VASQUEZ PEAK WILDERNESS, CO
After a rainy and very windy night I headed away from James Peak. I had my down jacket, GoreTex gloves, and DriDucks on because it was pretty cold, windy, and it looked like rain could hit.
When I got to the base of Mt Flora I took this stuff off and began the big climb. It was pretty challenging because there were lots of rocks and the trail was hard to discern at times. When I could see it, there were nice flat rocks laid out in a long string, which made it nice to walk on. The problem is when the whole side of the mountain is covered with rocks, it is hard to tell trail from anything else.
I managed to get up to the peak in time for lunch. There was a nice bunker to shelter me from the wind as I had my lunch. Two girls and their dogs came by and also had lunch up there. The panoramic view was pretty cool up there.
On the way down, the handy Platypus holster that clips to my side pocket suddenly fell off because the clip snapped and broke. I have had this holster for a lot of years and it makes getting a drink very convenient. Now I will have to take my pack off when I want a drink.
The trail got much nicer afterwards. I had another big climb up Stanley Mountain, and then had to make a decision. It was only 3 o’clock, but the water sources were 3 and 12 miles away. It would be risky to try 12 miles before dark. After the 3 mile source there is another climb that stays up on ridge above tree line, and the skies looked like rain could happen. I do not want to be on ridgeline if lightning occurs, and do not want to carry a lot of water up a big climb. I decided since I have plenty of time to get to Breckenridge, I’ll camp at the first water spot. I found a great spot to pitch my tent and had an early day. There is a major mining and refining operation nearby that I can hear. Well, we have to get the raw materials for lightweight hiking gear, don’t we?
I should be in Breckenridge in two days. HeHo!