I got an early start today because I wasn’t sleeping well.  I’m still dealing with my tooth infection. My dentist told me it would take a couple of days for the antibiotics to take effect so I’m hoping for some relief soon.  In addition I had little energy all day so it was good that it is relatively flat terrain.

The trail follows a series of ridges with very limited water so I had to carry 2.5 liters.  One guy on Guthooks said it was a 22 mile carry but I managed to get some from a tiny trickle 8 miles before the end of the stretch.

I saw nobody today – not a single person.  The trail is a bit of a mess and is absolutely filled with cobbles and boulders that make what should be a cruising trail rather difficult.  I think this is the Cochetopa Hills section.  It does have some beautiful views though and a different feel to it. It seems like an elevated plateau with rolling hills and less alpine than the normal Colorado ranges. There are huge aspen groves here with bright yellow leaves. For some reason these aspen groves always seem noticeably warmer. Maybe they are more dense and provide insulation from the wind? I also seem to encounter more deer in the aspen groves than elsewhere.

I saw no creatures other than my friends the squirrels.  I did hear a couple big things running away though.

Gaucho is still one day behind me and I think Leto is just in front.  I’ve been tracking some huge Altra footprints with a stride similar to mine and that looks like Leto. 🙂

I managed to do 20 miles today. Hope I feel better tomorrow.