Steamboat Springs is such a cute town. It’s quite boujee with the fancy retail stores, gourmet foods and fine dining. I’ve done none of that, but have enjoyed walking the riverfront and indulged in the Sherpa Spice Restaurant that had some of the best tasting Nepalese cuisine in quite some time! And found ourselves soaking at Strawberry Hot Springs. By far, the nicest natural hot springs.

Jen went to PT today and after the full Monty, the therapist is certain that she has a high ankle sprain, which is great news! Within a couple of weeks, Fearless will be back on trail. So Hogged Up and I are heading back to the mountains, rain or shine we are going south!

The day of reckoning had light rain in the morning which is something new for me. But I am in Colorado where all things are possible. After stopping at the Post Office and Gear Shop, we are back to doing what we came here for, hiking. Jen dropped us off, but not before we picked up Long Story. I met him as I entered the Bob Wilderness. Long Story and Bumbleberry are the hikers that had the two dogs follow them 15 miles from East Glacier Lodge. I haven’t seen him since late June.

The day was pretty close to perfect. We had a good uphill that seemed to go on forever. The hunters are still out and I’m wearing my orange cap. I feel much safer with that knitted hat on. It’s funny what makes you feel invincible. There’s plenty of signs around reminding hunters to “make sure you know what’s in your scope before you fire!” Well that’s reassuring.

The views were magnificent today. Between the aspens changing colors to the high mountain ranges, it doesn’t seem to hurt as much, when hiking uphill. Even though our packs are plum full of food! The water situation is a bit sketchy but we camped next to Cross Creek and it had a strong flow. Long Story showed up within a few minutes and pitched his tent for the evening. We all had dinner and then jumped into our shelters. It is cold up at 10,500’ and there’s no sitting around after 7pm. Everyone is tucked away.

Jen is staying in Keystone at a friends’ condo. This is such a Godsend as it gives her a home base to recover and do some much needed PT. With the countless ski towns of Colorado, Keystone has much to offer. Jen is in luck being the Sports Therapists are well versed on all sorts of overuse injury’s. I suppose if there’s ever a good time to get injured, this was it! Jen has a lovely condo to stay in, with countless therapists to choose from, a hot tub and a place to land. God is so good!

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water…”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬