Kokomo Pass, Mule Deer & Rain

August 10, 2024

Mile 118.2-132.8 (20 miles)

The alarm went off at 8 and I hated to pull myself out of the cloud bed. I was mostly organized and packed, Henry... was not. We were out of our room by 10 though and headed back to Cuppa Joe for another breakfast and coffee. I made reservations for a hotel in Leadville for Monday since we decided to go in from the second road crossing.

We Ubered back to Copper Mountain and of course started climbing right off the bat. The resort was having some type of public event and we watched from the trail above as people snowboarded and skied below. I was having a hard time, my left foot hurt, my legs hurt and I couldn't catch my breath for the life of me. It really felt to me like we hadn't taken a break at all. Henry was very sweet and encouraging and lit me a joint to smoke while telling me how strong and beautiful I was. Have to admit it did help.

We took a break at a water source where I ate the dark chocolate espresso bar that Hustle gave me (I told myself I'd save it for a time I truly needed a mood boost... just didn't know that would end up being less than 5 miles out of town).

The rest of the climb was a lot easier thanks to either the weed or the caffeine... or both.

We saw our first Colorado Trail horse! Now that looks like the way to do a trail. Topped out at our climb to some amazing views and tons of marmots and pikas. Henry definitely sang Kokomo by the Beach Boys at this pass.

I listened to the Alchemist all day and nearly finished it. I have always heard what a great book it is but it is feeling cliche to me and making me lose interest. Thankfully it's short. We saw some big mule deer on our descent and then it started to rain pretty heavily.

It rained steadily until we got to camp when the Trail Gods eased it up just enough for me to get the tent set up without it getting absolutely soaked. The worst part about it raining at camp is trying to cook and eat dinner in the tent with absolutely no extra space or elbow room honestly. Henry tickled my back while I read Heir of Fire before promptly falling asleep.