Journey Day 429 | CDT Day 92

Leonard and Laurie Adkins along the trail in Colorado in 1987.

9/14/87

Freezing temperatures, openness ahead convince us to cook breakfast, so later starting out. Hike in full garb, but shed for a good climb up Lost Ranger. Amazing 360 degree vistas back to the Zirkels, Never Summers, Hahns Peak, North Lake, etc. Go to summit alone, photo the Dome, others on the ridge, Leonard and Laurie head down cold. Into the valley, back up Mt. Ethel, following cairns in a row. Back down, head for road to Steamboat. Lunch by a dry creek, two untalkative guys walk by. Push last six miles from lunch to road.

No traffic, but Leonard and Laurie get us a ride to town with Kentucky visitors gone fishing. Threatening skies as we drop into the valley. Make big city, get two boxes, Grama's letter from the post office before closing. Shop, settle on hotel across the street. Showers, organize. Leonard and Laurie gone during my shower. I dine on Mexican with margaritas, watch football. Spot Carl, he joins me for a drink, has good news! We hike to room, where the movie The Fly preoccupies the reunion. Carl leaves, I talk with Mom and Bruce Lahman twice before we decide where to meet up ahead. A half gallon of ice cream give me energy before I crash to Don Rickles.