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We are currently on another long distance hike, and the third leg of our "triple crown", the Continental Divide Trail (the "CDT"). Come along with us if you can - if not in person then by following our grand adventure via our "posts from the trail".  Check out our Flickr Photos, which we'll update periodically, and see it through our eyes!

Our Credo...

"Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!" ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Journal July 23 – Ridin’ The Storm Out

Getting a ride back to the trail took longer than expected, much longer – we waited for almost 2 hours to get a ride the first 4 miles and then waited another 2 hours for a ride to the pass. Finally a local couple stopped and drove us past their place, all the way to the pass. They stopped, they said, only because of the sign we made and the fact Deb was a woman.

Leaving the pass we climbed 1,300 feet on sometimes steep switchbacks with the added weight of food packed for the next four days and three quarts of water for the dry trail ahead. We regained the crest of the divide and started back on the roller coaster of views.

Afternoon clouds rolled in and rolled out, looking several times like it would all blow over and clear off. It would clear, but then new clouds would form again from out of nothing. Sometimes mountains make their own weather.

We had hoped to make it as far as the saddle above Canyon Creek, about 9 miles or so in. We took a break at a high point with a commanding view ahead at the last 3 miles. Our route would be along the broad exposed crest and climb over some locally prominant peaks. Dark clouds let loose some sprinkles along with the promise of more. Thunder and lighting were in the distance still, but closing in fast, along with a curtain of water. The high ridge was not where we wanted to be during a lightning storm. We dropped into the next saddle and then off of it a bit to a large stand of stunted trees, but at least they were taller than our tent. We found a sloping but flat spot to make camp. Short of our goal and short in water, but safer.

Two storm cells moved through, lots of flashes of lightning, some so bright you could see them through the tent, some sounded very close. Occassioanally strong gusts of wind rocked the tent, but the stakes held. Heavy rain mixed with small hail kept a racket going. At one point I thought I heard an olde Englishman out yelling something about trading his kingdom for a horse. Personally, I would have held out for at least a sturdy cabin. But, we each have our own ways for ridin’ the storm out.

After the rain, with darkness falling fast, we fixed a quick dinner, sipped some carefully portioned reserves of water and turned in for a sliding-down-to-the-end-of-the-tent slumber.

Miles -about 6.7

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Clicking on any of these photos will take you to that specific photo on our Flickr Stream, where you can view these and many, many more photos from our latest adventure....or use this shortcut to all photos.....we hope you enjoy them!

People Shots

CDT20101_NMWCWMCDT2010_TheTrailCDT2010_NMWC-1Carrot After a Trail BathCarrot Stream Crossing #3,768Carrot on the Trail stillCarrot takes a Trail BathCarrot Stream Crossing #5.875Carrot on the TrailCliff Dwelling SignCarrot takes a PhotoCarrot Stream Crossing # 2,115

Scenic Shots

CDT2010-valleyCDT2010_yellowflowersCarrot on the Trail 3ScenicPotty BreakScenicCliff Dwelling Stream Vast DesertPrickly Pear 2Prickly PearPlateau at Sunset

Flora & Fauna

CDT2010_treesCDT2010_yellowflowersCDT2010-purpleflowersAngry MarmotFlora 3FloraBeaverButterfly 2FloraButterfly