Journey Day 435 | CDT Day 98

Atop the Never Summer Range, September 1987.

9/20/87

Up early, ramen before hiking up ridge to Blue Ridge, which contours out of the Never Summer Wilderness to a turn. Follow trail to jeep road, after much uncertainty past jeepers. Bushwhacking when find myself in midst of good elk herd. On down into development bordering Rocky Mountain National Park (which I'd intended to bypass), talk with leaf worshippers, walk across a field, find myself near entrance station, which I pass, then to visitor's center. Talk with pretty seasonal rangerette. Oklahoman interested, also a hiker (We later consider doing the Trans Amazon Race). Bum a ride from him to the post office. Leave message, no mail on Sundays.

Rocky Mountain National Park from Parkview Mountain.

Rusty the logger drives me in beat Bug around to trailhead and hostel where I leave notes. Then I eat Mexican in a spot about to close, pick up socks at backpack store. No Bruce (friend and Trailheader expected to join me for hike ahead).

Buy ice cream, cookies, pop and plop in park. Provide curiosity for lovers and tourists, kids in park. Rusty appears as I'm calling Bob, so head for Watney's. Bruce shows, he and his wife Beth wired after hectic day trying to make time. We drink one, b.s., leave Rusty for store, note for postmaster. Beth leaves us at Arapaho Bay Campground, drives home in the dark. Bruce and I drink, make up for seven years absence, or try. Crash when beer's gone, cold gains the upper hand.