It’s the last week on the Colorado Trail and we’re not finishing with ANY dry weather in the forecast. We’re leaving Lake City and hiking with a small group. I packed out some Fireball to carry to the end, and officially accepted the trail name.

It’s the last week on the Colorado Trail and we’re not finishing with ANY dry weather in the forecast. We’re leaving Lake City and hiking with a small group. I packed out some Fireball to carry to the end, and officially accepted the trail name.
I knew what I was getting myself into when I committed to the Colorado Trail but I didn’t think the trail would steal my heart the way it did, I blame the San Juans.
Trip Date: August 23-29, 2023 Location: Tennessee Pass to Boss Lake Reservior CT Mile: 142.9 – 235.4 It’s the first day back on the trail after a nero in Leadville. A ‘nero’ is hiking near zero miles for the entire day. Back at Tennessee Pass, we’d make our way to Twin Lakes where we’d confirm …
Mentally I starting to compare my JMT journey to my current Colorado Trail thru hike.
Mount Whitney was the shit! Not a bad climb from Guitar Lake and I didn’t have to summit solo! JMT DONE! Safely made it down to Whitney Portal!
Just as I was about to fall asleep around 7 PM last night ‘Hey Vanessa Renee!” I heard on the trail heading… my way?
I wish you could see where I’m journaling from this morning. This campsite was the literal cherry on the top from yesterday’s hike over Forester.
Slow morning today. Did some camp chores, had oatmeal for breakfast, re-organized my food, did some laundry, washed some dishes. Kinda sounds like a Monday,huh?
What a day. Charlotte Ranger station saved my JMT trip! I didn’t have to hike an extra 15 miles + climb Kearsarge Pass-twice, just to get more food lol!
Started earlyish today, like 8:45 I believe. Pinchot Pass wasn’t too bad, but I thought it was going to be easier, lol! It was all downhill after that.
Today I met Ranger Sam. Right before calling a NERO and backtracking about .5 miles from Mather Pass, I ran into Ranger Sam.
I’ve been sheltering myself from this storm for a few hours now. The long climb up to Palisade Lake didn’t make it to Upper before the thunder.
Sweet camping spot tonight at Le Conte Canyon. Pretty sure I’m like 30 ft. from the creek though.
Wasn’t tired to stop, but needed water before reaching the ranger station. Don’t know why, just feel like I might get caught up talking with people.
I’m currently sitting in the San Joaquin River soaking my butt, legs, & feet. I’m wearing the sports bra I’ve been hiking in the past 5 miles.