I walk below tree line for quite a while, appreciating the shade and relative protection from weather.

Sargents Mesa has war memorial seemingly in the middle of nowhere. I’m sure there’s a trailhead nearby, but for me, I walked 3 days to get here. I spend a moment here.

Afternoon/evening storms have started building in this section. Approaching evening one night and it looks like I’m in for some overnight weather…

Until I find this backcountry cabin. Had a candlelit dinner. These huts are notorious for rat infestations but I didn’t have any problems.

There’s actual trail on this section, less and less snow so I’m able to do bigger days.

I make it to Monarch pass quick… Enough time to hitch into Denver and try to meet Caitlin at the airport.

I walk around Denver with a thousand yard stare, looking at the hordes of people staring back at me, staring up at skyscrapers, and spending at least $20 on coffee.

I surprise Caitlin at the airport and we spend the next 3 days visiting every single place in Salida where you can buy beer, ice cream, or food.

It feels like the first day of summer vacation, not a worry in the world. I wear underwear for the first time in 7 weeks.

Caitlin and I are partners in crime in this town, walking around with an insouciant attitude.

Caitlin sadly has to leave me, so I grab a meal from Safeway, this time without the voice of reason next to me.

Trail after a triple zero is gonna be a world of hurt. I think I’m ready for it. Maybe…