HIGH Valleys

Day 48—Sunday, September 18—dispersed camping in the aspens to to Luders Creek campground, CO

60 miles 

The temperature in the aspens was 25 F and packing up required gloves. We are racing the weather clock in the Rockies; it's getting cold in the mountains. My son Erickson lent me some warmer gear so I should be good for sleeping (bundled up inside a silk sleeping bag liner with a hat on!). Whatever it takes.

These days the age/speed order of our current group is related: I usually take off first in the morning (I need to warm up somehow), Eric leaves next, and TJ departs last. Of course the reverse is true when finishing the day.

It was a chilly descent in Sargents, CO and lasted about 10 miles following the downhill slope of the rail bed that we ascended to Marshall Pass. We gathered at a convenience store, ate microwaved burritos and coffee and tried to warm up and load up on calories.

Meander of Marshall Creek

After continuing a descent to Doyletown, we got off the paved road and began what would essentially amount to a 30 mile gradual ascent. The broad high valleys were gorgeous and the road was in good shape!

Starting the climb

TJ and Eric on the ridge; reminds me of a scene from Ingmar Bergman’s “Seventh Seal"

The road ahead…vast plains covered in sage

The multiple shades of green where water is present

We arrived at Luders Creek campground which was fully occupied by a group of folks in their 60s-70s who gathered here once a year for a reunion. 

They graciously let us set up our tents in space where we could find it. Access to water at Luders Creek was helped by a pipe stuck into the ground.  Although we filtered the water as a precaution it was some of the sweetest water we had collected. As the sun set through the aspens, Eric, TJ and I sat up against rocks and had a good conversation before it got too cold.

The half moon in the trees cast stark shadows and the night was still and not quite as cold as the night before.