The last hour and a half I had a perma-smile on my face because I could see the mountains again. Pike's Peak was visible from about 60-70 miles away. I'm going to be standing on top of that tomorrow!
Groceries: peanut butter, bread, bananas, apples, pretzels, TastyBites, granola bars. WATER. Camping gear, water filter.
Ready to go!
Barr Trail starts with some soul-crushing switchbacks. Less than a mile away I was reconsidering my life choices. Then I came to a pretty major junction. No labels. This wasn't mentioned in description of the trail. Intuitively I kept going UP, since, you know, that's the way the peak is but I started getting nervous. The last thing I wanted to do was go the wrong way. So I called a few people who I thought may be near a computer.
After a few calls I finally got Kacey, who was near a computer. So here I am, standing on the trail with my big pack, on the phone, while tons of people are walking/running by. EMBARRASSING. Kacey didn't find anything in the description so I just kept going.
The trail from the bottom to the peak is about 12.5 miles, gaining 7,800 ft. My plan was to make the first 6.5 miles (3,800 ft) to Barr Camp. Tough going. Elevation kicking my butt every step. Maybe I should have done this later in the summer when I've been at decent elevations for a while?
I was so happy to see douglas firs again!
People were running past me on the trail. Most discouraging thing ever. I felt pretty in shape during my time in Texas, but now, being back in Colorado I felt like a total fat-ass again. These people are crazy fit.
I arrived at Barr Camp about 4 hours after I started from my car. Not bad, considering elevation and my pack. Chatted with the wonderful people at Barr Camp cabin. You can make reservations ahead of time and stay at this cabin, dinner provided and all. I just camped in the forest. FOR FREE. We talked for a while about life. Thing #7986097 to love about the West - everyone is friendly and loves to chat.
Set up camp near a nice stream, After a few attempts my bear-hang was set up. Asleep before sunset again.
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