Day 9 Kenosha Pass to Michigan Creek Trail

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Mileage: 8.5 miles 

Elevation: 9,900 to 10,900 feet 

Back on the trail again! We left our historic accomodations in Fairplay. 

Here's a view of the lobby. The front desk  clerk was also the bartender, waiter, and host! He checked us in while wearing his pajamas. We didn't say anything. 

The view of the hotel from the road. Pretty cool old hotel. 

Next, we made our way giggling to the main highway knowing that one of us is going to have to stick our thumb out to begin hitching a ride back to the trailhead. Once again, here's Pippy! No shame there. 

You can't see her face, but she's laughing.

And then... This is what happened. After about 23 seconds of thumbing for a ride, Zippy made eye contact with a "limousine driver" leaving the gas station. He and his sidekick offered us a ride! We couldn't believe it. We were styling now. 

This is an old Toyota Dolphin relic camper. It was awesome! We were sitting in the back. Our driver "Bruce" and sidekick "Sarah" entertained us with great conversation. There were nice enough to swing by the post office in Jefferson to pick up our resupply box on the way to the trail. 

There's the world's smallest post office. And to our delight, our box was there! 

Here's our sweet ride! Check out the carved wooden dolphin on the front hood. So stoked to have gotten a ride from these fun folks! 

We walked up to the trailhead and divided our food. We were so excited to get all of our snacks! 

Now, it was time to hit the trail. 

Another amazing view about a mile into the trail. 

Our resting spot. Thanks self-timer! 

The views just keep getting better. 

We continued through gorgeous aspen trees that led us into this open meadow.

We could not stop because of the Godzilla Mosquitos! They are like the size of a nickel. 

The trail was packed with speed racer mountain bikers. Most just whizzed pass and said "thankyou" as we moved off to the side. But these next two riders were different. They were normal. They were pushing their bikes and moved to the side for us to walk past. 

Pippy with John "Huff" and Sam "Puff". The team of "Huff and Puff" were interested in our long-distance hike to Durango. They were inspired and we hope they do it next year! Thanks guys for the great conversation and your easy going personalities! 

A mile after that at mile 6, we turned into "huffy and puffy" and had to climb up a mountain with 12 gallons of water (each) for the next two miles. And it just keeps going. We stopped and set up camp at 10,900 feet to acclimate as tomorrow we'll be  traversing over the 12,000 foot mark. 

That's all for now folks! Here's an inspiring quote for you...