We expect to use Rabbit Ears Pass rather than Buffalo Pass. Buffalo Pass is much more remote and getting a ride would require some luck.

Ken or Marcia Powers

Will hold packages 30 days.

Subject: 7/2, day 67, 12 mi., 11,100
Started at 8369' and went up to 11,100 and out of Rocky Mountain NP. Ken was almost run over by a deer on the edge of town. 

A half-mile off the trail was Grand Lake Lodge so we took a little detour at 11:30. Yum. It was a fresh fruit and veggie opportunity plus we got lots of attaboys (Becki's word for admiring public's positive comments). 

After we left the lodge we followed trail to the visitors center. All the tourists were gathered at the entrance watching a young moose devour a small aspen tree. The rangers were busy keeping everyone at a safe distance. Later we asked rangers where the Continental Divide Trail went from the visitors center parking lot. It wasn't obvious. Neither of them had even heard of the trail. 

After we left the park we didn't see any wildlife because we shared trail with mountain bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs and 4WD-lots of dust and noise.

We met a new hiker: English Marion who now lives in Spain & she is solo hiking! I can't imagine navigating without a 2nd opinion.

The rain that threatened all afternoon held off until the tent was pitched and dinner cooked. Life is good.

... Gottawalk

Subject: 7/4, day 69
We camped last night on the side of the road. We stopped early because of a driving rain.

This morning we shook wet gear and got a good start up Parkview Mountain with a very steep trail-less scramble. At the top we followed the divide and cut off a long switchback by heading steeply down. We passed holiday car campers in the afternoon.

Late in the afternoon we had an early dinner. 

Subject: 7/5, day 70, 30 mi., 11,400
We really worked hard for our miles today in order to meet Jennifer. The day began by finishing the bushwhack up to the jeep road where we were met by a huge elk buck. Then began the 29.3 miles of road walk first on a jeep road, then an improved gravel road, on to CO state highway, then on to too busy US 40.

Water choices were shared with both cows and beavers. At lunch beside the road a couple stopped, asked if we were ok and gave us a liter of water.

Ahead of us on the road were 2 backpackers and when we caught up turned out to be CDT hikers that we knew of, but hadn't met.

... Gottawalk