SAN LUIS PASS, CO
The rain at night gave way to clear skies in the morning. As I went through the hills and valleys I was treated to gorgeous autumn colors all around. The sunny skies made the hillsides burst with brilliance.
I happened upon a salamander crawling up the trail. A few miles later I saw another. By the time I got down to Cochetopa Creek I had passed 5 of them, the last of which seemed lost and going the wrong way. I presume the are migrating uphill? The trail unites, all species included.
Later in the day as I was approaching the big climb of the day, rain clouds formed. I heard some thunder at about 3 pm so I put on my DriDucks and paused to see if I should setup early camp. The rain continued but the thunder abated, so I continued uphill. I saw a big moose on the way up. There was a great camp site nearby with water, but since it was still early I continued up. I made it over the pass and started looking for water sources. They were all dry. When I came to Spring Creek at 6:30 and found it dry I gave up and setup my tent in a nice spot. Dinner was dry and uncooked, but I had 1.5 liters to get me through. I was warm and dry with plenty to munch on, so I am content
I’ll be in Lake City tomorrow after another 16 miles. HeHo!