STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO
Steamboat Springs? Did I hike really fast?
The day started in Chama with several of us considering options other than postholing north to Pagosa Springs. A hiker from last year’s CDT (Austin) had posted on Facebook that he would be in Chama this afternoon to take hikers up to a ranch in Steamboat Springs to stay in a cabin, and then go further north to resume the hike at a less snowy place. A really sweet offer!
This discussion began at Fina’s Restaurant for breakfast. I knew it was good when I walked in and saw a Pittsburgh Steeler sign above the counter. The owner is a fan who had former Steeler and New Mexico U player Robin Cole come to the restaurant, and she got to wear his super bowl ring. Papichulo and I split a monster breakfast burrito (wow!) and were also joined by CookieMonster, SOL, Andrew, M80, Trooper, Moist, and a few others.
By the end of our burrito I was convinced the ride to Steamboat by Austin was a great idea. I went to the post office and found all my packages there, so I didn’t need to wait in Chama for anything. On the long walk back to the hotel I got a ride from Patsy who runs the ice cream store (thanks!) and then packed everything up. With several hours to kill I went across the High Country for lunch and beers. I walked in with the place empty, and 3 hours later we were filled with hikers. I saw Bones walking down the road and invited him in. We were having a great time when Austin arrived.
The crew of me, Papichulo, Kramers, and William (from Ft Worth) piled into Austin’s rented pickup for the 5 hour ride. We got to the spacious cabin after 11 pm and crashed into nice big beds in our own individual rooms. It was bliss.
Now we have to figure where and when the hike will resume