Rock Creek, CO June 19, 2004

We awake to a sunnier day and sleep in until it warms up a bit. After a hearty breakfast of snack bars, it is time to start packing up.

Creek Crossing

We start out at 9:30 A.M. and cross Rock Creek. It is a steady climb back up over 11,000 feet. We walk a ridge with nice views to the east. We have lunch, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, an apple and then proceed on. We soon begin to get some glimpses of Mt. Massive, the second highest peak in the state. It is, how would you describe it, massive. I just couldn’t resist. About an hour later, we pass the trail junction to Mt. Massive and continually changing views of the mountain. We arrive at the Half Moon Creek Trail Head, the end of Segment 10, a little after 2:00 PM. We take a well-deserved break, filtering water from the creek, snacking, and lying on the grassy bank. We still have over 3 miles to go to get to Herrington Creek and hopefully a nice campsite. Segment 10 Miles Hiked- 10.7  C.T. Miles Hiked – 155.3

Segment 11a–Half Moon Creek to near Twin Lakes Dam. June 19, 2004 continues

View Beginning of Segment 11

Carol has still been struggling today. Her chest hurts her and she tires easily which is not like her at all. She puts on a good game face, but I know she is struggling. As we are not fighting daylight today, I am much calmer about the situation. Besides there is no short way out anymore, so we have to press on. We take some beautiful shots of the high peaks of Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert (the state’s highest, and the second highest mountain in the lower 48) before heading out. The first mile is 600 feet straight up and very steep. Steven just bounds up the hill. We are going to have to slip some tranquilizers in his soup tonight, so we can keep up. We go slow but steady with lots of stopping to try and suck in some more oxygen. The weight from our packs doesn’t help in the breathing department. We are each carrying between 40 and 45 pounds. I wait and try to encourage Carol, as she is hurting. Finally, we come to the crest and take a break on some rocks. In a short while we pass the trail which heads up to Mt. Elbert. Carol and Steven do not want to climb it (Wimps). I get a little ahead and wait just past Mill Creek. I take my pack off as it is bothering me somewhat. It is better than our Indian Peaks training hike, but I am still having a little trouble with it. After about 15 minutes, Carol and Steven show up. Why so long, well if a Carol s—ts in the woods and Charlie is not there, does it still stink? We should now be about a mile or so from being done for today so onward we walk. The last mile is along a forested old roadbed and easy walking.

Camp at Herrington Creek

We find a beautiful spot to camp, near Herrington Creek, under some old pine trees. We set up camp and start dinner. Carol and I have Dehydrated Turkey and mash potatoes while Steven has Ramen Noodle soup. The turkey and potatoes is quite tasty and filling. Steven enjoys his soup. I build a fire, which is enjoyed by all. We hang our food in the trees again, as it is good practice to keep the big furry critters away. It was a great day. Carol is making the best of her situation and her spirits are good in spite of things. I admire her strength in trudging through her pain and I know she is frustrated with her pace. We covered 10.3 miles today in 7 hours and 30 minutes. Our high point was 11,300 feet and we are camped at 10,320 feet.