Salida, Co to Twin Lakes, Co – 50 miles
Today started at the Salida East Campground right on the Arkansas River banks.
I packed up and went into town to grab some breakfast. Ended up at a place called The Patio Pancake House or something. I wasn’t in a hurry since I was only planning on riding about 50 miles to the Mt Elbert trailhead and they had wi-fi, so I took my time. Didn’t end up getting on the road until about 1 PM.
By then the scattered afternoon mountain thunderstorms had started. I had rain on and off for most of the ride. The rain up here is much cooler than previous parts of the tour so far. It can be kind of nice actually, because it means I don’t sweat when I put my rain gear on.
I have been constantly taken aback by the beauty up here. It seems there is a landscape more breathtaking than the last around every turn and over every hill.
I rode the 50 miles pretty much straight through, only stopping for a few breaks, and to let some of the heavier rain pass. I rolled into camp around 7, setup my tent, and made some dinner.
I’m right at the South Mt Elbert Trailhead, and plan on getting up fairly early to be sure I’m off the summit before afternoon storms hit. Looking forward to bagging another high point!
