Weather
had folks cancelling this trip on the original Saturday schedule. Much
of the trail is above timberline and with thunderstorms listed to
happen - most folks said, no thanks. A smaller group looked at the
weather for Sunday and we rolled the dice. Thunderstorms weren't
significant odds. In the end - no lightning and generally a nice day to
be out.
Far views were a bit hazy so that'll change some of the pictures.
Leaving the trails, aired up and moving on asphalt the time was about
5:30pm. I turned the key at 7am this morning. Home to trailhead was
about 2.5 hours, via freeway. If I returned home via freeway, I'd
expect to be home about 8pm. I figured, let's take the "in the
mountains" two-lane route to home.I'd get to the west entrance gate of
Rocky Mountain National Park likely after they collect tolls leaving it
a no entrance fee drive over the mountain - to get home about 10 or
10:30pm.
On the way home I saw a kid walking a flat tire bicycle on the shoulder
of the road. He was heading WEST while I was heading EAST. I u-turned
and asked if he wished a hand. Remove the front wheel of the bike and
it fits into the back of the jeep just right. This was about eight
miles east of Kremmling. I asked where home was - Steamboat Springs. A
mental click - sure, I'll get you home, knowing it'll be a long
day. Head to pillow at 1am. A good day out.
Overall - 18 hours, 410 Miles with 26 miles and 7h 13m on trails.
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