Pounding out the miles. After a pleasant night in my tent, I hit the trail at 6 am. The air was cold (28 degrees) but my rain coat and gloves kept me warm. The decent trail continued down Goose Creek giving me confidence that I can make Creede today. I even met a weekend backpacker. At the confluence with the Roaring Fork, I realized that I was in for a 3-mile climb. The exertion sapped my energy even with a good trail. Soon after leaving the Weminuche Wilderness, I came to a trailhead parking area. I walked 4 miles on a Forest Service Road to the Deep Creek trailhead parking area then started downhill. Fresh mountain bike tracks in the trail showed that two riders somehow managed to get their bikes over or around the many deadfalls. I ate lunch under clear blue skies on the edge of a meadow (see photo). Only 9 miles to go. The trail gradually widened as I descended. I finally exited the forest at a trailhead and walked north on a county road. A nice young fellow gave me a ride for the last 1.5 miles to the Snowshoe Lodge. I got a bunk and shower and enjoyed a cold beer courtesy of two other patrons. After doing laundry, a walked to San Juan Sports to get cardboard to mail my ice axe, spikes, gaiters, and maps home. I also scored a small bottle of DEET from the hiker box. Dinner at Kip’s then back to the motel where I had a delightful chat with two geologists. I’m glad to be in Creede. 22.1 miles today.
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