Berthoud Pass, Colorado - Bobb

Technically September 17th is still summer, but after the last few days of cold and snow it makes one wonder a bit – or maybe just remember how reliably fickle the Colorado high country can be.The route has been up in the tundra of late. Today we crossed a string of 12,000-13,000+ peaks in 6 inches of fresh snow with 1-2 foot drifts. We were hoping for some sun but the dark storm cells kept rolling through and the temperature only crept up to 18 degrees. With a steady 20-30 mph wind skittering across the alpine ridges, we walked with heads tucked down in our jacket ruffs. Stumbling through the rocks and willows under the snow, the miles passed by grudgingly.

This will be our toughest section most likely. Over the next 4 days we cross 10 peaks between 13,000 and 14,300 feet. The burros are back at the ranch for a respite as we scramble our way through this high chain. We have warm gear and plenty of determination, but the forecast is more snow and we are hopeful we can get through and make it home to the ranches (which are along the route) for a couple of days off and a hot shower.

We passed through the town of Winter Park a few days back and re-supplied. The waiter at dinner gave us a doggy bag full of rolls and lots of butter for the trail today. We’ll need lots more rolls and butter for the remaining 500 miles in Colorado!

“In Waking”

My heart
craves the Divine.
Bowed head,
the written word,
hymns of praise
can’t alone satisfy
that panging hunger.

On the edge of consciousness
in waking moments.
Through storm clouds
roaming across black rocked ridges,

I feel
Your presence
Know
You are there
Know
I am loved
am created for something

There.
I am fed
and wake
Full.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 10th, 2006 at 5:30 pm and is filed under Family, Travel Blogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response.