7-24-06
Start: Jeep Rd. above Twin Lakes
Destination: Campsite on Clear Creek, CO
Elevation: 9310 ft.
Miles: 16.4
Weather: Hot
This one's going to be short. We are very tired. We climbed slowly all day. The beginning of the day was really pretty and so was the afternoon. But the middle we could've done without. It was a constant climb, it was really hot, we were on rutted and rocky old jeep trails, we followed power lines and gas pipeline, there were more dead trees than live ones, and there were dried creek and riverbeds, holes and nasty-looking trenches dug into the forest floor all over. Okay, so we've been completely spoiled with beauty. We got frustrated, and were actually hiking with scowls on our faces. Then we stepped over the ridge and smiled: a view of a huge, lush green valley, a winding creek, and even a waterfall on the slope across the valley. Thank goodness the day ended okay, or we may have gone loco.
We're camped now. I filtered water and rested my sore feet in the ice-cold water. It felt wonderful. We made dinner, ate, and now we're all going to have tea and sleep. I hope tomorrow is a better day.
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