Lucy Ondo

May 5 to May 11

Mile: 750

The morning hike up through box canyon was peaceful and relaxing until we missed our turn and rock scrambled up and back down the canyon.

Because of our late start we made it to the first water, about 16 miles.

Above 9000 feet open grassy meadows with stands of quivering aspen were stunningly beautiful to walk through.

Looking back at Georgia O’Keeffe’s mountain:

After the water we camped on top of a grassy meadow with a view west.

(Happy to now have my PCT tent which is warmer and built for heavier usage.)

Sunrise from my tent door:

The second day started with more trail through aspens groves. Only later to turn into a massive road walk.

Later back on trail there was a unbelievable long stretch of fall down to negotiate. When we were unable to crawl up and over, down and under, or go around we threw our packs over and scrambled over.

Dodgy, who started the same day as we did was in a group of four hikers to leap frog us in the afternoon. It was good to see other hikers even for a few minutes.

On the third day out the morning hours were all on trail and I was beginning to feel it was a true thru hike. We covered 8 miles by mid morning.

We came to the Vallecitos river with a log across for a bridge. It was dicy. It took me two tries to cross over. Ghost decided to cross over in the water. On the first step into the rushing water she fell in and hurt her arm.

Unable to use her arm and fingers, I knew she needed medical attention. Reviewing our option the nearest out was highway 64 ahead. It was decided we would try to reach the highway 12 miles ahead before dark so she could hitch to Chama.

Another hiker, Fenway, came along and led our sprint. The three of us covered these 12 miles as quickly as possible. During this time, I realized Ghost was in shock and should not be left to hitch alone and decided I had best accompany her to Chama.

Little did we realize there is no medical facility in this little town.

This morning Ghost hitched to Pagosa Springs to seek medical attention. Her arm is badly broken.

Tomorrow I head back up to Highway 64 to resume my hike alone.