There was a lot going on today. We got up early and started our uphill climb. We had a bonus today. Let alone we’d be back up on the Continental Divide but we also were headed to the highest point on the CT. More of that later. Another beautiful sunrise courtesy of “you know who!’ This picture doesn’t give it justice. Sometimes I feel like I capture it fairly well but this morning, it was brilliant orange and reds! We were greeted by tons of picas this morning, as they were storing their winter food. Ends up that Triple-Z was talking with a pica expert in town and was told that they are the smallest of the rabbit family. No wonder they multiply like rabbits. They were busy gathering grasses, flowers and anything green. They bring it back to their burrow and pack it in based on what they will eat first and what they will binge on during the cold winter months. God just keeps amazing me when I hear how even the smallest of creatures have the wherewithal to take care of themselves! I still think they look like hamsters but now I know they are rabbit-like. Cute little critters. We had such an eventful morning with grouse and marmots and more weasels. I guess the weasels aren’t as rare as I thought being that I’ve seen four now. What is rare is the white weasel! Seldom do people see them. Triple-Z and I climbed up and over the Continental Divide and then climbed a bit more to the tallest point on the Colorado Trail 13,271′ . It was a bit windy following the ridge line as we made our way up. We had our own private photo shoot being there was no one else around.

We have been seeing a few mountain bike riders and a handful of hikers but it’s pretty slim pickings! Once off the top of the world we enter the San Juan Mountains. This is all I’ve heard since I started was, wait till you see the San Juan’s. Well today was the day and I was not disappointed! Within and hour or so I started to see them. They are truly spectacular and go on for quite some ways. Triple-Z found us a great lunch spot within the mountain range. As we were sitting eating our lunch, I finally caught a glimpse of my elusive moose. In the willows I could see it munching away. But the more I watched the big palmed moose eat, I noticed he had an entire clan with him. I counted up to six moose’s at half a mile away. I have been told that I’d be a great hunter because I can see movement from quite a distance. But I can’t read a book without glasses! The brown specks are the moose’s. Triple-Z and I had quite the trek today. We only have a week to get to Durango so we needed some extra miles. But now we are exactly 100 miles from the end of the trail so we can get back to the “Kelly Pace” which is 15 miles a day with our final day into Durango 10 miles. It’ll be a great way to take in all the sights of our last week in this magical place. What I have been truly taken back by is how protected Triple-Z and I have been. We have had our fair share of mishaps, wrong turns, my face plant, little slips and slides on the loose gravel but nothing that has taken us off trail. I know in my heart that this is where I was suppose to be and our precious Lord has come along with many of His angels to protect us. Triple-Z and I are both 60 this year so we are not spring chickens, but we still have enough strength, grit and determination to hike for hours on end. Thank you Jesus for guiding us and keeping us safe during our journey. We are getting close to the end of this trail but I do believe there are more trails and opportunities to hike for God!

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be a well-watered garden like a spring whose waters never fail.

Isaiah 58:11