MAD Hippies Life

The following morning was quite cold as we quickly moved down the trail and dove into what we called, " the Valley of the Sun." It was as it sounds, a beautiful valley full of morning sunlight and much needed warmth. 

The wind was calm, the clouds growing, but the window of opportunity remained. It was almost as if we had been invited for this personal journey across this heavenly place far from any city and high above all else. 

  What an incredible place it was. Surrounded on three sides with jagged peaks and steep scree fields, the alpine bowl opened up down the valley to an expansive view of the Dillon Reservoir.

The air is changing. The energy is changing. The landscape is changing. We are changing. Everything is changing. 

Sure, we weren't in the high alpine yet, but we were getting there, and after our low point with the early heat, this was an unexpected gem at lower elevation.

There are campsites here and there in the trees that line the meadow, a creek running down the middle, mostly hidden in the reeds, and evidence of a multitude of wildlife, footprints included, along the trail. 

Who would have thought, the first three segments are among the easiest elevation-wise, and yet, throw in some heat and dry conditions and you would have thought we were trekking through some of the hardest terrain on the trail. 

We have had a share of hardships over the years, we have certainly dealt with our share of challenges, but we chose to do this!

We were tired, it was steamy hot after the storms and the thought of continuing on felt daunting. Camp was set up and we called it a day.

"We were thinking this is just going to be a unique season in the high country, but the more we thought about it, they are all unique. Every season offers up its own particular experience. Every day has its own personal gift for the adventurer."

  "A roll of toilet paper seems to go for a while until it gets near the end and then it goes really fast."

  "Trail life is full of oohs and awes, but they are also filled with sighs, four letter words and pain"

The Colorado Trail is the perfect culmination of all we have been doing to keep ourselves active and will certainly challenge us across the board, a challenge we gladly accept and look forward to completing. 

"For the through hiker of the Colorado Trail the 285 corridor and its many wonderful towns are an oasis to the traveler in search of lodging, gear, food and many other services."

With the holiday season in full swing, some of you might already be thinking about that dreaded New Year's Resolution! A bit cliche, and certainly overdramatized, but certainly worth noting as we indulge in the season's endless enticing treats.

Three Mile Creek is no eye popping outing, it has few features many would seek when it comes to hiking in the alpine. Though what it does offer is serenity.

By the time you reach the timberline you will breathe a sigh of relief...not necessarily from the exhausting uphill climb...but perhaps the ghoulish sounds of nature as it transitions from summer to winter. ​

Quite simply, this is perfectly Colorado!!! The Colorado Trail at Kenosha Pass is an amazing trail to see fall colors in the morning, afternoon and night.

Standing here while looking over the edge, the imagination leaps with excitement at the potential adventures