6/22/15 Day 59, Berthoud Pass to Bike Trail Camp M1737.5, 10,346′
Tent – Nights Spent Alone: 7
21.6 1080.8 Trip Miles
Sunny w/ CRAZY WIND
Day’s of Snow: 7 – Day’s of Rain: 18 – Days of Hail: 10
# of Zero days: 6
10 am to 7:45 pm
Gila Crossings Final Total: 221
Tick Count: 4 (4 more crawling on me)
Wanted List
Mountain Goat
Grizzly Bear
Black Bear
Bighorn Sheep
Mountain Lion
Critter Count
1 Chipmunk
Totals
530 Pronghorn*
167 Elk
119 Lizards
116 Wild Horses
105 Chipmunks
71 Deer**
38 Cotton Tail Rabbits
35 Ground Squirrels
27 Squirrels
26 Prairie Dogs
22 Horny Roads
17 Jack Rabbit***
11 Moose
8 Snakes
7 Pika
7 Marmot****
4 Coyotes
4 Moles
2 Rattle Snakes
2 Toads
1 Mouse
1 Skunk
1 Weasel
1 Porcupine
1 Fox
*181 from car, **3 from car, ***1 from car, ****2 from car
What a terrible nights sleep last night. I learned a few lessons. Number one: two beers is my limit or I go to bed with a headache. Number two: don’t sleep so close to developed areas. The lights are bright (this one I knew but forgot)
I did wake up to find one of my shoes was 6 feet from where I left it when I went to sleep. I have no idea who or what would want my stinky ass shoes after 500 miles of funk.
We did logistics and we’re ready to hitch by 10 am. Not bad since usually it’s like noon. I decided after the gusty winds on the ridge Friday I would replace the cowboy hat as I didn’t want to lose it. It wasn’t cheep. I found the perfect replacement, a white trucker cap with a blue visor. It says “More Cowbell” on it with a bell and two drum sticks. If you don’t know what that’s from search online for More Cowbell Saturday Night Live.
It was a good thing I made the switch, the wind was even worse today. Even my trucker hat blew off and my Julbo sunglasses.
Today was another classic Colorado single track experience with just a bit of dirt road. We ridge walked, crossed snow fields, climbed over a snow wall of 40′ and the whole time Mother Nature was trying to blow us off the mountain.
The views from the ridge Jones Pass was on were breath taking. I feel so lucky to be out here. The views bring me to tears almost daily. This dream may be a total bitch and is kicking my ass but I’m living it. Don’t let your age or physical shape keep you from your dreams. I beg those who read this to get out there and do something for you. Everyone has dreams. Make them a reality. For some it will be hard. Sacrifices will have to be made but trust me you’re worth it and so are your dreams.
If you find yourself in the middle of a shit storm where tons of people are asking for your time and there no time for you just say “Screw it!” and stop everything and do something for YOU. Live your life. I am. Don’t just live yours through this journal or someone else’s words or actions. Make your own! The only person stopping you is YOU.
Off to bed. Going over 14k tomorrow.
Scatman
Brand Ambassador for: Outdoor Research, SuperFeet, Ibex, Julbo, Petzl, Dude Wipes, Platypus, ClifBar and Aqua Mira
@ScatmanAT
Get out there!
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