Day 1 from journal

Day 1
John's (aka the professor) mom gave us a ride to Waterton Canyon. Stopping for a giant morning burrito before the journey, I (aka eric longshadow) savored every bite. I knew the next 30 days of eating oatmeal and power bars would take its toll. We get to the trail head at about 10am. Little later than we should have but its the first day. Kathy walked with us for about 2 miles. I could tell she was a little bummed she couldn't go. After wishing us well Kathy turns back leaving the next 5 days to John and I. My pack is heavy that's all I can say, but manageable.

Stopping at the turn off to the dam for a break, about 6 in we eat and loosen up. My shoulders and hip flexers are a little pissed right now. About 1.2 miles up is the Colorado trail start. We are shooting for a decent day at about 12 to 15 miles as we ease into the trail.











Getting to lennys rest we take a break, not the most scenic but not boring either. We
were talkative the way I'd imagined all unknowing CT thru hike first timers would have. We quickly realize how serious we feel about camping near water. Needing water to wash, eat, and simply rehydrate from the heat and hike of the day. Still having some desire to get the goal mileage we move on.






Along they way we begin to look for a good place to camp we come upon Allen (more about him later). We chatted for a few minutes. Learned he was thru hiking to leadville. The proffessor wanted to continue on and I agreed so we said "Maybe we'll see ya later! He waved and said " I hope so!" smiling and we headed off. Our book said a small seasonal stream at one point but was dry when we got there and the next option was 2 miles to the Platte canyon. Its approaching dark but you have no choice at that point and with brewing blisters you go. Finally we get to the river and all indications are no camping. "What!?" I said, "Thats Bullshit!". "I am finding a spot and stopping". I was completely happy with 15 but 16.8 was closer so I didn't complain after a short time later finding this spot, man my dog's were killing me. Nice spot for my hammock nice spot for his tent. We did have some difficulties getting our food bags high enough so we climbed them up the rock wall of the canyon and stuffed them in a crag. Being this close to water made sleeping a little damp though.