Today
my Dad and I begin my Rite of Passage and hike the Colorado Trail. It seems
like only yesterday that Dad gave me the booklet of options on my 11th
birthday. Those two years have flown and I have now reached the “age of maturity”, as we call it. I have never done anything like this, but I
know it is going to be an experience I’ll never forget.
The
plan is that today Dad and I will fly to Denver.
Our first, nerve-racking night (how am I supposed to sleep?!) will be spent in
Denver before we pick up our last few supplies and head to the trail. We will catch
a bus along highway 70 until we reach the Copper Mountain Trailhead.
And
then it begins…
The
trail is spread across the most mountainous area of Colorado, from Denver to
Durango. It is known for its rocky mountain elevations, its massive summer
thunderstorms and of course the beautiful scenery. The trail is actually 486
miles long but as we only have four weeks, after starting the hike at Copper
Mountain we will be hiking about 300 miles to Silverton. I know - lightweights.
Most
of the trail we will hike is 10,000 feet above sea level with the highest
reaching almost 14,000 feet..!! Altitude
sickness affects people at 9,000 feet, so we’re concerned about adjusting to
the elevation. We have to take it slow
at first. Our first leg will be six days of hiking, and we will then stop for a night at Twin Lakes, which is when you'll get the next report. Hopefully, it won't have any photos of mine or dad's feet!
I
am filled with mixed emotions - excited, scared, eager, and nervous – all at
the same time. I really have no idea
what to expect, although Ben has done his best to both encourage and tease me
over the last few weeks, he has mentioned that he wants to be the one hiking! I also want to thank grandpa for all the time and effort he has put into it, we wouldn't be where we are without him.
I
do know that I’m looking forward to spending time with Dad on this amazing
adventure and I consider myself to be very lucky.
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