Distance = 26 Miles; People Met = 3; Pictures to be added
We received another couple inches of snow overnight. Early in the morning, before dawn, we headed up to Bronco Billy’s for one more 49 cent breakfast. Janie the shift manager is an avid backpacker and comped us the meal. We tried to leave a tip nonetheless but our waitress Linda gave it back.
Because the snowstorm caused us to take a day off in Cripple Creek we had to make up some miles with a very long day. The first half of the day along the Shelf Road was spectacular. The dirt road becomes a “shelf” carved into steep canyon walls for only part of the way, but for the whole length our descent along the road was a quick scenic review of our journey to date.
We started out in snow, mountains and golden aspen. At the end of that section we had our lunch by cactus. In between were canyons reminiscent of Utah, complete with an arch and spires, and also somewhat of Nevada, particularly the area where some motorists stopped to tell us they saw some bighorn sheep ahead.
The Shelf Road was a perfect way to end our journey through the western mountains. I’ll link to a facebook photo album in the future. Unfortunately, we still had 12 miles to go after we were done with that section, and those miles were a bit more grueling for us. We did not reach Canon City until dusk and my left foot was acting up again. We knew Ky was staying with the niece of a friend and we gave her a call to pick us up. We would be using the home of Don and Laura Craven as a home base to slackpack into Pueblo.
Don and Laura Craven, from Pueblo West
You guys are wonderful! You are hiking through my home state of Colorado so you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers! Via con Dios! Nancy
Thanks, Nancy, though we won’t be in your home state much longer!