A week full of adventures of all kinds

I am actually glad it's not 2 weeks as was planned - although it also means we squeezed things tight in there. Hey, but now we have a few days to chill at home and do normal life! And read this post (if you are inclined to read more than 2 sentences on IG, of course).

We began out get-away last Wednesday when Larry shut down his work computer at 2 pm, jumped into the car and headed to Missouri Gulch trailhead. After almost 3 hrs of driving, we parked a car in a perfect spot - 0.2 miles from the main trailhead - with a secluded campsite attached. It was to be our home for a couple of nights. Originally, we planned to hike (the 14-ers beginning at that TH) Missouri on day 1, then Belford and Oxford on day 2, but after evaluating the route, figured we don't want to, no need to, drag it any longer than one day. So, there we were, super-luxurious tenting by my standards, even with a book!

 It was really weird to just hang out and do nothing. First of all, it's not my style of backpacking/camping, I normally go all day until it's dark, then plop my tent and crawl in, barely having time and energy to eat a bar. Here we were, 4 hrs of daylight...with difficulties to turn the racing brain off. No internet, no cell phone reception. Just the two of us. At least I did have a book - which I finished that evening. Eventually, we got inside the tent, and tried to sleep. Being of older age, it's an easy task, sleeping on a thin pad, in a crunching sleeping bag, with your face freezing during the night. And by golly, if you need to pee, it's an ordeal, which wakes you up completely. That pitiful night was over by 4 am, and at 5 am we stood at the trailhead with our headlamps on. It's "go" time.

It was dark pretty much for the full hour, exactly what took us to make it through the first 2.5 miles in the deep forest with steep climb from the get go. I was hoping to share my "attraction" with mountain lions with Larry since a few people shared on FB that they saw a cat right on this stretch, but there were other hikers, some with dogs (all of whom we passed), which meant no kitty sighting, too crowded. Oh, well. The dawn was nearing as we got above tree line, first coloring the sky grey, and allowing us to see the silhouettes of the surrounding mountains, then a slight accent of pink, that Alpenglow that makes life worth living, and, finally, a yellow circle of the sun rising behind the peak...Oh, the sunrise in the mountains, something I will never get tired of...

We kept a good clip, and as we turned to the Missouri split, and then one more time to the right, we passed the last folks for the morning going this direction as of right now - and had the last mile and half of the (pretty steep and technical) trail to the top to ourselves.

The top was all ours as well! First to summit for the day! Mandatory pictures, and a quick dash off the backside, because, damn it, it was windy there!

We chose not to do a return trip half-way to connect with the trail leading to Oxford and Belford, but rather drop on a faint trail behind Missouri mountain, roll on ankle-turning slope down to the grassy field with rocks imbedded, and cross that mile simply by navigating via the view of the ridge ahead. We knew there'd be another trail on the backside of the Belford slope, and as we reached it, we hiked up that side near the Belford top, took a turn to the right, and made our way to Oxford first.

Oxford climb itself was the most benign of the three 14-ers in this group. The top was also pretty unassuming, and we took our only break there by sitting down for about 2 minutes, since, again, we lucked out and got there when the previous people left, and before the next group showed up.

As we turned to descend from Oxford, we had to retrace our steps to Belford (view on it from Oxford below), but at this point we were on a roll. We quickly made it to the top, only one that had another group of hikers (teenage guys who took a photo of us), and, again, without spending much time, began the descend. It was quite a nice feeling to hit 3 summits in a day (morning). 

The down part, coming off Belford, was the dreaded part per other people's accounts, and rightfully so. A thousand of switchbacks, some pretty steep, with loose gravel on it, they seemed to have been going on forever, challenging the mind and the legs. It was tasking, and boring, and not nearly as exciting as going up - although I would have never wanted to go up Belford either. Just a disheartening stretch of trail with a lot of elevation change. This Trifecta brought the number of CO 14-ers for me to 22. Nice, slow and steady, I keep telling myself - we live here. Also, I keep reminding myself, I will never hit all 58 - I am not going past class 3 routes. SO, at some point, I will definitely be looking forward some neat 13-ers. Besides, I truly prefer the views and summits of slightly lower mountains - less crowded, less daunting last mile/thousand feet in terms of footing, and I love grassy tops far more than jagged rock. The views are better as well, not as much deserted Moon-like vast nothing-ness.

Alas, it, too, came to an end, we made it down to the valley, and from there - back to the TH and to the camp. 15 miles, 8.5 hrs - what the hell do we do with ourselves now? We cheered with refreshing cold Gatorade drinks from the car's cooler, but it being 2 pm, the time dragged on...if it wasn't a Leadville 100 weekend, we would have gone out of the woods and checked into something more civil.

Well, it WAS Leadville 100 weekend, so we spent another pitiful night in a tent, and in the morning drove to Leadville. We (I?) happen to offer our crewing expertise to another young girl, Lindsey (a.k.a. Peanut, who was pacing Annie at Cocodona and HiLo). It was her first attempt at the 100 mile distance, and we felt compelled to help. But first, we stopped by the Turquoise lake and di a little shuffling around, to shake off the legs. While we were near the lake last year when helped Annie at LT100, it was in the dark. My only other time here was in 2005, when I was doing the race myself - and it was in the dark as well. So, that means I have never seen the lake. It sure is pretty!

Then we had a "Team" meeting (Lindsey, Annie who would pace her, and us for crew), picked up the gels and drink mixes, and drove 30 min to Copper to check into our room at the ski resort. Because, since it was a Leadville 100 weekend, nothing in the vicinity was available - and even that far away was priced at exuberant level. Oh, well. We decided to at least use the amenities of the room for the few hours of the first evening, because that was all we knew we could. I even took a bath! We walked around the resort we've only been at in the winter, skiing (and full of crazy amount of people), and it was quite nice and peaceful. Maybe one day we shall return and spend quality time - for the quality amount of money we pay.

At least we didn't have to be at the insane start line of LT 100, which begins at 4 am, with over 700 runners, and their respective crew members. So, we slept till our normal 5 am, picked up coffee on the way, and drove to the first crew aid station at Outbound mile 23. A week prior the race I sent Lindsey the projected splits for the goal time I thought she is capable to hit (since her coach David Roche chose to let her run by feel and didn't offer that option), and by scanning the female field, I also suspected, if all goes well, and she actually runs to time (or near) I hope for, she should be in contention for 3rd place.

Our girl showed up at 23 mile exactly on the spot, and in 3rd place. We had big crowd for her, because before we offered our help, she asked her dad and stepmom, as well as her roommate and that girl's family, to come. I was mostly doing my thing alone, with a help of Larry and Annie, hoping that the rest of folks learn and do this for her next time(s). Relaying the knowledge, and barking my orders. 

Just like that, she was gone, and we all drove to Twin lakes. This is where her family came in handy - they drove there at 4:30 am to set up a real canopy, very close to the official AS, and booked the spot. It was nice to sit down under the "roof" while waiting. We saw a lot of friends from the community. Though in general, CREW stands for Cranky Runner Endless Waiting. Hopefully Annie now will see what I/we are always up to when crewing for her, since she was with us - a lot of waisted boring time, nervous waiting, and thankless job of seeing your runner for as minute... As the time neared, I jumped up closer to the trail entrance, and there she was, right on time, still in 3rd.

After feeding Lindsey Ramen and mashed potatoes mix, I walked her out feeding her chips and Cheetos, and sent her out over Hope pass. We had about 6+ hrs to kill now, so Annie and I took a walk out to the creek crossing to cheer the runners - and to do a lot of talking. Since somehow I had become this mentor thing for her, there was definitely a whole lot of talking, and not just about running. I don't know how much of what she asked, and I (very thoughtfully) responded, at length, will stay with her, or how much she'll actually take as an advice and follow, but I said my peace.

Soon it was time to head out to the far end of our Twin lakes AS again (about 0.5 mile road stretch) and do another waiting game for our runner. We knew another girl had passed Lindsey at the turn-around in Winfield, and when I saw that girl, I was expecting Lindsey right after - yet it took her about 25 minutes to run in.

She said she was feeling well - as well as expected, and this point it was her longest distance in a race to date. So, we repeated the process of feeding on the walk, then sat her down for a shoe change after a creek crossing, fed her some more, and pushed her out in to the evening, now with Annie.

The Team assembled back at the Inbound at mile 77, and more waiting assured. The time splits got a little longer, but still, comparing hers with other runners, she was doing great. Plus, the second gal (Addie) dropped (Claire was on fire and first), and the 3rd girl Alli moved to second, what made Lindsey back in 3rd. Now we just had to maintain, I thought, as I studied the next 2 female runners, about 30 minutes back. Peanut just had to not fall apart.

Annie and Lindsey showed up running through the field, looking pretty good from afar in the dark, bobbing their headlamps and waist lamps. As I met them, Lindsey exhaled: "I don't think I can do that". I was like, shut up, fuck this shit, sure you can! So, I fed her, rubbed her legs, shoved more stuff into her mouth, and ushered them out of the AS in 2 minutes. 

The last AS at MQ, mile 87, was the longest drag - it got dark, and I, like a Cinderella, turn into Pumpkin after 9 pm. Clock ticked 10, 10:30, 11 pm (my hopeful estimate). Everyone else gets taken out by Sugarloaf climb, as usual. In fact, all things equal, Lindsey did great - what I told her when I picked the two of them up at the far end of the AS's road at 11:30. The girls were actually jogging down the trail, and I knew it was them right away, cheering loudly. She, again, tried her "I don't feel that I did well" - to which I responded: "You are not supposed to feel anything, you just have to trust me". And she did. We ran in, did our last feeding, and that was it, last stretch.

Annie did a fantastic job pacing, like a true champ. The two of them, peas in a pod, are a great match. Lindsey finished in 3rd female place, youngest female, in 22:50. Only an hour behind what we all hoped for, but for God's sake, first 100, and Leadville at that, that hour is the best amount of time that creeps up at you. That went as perfect as it could, really.

After a short and weird sleep, we met our super-star girls at the coffee shop (which we actually hated, first time at this place), and congratulations went all around. A short stop by the award ceremony, which happened to be outside, in the rain (dumb), and the job was over.

Our day, though, wasn't over. We did this crewing shtick in the midst of our planned backpacking trip, which now got split up into a Trifecta 14-ers and a shortened backpacking trip. Because we now couldn't do the full loop we wanted to hike, we asked Annie to drive us to the mid-point of it at Cottonwood pass (while having parked our car at the end, Twin lakes). The day was rain, rain, and more rain...not a promising beginning. But, there was no way back, no reconsidering. Off we go!

As soon as we walked on top of the pass, a mere quarter mile, the views opened up - and I teared up. So did Larry, what made me really touched. Because, of course, I was taking Larry down my memory line, on a part of Colorado Trail, Collegiate West, the piece of it I had been on 3 times during my attempts at FKT. He finally truly got it - my obsession with it. I bet you would, too...

We started our trek at 2 pm, and planned to simply drop down to Texas creek. The rain was on, then off, then sun came out and burnt us, we took our raingear off, and the rain came back, repeated it all again...but it didn't bother us one bit. It was gorgeous. I allowed myself to slow down, to stop at the little lake I always wanted to, and when we came down to the old cabin's remnants, we stopped for good - with only 5.5 miles - because I always wanted to camp here, but was never at the right time when the miles was all I could think about.

It was a fantastic campsite! And we lucked out as the rain stopped for the full hour right then, allowing us to set up the tent, cook dinner, eat it, boil some more water, and have tea with sweets. Marriot living! I mean, I don't think I remember a site so awesome! We retired inside by 6 pm, chatted a bit, and by 7 pm were out - and slept through until 6 am! That's 11 hrs, picking up on all the lost sleep for the previous 4 nights! Paradise!

The morning came, coffee, packed up, and off we go, a couple more Texas creek crossing, and after 2 miles - up and up we go, to Lake Ann pass!

We met some random guy who's book I picked up from the library just recently about Appalachian trail, and, of course, Larry told him about my through-hikes, so there was a customary photo. 

Then there was a sudden increase in hikers for a bit, and finally, the last 2 miles up high, we climbed to Lake Ann alone, in peace. The weather kept changing, and we kept changing clothes with it. Good thing it was no record attempt this time! I just kept smiling.

As we approached the top, the clouds lifted, and the rain stopped. What perfect timing! I was afraid Larry would see the magnificent views all around! We got lucky!

After taking mandatory photo at the top, I told Larry I MUST take a side trip to Lake Ann. I walked by it 3 times, and was so jealous of all the folks who stop there. Come hell or high water! I dashed down, because the clouds rolled in, again, and there was even some thunder far away.

But, I made it to the lake, as the first drops of yet another bout of rain started pounding! 

I wished I could have stayed longer, and really soaked in the views, but I didn't want to get soaked (haha, pun!). so down we went, almost running, to the tree cover. There, I took that break I meant for the lake, and pulled out a sleeve of chips. No hurry for me this trip, even if it rains! Shortly after, another gentleman (from Kansas), who hikes a lot here, goes by, and suddenly says: "Are you Olga?" Larry was like, here we go again. Somehow he knew me from Colorado Trail FKT, or Collegiate Loop, or both. This was totally unexpected, and fun. 

But it was still pouring rain for another 45 min, and we made our way down to the valley. As soon as we dropped to the flats, rain stopped, sun came out, we took our clothes to the base layer. The game continued, as we tried to snap a few photos with the views all around, including Mount Huron (another 14-er on our list), and Three Apostilles behind us.

Off we went, now 15 miles into our day, a projected mileage, but no good camping. Plus, we wanted to make our next day shorter, so we pushed on - as the rain returned. With vengeance. We tried to hurry, and since I knew the trail, I wanted us to get to the Clear creek by the bridge and Winfield road. That was an 18 mile day with packs, and setting camp in the rain was no fun. Nor was cooking under the tree, and then laying in a tent, bored, listening to the downpour over our old tent, praying it holds on. Rain gave us a short break for about 20 minutes, enough to make - and drink - tea, and started again, so we had nothing better to do but try to sleep. 

Sadly, this night was more of a "normal" for us in the woods, not a good sleep, plus it was super-cold, sub-freezing temps, and wet cold. But, the morning was here, and a coffee later, life was looking up.

We chose to take a Winfield dirt road that goes parallel to Colorado trail for the next 3 miles, right to the Hope pass climb, because this trip was not intended as "purist", plus we both love historical meaning of the places. Winfield was an old mining settlement from 1869! It was so amazing to visit it!

We got to Hope pass climb, and began our hike up. Larry was wondering what this hype about Hope pass is all about, plus it's a trail that takes Leadville 100 runner up and over twice, so here we are! Great that I could use the knowledge and give him a warning of that first mile up with almost 900 feet of gain! After that, it mellowed out, and we were making a quick work to the top. My 6th time up here!

As we rolled over, I made a point to stop at yet another old cabin's logs, which also served as an AS to Leadville 100 runners - just because I wanted to, because I could. This felt so good not to rush by.

As we continued down the trail, we were stopped by woman, who, too, said: "You are Olga!" as Larry rolled his eyes. This one was a much easier case, though. Julie is a Leadville resident who also helps at Aravaipa Colorado races, and we actually met before. She was taking her aging dog up the pass.

And just like that, our adventurous week was over. It was fantastic to get away, and just as nice to come back home. I don't know why I get comments, here or on IG, that I should do this slow pace more, I actually backpack with Larry at normal speed every year, sometimes twice. Time on the trail always stirs so many emotions and thoughts in me. I want to go back, again, and try the CT another time. And then I get achy from a mere 18 miles, and feel that my body gives me a reminder I am getting old(er) and should treat it with respect. As the morning rolls, and I see the sun lightening the day, set my feet on the single track, I am overcome with love to this trail, and with the desire to be on it, alone, the way I know how - pushing the miles from the sunrise to sunset. As the night falls, the darkness hugs you, and the joints whimper, I back away from that overwhelming drive to go back, go fast - because I become so uncertain in my own capabilities. It is a hard game, mind and soul against mind and body, as we get older. I feel being betrayed by my own body, by the fact I had to stop, twice, on my attempts. Doing the full CT is not like I did 4 times the Collegiate Loop. It is a much longer - and much harder - commitment. I am afraid to make it, and afraid to lose the desire for it. I go back and forward - and nobody but me can make this decision. The only good thing is, I don't have to make it any time soon. I know one thing for a fact - I will forever be in love, and in debt, to this trail.