8/23-24/03 Goodwin Lakes, San Isabel Wilderness, Sangre de Cristo Range
Humans: Rob and Lori
Canines: Kaiser, Soph, Bailey, Charlie (outnumbered again)
Emboldened by our stunning success on the Lakes of the Clouds hike, Lori and I decided it was time to head right back out. We chose a route which claimed to be a little tougher and more importantly a little less popular. I have mixed feelings about outfitter types out in the hills. Sure, I know they have as much right as we do to creep around the woods. Yeah, I know it is part of Colorado history to have folks sitting high in the saddle and moping their way up some trail. But I still think they suck in general. Folks who can carry lots of stuff and don’t really have to work for it tend to make a bigger mess, in my opinion. I basically blame them and the hunters for trashing the woods. Probably not fair, but hey if you don’t like it build your own site. Even more evident is what horses do to the trails. I think it is ironic that mountain bikers are banned from wilderness areas. Often, the decision is made to keep trails from eroding. Whatever. I have watched the bikes and seen their tracks and they tread nearly as lightly as a hiker. Horses on the other hand churn most trails into a big skanky mess. And that is when it is dry. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if they got their lazy asses out of the saddle and pushed the horsesh** off to the side of the trail or something. I guess that is one of my biggest gripes. Maybe I should take a big dump in the middle of the trail and hope a horse steps in it as a little payback. Don’t worry, I am far too modest. Just a little devilry I like to fantasize about as I chase my dogs away from fresh steamy piles or as I slog my way through some big mess.
Where was I? Oh yeah, this trail was described as short, but somewhat strenuous. Just our speed, or so we thought. As usual, we head down the rainbow trail and find our trailhead. Then, we head straight up some cobble strewn trail hoping our ankles don’t snap. Luckily, it is short and the trails evens out and is quite lovely. We are feeling plucky as we rove along a fairly level valley but are soon depressed after a stream crossing and the trail turns into a 500lb gorilla. This baby had steep switchbacks, most of which were quite muddy. At last, we make it up and collapse on a flat spot at the terminus of the lower Goodwin Lake.
We got the tent up just in time to avoid some weather and did a short exhaustion induced passie-outie. Waking a few hours later I don some rain gear and head out into the drizzle. Lori, clever girl she is, stays put. Flask in hand, I head off on a social trail and find a big fat boulder overlooking it all and imbibe in a wee drop. The temp is dropping and the cloud cover thickens. Ah, and the wind is stiffening. Ok, time to stagger back and make some dinner before it gets tough. Lori, clever girl she is, will not come out of the tent. No problem, we can carry on a conversation just as easily and I whip up some chow. I remember collecting up some soggy wood and trying to light a little fire, see if I can entice someone from the confines of the nylon abode but I just can’t get it to light. I eventually gave up in shame, I am usually such a pyro, and shuffled off to the tent in disgrace.
The weather being ‘smootie’ as they say across the pond, it was an early night and subsequently I was wide awake at 2am. Then at 3am, then 4am. I really want to get out of the tent, but what to do at that time of day with no fire? I tough it out. Fazing in and out of consciousness the hours slowly creep by. Now, I am getting kind of depressed and lazy. Eventually, the sky lightens and I head out. It is like 5:45a and time for breakfast. Lori, clever girl she is, stays in the tent. I contemplate the reservoir that is Lori’s bladder. The passionate resolve to stay warm and dry. Amazing. I whip up some breakfast and brace myself for the magnificent sunrise which will quickly dry up our mushy site so we can pack up and find something better. I noodle around for some better sites and come up with nothing, this ain’t good, methinks. As our misfortune would have it, not only were there no better sites, this one would not see a glimmer of actual sunlight until around 9 so we won’t be going anywhere soon.
At last, we are dry enough to pack out, if we wanted to, and were bouncing that around when who shows up? You guessed it, people on horseback. Well, that settles it, we are leaving. Outfitter folks are looking around for a place to park, and space is short. I graciously inform them we are getting ready to go and they are welcome to this spot if they don’t mind hangin’. Much impressed with our sacrifice they are willing to wait. I snicker to myself as I imagine the incessant frigid winds coming off the lake tearing at them and the very late, damp morning awaiting them. In my notes, I have this rated as a don’t do as overnight. It would be a great workout if you are getting ready for a eco challenge or something.