Journey Day 452 | CDT Day 115

One of the abandoned mines along the trail near Hancock, Colorado, in 1987.

10/7/87

Slept outside under the starry skies, full moon. After early morning oatmeal, I walk by one mining remain after another. More day hikers pass me near Hancock Lake. Take break in beautiful setting in cirque.

Sign noting Hancock, Colorado, 1987.

Then up steep Chalk Creek Pass, bushwhack around bogs, willows, through dead-fallen forest, finally find the trail. Chose supply route into Garfield, instead of a Divide hike. Soon there, but post office in lodge doesn't have my box. I'm blown away again. Call Way, he's unsure. So head down to the store, decide to give the box a day.

Cookies and milk, no help with boots, but get a shower on the house. use their phone to call Mom, hear about New York City. Way says he mailed the box seven days ago. So I buy beer, hike up to camp site precariously close to a creek, write Grama a letter, drink and eat the last of Austin Kennedy's offering before dark. Sleep easily with the Arkansas River banging outside.