August 2nd
We hiked just over 11 miles today and are camped 7300.
We set our alarms for 0400 to get some miles in before the next afternoon storm and walked the first hour in the dark. We stopped and ate a hot breakfast after sunrise.
Yesterday evening we had at least four solid hours of thunder, lightning and rain. Rain poured down the hill side and under our tents. I stayed dry but everything felt damp and the tents were soaked. Last nights trenching around the tent really helped!
The trail is beautiful and continues to awe and amaze us with lush woods, wild flowers and cristal clear streams. The sun is warm and cheering.
We crossed the South Platte as a storm rolled in and started heading up a big hill.
I’m exhausted today and my body feels bruised. The miles felt exaggeratedly long! I’m grateful to be going to bed early!
We stopped early in expectation of another rain storm. It sprinkled on us as we finished hiking and then magically the sun came out and we air dried out tents and rain flys and sat outside and ate a hot meal. It was wonderful! Although ths evening turned out lovely we’re not going to plan on it. Afternoon showers are the norm and last nights was quite torrential!
It was still light as the storm hit and I was drifting off to sleep. Total downpour! With more thunder and lightning. It’s loud! The rain was pelting on the tent, and the thunder!! Wow!! Great I’m wide awake now and I have pee…