August 25th
Segment 15
We got up early and had hot coffee and a hot breakfast. We left the hostel while it was still dark and walked through the quiet town of Salida as it became light. Deer were casually eating and watched us walk by and returned to eating. We got a ride from Carlos and his dog Widdle, just dropping his daughter off for early morning volley ball practice. He’s retired Navy Aviation and I enjoyed chatting with him on the way to the trail. Widdle was super cute!
It had rained last night. Everything was freshly washed with lingering drops of rain everywhere and the wonderful smell of damp earth and forest.
We crossed so many creeks, clear and flowing strong.
The trail wandered up a valley and soon we were faced with an extremely steep climb to a saddle. Someone told us the Colorado Trail is an assortment of preexisting trails that were connected. Most of them being old mining trails. Often just going the shortest route straight up a mountain. I miss the gentle climbs of the PCT. Often trails this steep in Yosemite have stairs.
The views from the saddle were amazing and we had our moment of glory and photos and celebrated our climb and our halfway point.
We made it to Marshall Pass and camped above the parking lot.
Congratulations 🎊 on making the halfway point! Both of you are amazing. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thank you❤️