Day #44-US Postal Marathon continues. Miles hiked: 36.6

After the intense afternoon I put in yesterday, there was no way I wasn’t going to see this through. With still 45 miles til the pass I needed to put in another huge day. Today, the trail wasn’t quite so flat. 

The morning sun also disappeared and quickly gave way to a sea of angry clouds. Monsoon season in CO is approaching, but these guys hung around for quite a bit longer. 

There aren’t many things I’m truly afraid of on trail, but lightning is one of them. When the cells started rumbling, I started planning my escape to a safer spot. Thankfully, most of the trail today was below tree line—a welcome change to the miles of exposed ridge we’ve been walking. 

Oh, it also hailed and snowed…thus hiding under a tree to eat lunch.

It was a cold, blustery day, but sundaddy did come out to illuminate the aspens for me right when I reached the 25 mile mark.

It’s truly amazing how much something as simple as the sun coming out for a few minutes can turn around a day. Father is so good. At 9 pm and over 35 miles, I pitched my tent and passed out.

My iPad is within reach.