Copper Mountain area, Segment 8, Colorado Trail, CO (9)
Copper Mountain, CO (Summit County)
Brisk morning temps as I headed toward Copper Mountain Ski Resort and the beginning of Segment 8. Somewhere, somehow I heard there was a convenience store relatively close to the crossing of CO91. The thought of some hot coffee and a breakfast sandwich lured me in. Big mistake for me. Long-distance hikers are always in need of extra sustenance when they can get it. I was only planning to be out for a week or two and my hiker appetite certainly was not ravaging on Day 2. Nevertheless, I followed the road to the edge of town where I found the convenience store. $10.50 for some coffee and a breakfast burrito ... This sidetrip was not really worth the expense nor the nearly 2 mile road walk. What made it worse for me was that once on the trail again, I walked right by the resort area where I am sure I could have at least found some coffee! Doh!
The trail meandered through the ski area. There were confusing intersections and at one point I took a wrong turn. The confidence markers are not always placed in a manner that clearly identifies the correct route. (If the marker is placed in the middle of a 'Y' intersection, how do you know which way to go?) It didn't take too long to realize my mistake because the trail was less worn than what it had been. The Colorado Trail allows bikers and there just wasn't much evidence of them being where I was. Instead of back tracking (no hiker wants to backtrack) and since I had a smartphone for the 1st time, I relied on the Colorado Trail App that I use, to guide me back to the trail. These hiker apps are convenient because they show your location. You have to remain mindful of battery level though. I always carry maps as well.
Well, it was a frustrating morning ... fortunately, the rest of the days hiking more than made up for the 'disasterous' morning adventures. The Colorado Trail just continues to improve on a daily basis. The scenery that I think is spectacular the day before is even better the next day. And today was no exception.
Copper Mountain area, Segment 8, Colorado Trail, CO (9)
Copper Mountain, CO (Summit County)
Brisk morning temps as I headed toward Copper Mountain Ski Resort and the beginning of Segment 8. Somewhere, somehow I heard there was a convenience store relatively close to the crossing of CO91. The thought of some hot coffee and a breakfast sandwich lured me in. Big mistake for me. Long-distance hikers are always in need of extra sustenance when they can get it. I was only planning to be out for a week or two and my hiker appetite certainly was not ravaging on Day 2. Nevertheless, I followed the road to the edge of town where I found the convenience store. $10.50 for some coffee and a breakfast burrito ... This sidetrip was not really worth the expense nor the nearly 2 mile road walk. What made it worse for me was that once on the trail again, I walked right by the resort area where I am sure I could have at least found some coffee! Doh!
The trail meandered through the ski area. There were confusing intersections and at one point I took a wrong turn. The confidence markers are not always placed in a manner that clearly identifies the correct route. (If the marker is placed in the middle of a 'Y' intersection, how do you know which way to go?) It didn't take too long to realize my mistake because the trail was less worn than what it had been. The Colorado Trail allows bikers and there just wasn't much evidence of them being where I was. Instead of back tracking (no hiker wants to backtrack) and since I had a smartphone for the 1st time, I relied on the Colorado Trail App that I use, to guide me back to the trail. These hiker apps are convenient because they show your location. You have to remain mindful of battery level though. I always carry maps as well.
Well, it was a frustrating morning ... fortunately, the rest of the days hiking more than made up for the 'disasterous' morning adventures. The Colorado Trail just continues to improve on a daily basis. The scenery that I think is spectacular the day before is even better the next day. And today was no exception.