Confused yet? Basically, we’re going even lower in altitude to skip snow.

The last four days have been a blast. Lots of nice surprises along the trail—an inexpensive National Forest campground with running water, picnic tables, and toilet; sunny mornings; small towns with cafes and restaurants; beautiful Colorado scenery; and climbs to 11,600 feet with snow.

My journal entry for this week is from Monday, May 31

Hiked for a little less than 8 hours, an easy road walk, a bit of uphill. Just as we’d hoped, we made it to the Gold Pan Cabins in Platoro, CO, just as it started to rain. We’re paying $30 each to stay in a large cabin, could have some roommates before the evening is over. We’re so grateful to be snuggly in a cabin while it’s thunderstorms outside.

Even though the dining room is closed on Mondays, the owners (Michael and Debbie) cooked a chicken dinner for the CDT hikers. There was no electricity due to a transformer malfunction, luckily the kitchen had a gas stove. Dinner conversation was about the weather (will it rain/snow tomorrow?) and concern for the hikers on the red line. Michael told us that 40-50 bailed off the red line last week, seeking refuge from the snow.

Postscript: A Great Divide cyclist joined us in our cabin. He got caught in the rain and was cold and soaked, Jeff from Denver. Great to talk bikes! Electricity resumed about 4am, just in time to bake biscuits, make coffee, and make an early start. Good times.