Our First Hailstorm

August 18, 2025

Mile 30.7-50.7 of Collegiate West (20 miles)

I snoozed the alarm and could've slept all day this morning. It was frosty out but thankfully the sun rose and warmed us quickly so it was a little easier to get out of bed. Started right out with a climb as usual. I took a caffeine capsule knowing I was going to need it. After we crossed Cottonwood Pass we were exposed with beautiful 360 views for miles and miles.

The wind was ferocious and at one point when we found a giant crater in the earth we crawled inside it to eat our snacks. It was the perfect protection and felt nice to be able to talk to each other without yelling. After starting back out and traversing along ridgelines, we felt like we were going pretty fast but when we checked our mileage we'd only gone 9 miles LOL.

Partway down a descent it started to sprinkle, then rain and thunder, then hail!

We took cover under a sparse pine tree with our umbrellas and waited out the worst of it. The thunder boomed so loud and close the mountains shook and I was glad to even have this tiny, scrubby tree so we weren't completely exposed. You would think I would've been miserable during this but honestly it was exciting and my adrenaline was pumping.

We knelt with our legs scrunched up as close as possible to hide from the hail for long enough that my legs went numb and I begin to shiver. Still we stayed there until the thunder and lightning passed into the distance and the rain slowed to a drizzle. We started walking again to keep warm and for once I was glad for a climb.

It's so damn hard to get a simple 20 miles out here. The elevation is insane. I listened to my book most of the day- started a new one, Night Road by Kristin Hannah. The views were incredible and I have to say today was the most impressive views so far. We made our final push to the campsite here in a grove of pine trees. It's cold and I'm so thankful for Henry's warmth, company and the two person quilt.