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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

Trip Report Spring Creek Pass Colorado

Well, we’ve come to the end of the San Juan section and the end of this year’s segment of the Continental Divide Trail.

The San Juans were certainly a highlight, and not only because the trail seldom dipped below 11,000 feet in the last week. The trail also took us through some rugged and beautiful terrain. Steep peaks, deep valleys, high plateaus, well defined ridgelines, wildflowers and WATER. Flowing creeks, high alpine lakes, snowpack, rain, hail and frost: we found water in all it’s natural forms. Of course, some of these forms of water depend on COLD, and we had that too.

The wildflowers were simply stunning, bold and beautiful, elegant, showy, simple and sublime. Every niche of habitat and of the senses was filled. Hiking 16 to 20 miles a day in such country does not lend itself well to botanizing, but it’s safe to say that the individual species numbered in the hundreds.

All this was in stark contrast to New Mexico, where dryness ruled and rock formations replaced fields of flowers for our photos.

In planning our approach to the CDT we had set out segments so that we would be able to experience the San Juans in their glory days and not be forced to walk around them or through them when snow whiteness ruled the landscape. We succeeded, and the experience fulfilled our expectations.

We come to the end of this year’s segment with mixed feelings. Anxious to complete our journey, to return home, to rest up, soothe some aching muscles and to appreciate the creature comforts we so often take for granted. But sad at ending the journey, with a heart tugging to go on, to follow the ridge line up and out of Spring Creek pass and onto Snow Mesa and keep going north.

But, we will wait until next year and then come back to see all that lies between here and Togowatee Pass at the north end of the Wind River mountains in Wyoming. These are the dreams that help sustain us through the winter months.

Miles 820

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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