I am back in Boulder having completed my goal of hiking to Cottonwood Hot Springs from Kenosha Pass—14 days and 140 miles (from new moon to full moon). I learned a lot. I was a bit spontaneous in my preparation and maybe could have benefited from a more detailed plan before heading out on the trail, but….whatever. I wanted to have an experience and I did. I had this window of time for the hike and I went for it. I will be processing what I just completed for quite some time. I was humbled. I wasn’t sure what to expect but the intensity of the vertical climbs were a surprise to me. Why did I think I would have these gentle rolling hills and easy day meadow walks?

I didn’t sleep that well in my two person tent at altitude after so much exercise, but aside from a curious baby bear visit at the zipper of my tent one night, I was sleeping on the Earth and gazing up at starry skies and it was magical and peaceful, surreal and quiet—deeply restful.

I met interesting people from all over on the trail for similar reasons—to find parts of themselves/soul searching, and to get out and spend time in nature for their personal healing and well being. The trail names we gave ourselves and others were powerful ways to stay connected when we found one another at watering holes or at camping spots along the way. “Double D; Legs, Sauce, Tortuga, The Professor, Puma, Pusher, Pringles, Malibu Barbie, etc. There were some twenty somethings that were walking the 2100 miles on the Continental Divide Trail from New Mexico to Canada; an 80 year old walking the whole CT for the second time. People got raw and real with their conversations. It was inspiring to hear their stories and to share mine with “strangers” but not strangers at all.

It was hard to keep the calories up—only so many freeze dried packets I could pretend were super tasty. How I cherished the fresh salads and fruit that came from the end of a plea for real food at two resupply points near Leadville. Bye bye food preferences, it quickly became a question of how many sandwiches, fries and sweets I could inhale—sugar, wheat, dairy? bring it on!!!. Often I was too tired to pull out the camp stove and if it was raining, well, then I would curl up and wait for the morning for a hearty meal. It was easy to feel fed and nourished by the sights and sounds of nature yet I knew my body required hearty meals. I had to find creative ways to stay full—I could only carry so much food with me at any given time.

The daily hikes were long and tough ones—grueling steep uphills in blazing heat. Hail and rain sometimes at night. Hours of the day without seeing anyone; cell phone service intermittent and unreliable. Mosquitos and biting black flies kept me moving and covering 11-13 miles a day. My clothes got gross quickly and there are only so many times you can turn shirts, socks and underwear inside out for a longer life. A shower and a laundromat would have been nice but there were miles to go and well… there were streams along the way.

I felt the strength of body, mind and spirit required to walk everyday in challenging conditions. I got lost but never for too long—thanks to the Guthook app on my phone. My pack was too heavy at 35 pounds, but I am not sure I could have made it any lighter. I carried just the basics inside. Maybe more expensive and state of the art upgrades to tent and sleeping pads? My mind wonders—how could I simplify? and where could I let go of stuff? What am I holding on to?

I didn’t give up but at times felt like it. No blisters. Sore shoulders, feet and back at times. Nothing that was too bad. My water filter broke near the end. I ran out of TP. I knew at one point that I couldn’t go all the way through to Durango (which many of the other hikers were so clearly doing) without reassessing my equipment and having a better support system in place. With the monsoon rains coming into Colorado, it seemed like a logical time to stop. Hard heavy rains can change everything—wet cold conditions are not fun—for me. Packing up a wet tent and damp clothes adds weight to the pack and well I was at my limit as to how much more I could schlep on my back. My carrot was a hot springs soak and it was all I could think about after a while!

And, soak I did!! The cold river plunge and the hot hot mineral springs waters at Cottonwood Hot Springs were fantastic balms for my achy body and soul. I felt so happy and relaxed there. I got time to reflect on the utter joy of creating time and space for myself to be disconnected from the world for just a brief moment; finding myself in my element dancing in the natural world; listening and observing the seen and unseen worlds; slowing down and breathing deeply. I was rewarded with sacred solo time, wildflowers, some of the most beautiful views imaginable, and new trail friends. I am grateful I was able to finish this section of the CT and I hope to return next year a little better prepared. I will figure out how to simplify my gear at some point so I can shave 5-10 pounds off because “It’s all about the ounces”. And now I know better what to expect. I am sure that will make a big difference 🙂

Thanks for all those who offered suggestions and a warm place to stay, and who brought me food. And if anyone is considering hiking a segment or two next year, I would love to hear about your plans.

Be in touch! blair@blairsherbals.com