The time was approaching! Time for me to meet up with Steph, my hiking partner, pack my backpack and mentally prepare for foot trekking the mountains of Colorado!
The Colorado Trail trip was quickly approaching!
Last you saw me was in Golden, CO, from there it is a short distance to Steph’s house where I would stay the weekend to make sure I had all my backpacking gear and food in order.
Packing for a thru-hike is exciting yet stressful. On one end you’re so excited to be going on this mighty trek yet there is a the worry of whether you can actually do this physically and mentally. Not to mention the worry of forgetting something vital like your down jacket (aka “puffy” in the hiker world) or an extra pair of socks (like I did).
Arriving in town I stopped at Starbucks to grab some caffeine for everyone and Steph provided some awesome donuts!
Now that my heart was pumping at lightspeed, I decided to settle in the guest room to charge up all my electronics that were going with me like my phone and GPS unit. Then it was on – the obligatory laying out of all my backpacking gear to check and triple check that I had everything I need. Then weigh it all!
My pack came it much lower than expected and I couldn’t hold my delight! Every ounce or pound helps with being able to climb mountains and walk all day without exhausting yourself.
It was a relaxing weekend and Steph and her wife, Kris’ home. They made amazing vegan dinners and welcomed me with open arms. And bonus, they have 2 cute dogs that I got to hang with. I love dog people!
Everything was set and I was happy hiker trash!
Meeting Hiker Royalty!
The weekend couldn’t get much better but it did. Friday Steph asked if I knew who Second Chance hiker was. I said of course, he was the guy that started the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019 well over 400 pounds. I watched his journey on YouTube. He’s very inspirational and full of heart!
Steph seemed relieved to see how happy I was to know who he is. That’s when she mentioned he was celebrating his birthday at a brewery in Golden, CO and did I want to go. That’s a hell ya!
I’m not one to get excited over well-known people (he’s well known in the hiker world) but to meet a man that inspired so many to get outside and be yourself would be on the top of my hiker bucket list. So, of course, the answer was YES!
Steph and I arrived as Cory’s first guests so we had the advantage of having him all to ourselves for a bit. It was nice to hear what adventures he was up to. The man can adventure! He’s not just a hiker but someone who will push his limits outside AND show the world his triumphs and failures, something I can truly admire is a person.
Golden, CO had forecasted rain that night but it made for such a relaxing environment to sit under the canopy to listen to other hikers tell their tales as well as watch Cory (aka Second Chance) enjoy the love from fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Hours flew by as we heard the tales (maybe some tall tales as well, lol) of animal encounters, difficult hiking treks and all around fun stories of being outdoors.
I’m glad I met Cory and all the fellow hikers that night!
June 28, 2021 – Finally Starting the Colorado Trail!
The time had come.
That Monday morning we drove to Kenosha Pass after meeting with Candace, the third crazy lady to join our little hooligan pack. This is where we would start a journey of unknown adventures!
