In Lake City we hurried to get all of our chores done, and we set off early afternoon from san luis pass in the middle of a thick smoky haze. We had a big crew setting off with myself, Virgo, cactus, nicotine, Tatu joe and raisins. I hiked with cactus on the pct for 2000 miles last year and he jumped on trail for a 2 month section hike with us.
The papoose fire was in full swing and we had hazy walking conditions for 2 days. Cactus, Virgo and I camped together on the first night and walked the rest of the way to Salida behind the rest of the group who arrived there a day earlier than us.
The terrain for the first 2 days consisted of steep climbs, river valleys and mesas with beautiful vistas walking over the tundra. The trail turned into dirt road on the third day and sent us over rolling hills through forests and meadows and turned to single track trail over steep forested slopes for the final. Road walking is not so bad in a group and you can make good miles with less physical input.
We were fortunate enough to camp beside a dirt pile next to a highway which may be one of the strangest camp spots I have had. However we were glad to arrive at a flat spot that wasn't soaking wet ground after walking till 930pm. The tourist and dayhiker caught up to us on the second to last day at lunch, and we all walked together to a cabin for the night, 11 miles from monarch pass where we hitch into Salida. It was luxury to sleep in a cabin, and we appreciated our first on trail shelter - especially since it was raining and blowing a gale outside.
Monarch pass is a popular destination for travelers via car as it lies directly on the continental divide on highway 14 at over 10,000ft elevation. Sometimes I think we take it for granted that we are on the divide everyday, whereas for many others the one stop at the divide could be the highlight of their trip. I am truly happy hiking this trail, and have come to embrace the difficulties that with come with sticking to the divide.
940 miles down. Salida, Colorado.
