Journey Day 443 | CDT Day 106

Above Twin Lakes, Colorado.

9/28/87

I arise and hike out ahead, walk road to ravine. Descend rocky, steep drop to water plant, jump fence to park, find my way through Silverthorne to post office, asking bikers. Others' packs in lobby, disassemble pack, ready for post office, then inside. Grama's letter and box relief of sorts as I'm five letters behind. Down to laundry, showers in shopping center. The group splinters, I hit Jolene's for a good omelette, bakery. Call Mom, Gregory (still no pack covers), head to Sunshine Cafe to drink and write. After one, move to bar to enjoy repartee betwen granola employees, Heineken darks. Decide to have lunch, munch. Leonard and Laurie coming in as I'm heading out. We discuss the future, possible split. I opt to check on the Colorado Trail at the forest service office.

No maps, but overall indicates it's recently finished from Copper Mountain to Twin Lakes. Ranger concurs. Back, show Laurie, decide to head out after I call Mom. Decide to follow Wolf's long way to Copper Mountain, tell Laurie, whom I meet beneath underpass. Dump truck driver tells me where I want to be, I abandon road, on shale ridge, up through private yard, upset dogs, but boy tells me where the Mesa Cortina trailhead is. Back on trail, pretty forest walk, pass day hiker who tells me the way. Deer in open meadow, but no cabin, so follow side trail to Willow Creek. Camp and enjoy peace, read Tracker, eat and crash to creek's symphony. Mouse in my pack!