We Interrupt this Solo Sojourn…

As I continue my counter-clockwise loop around southwestern part of the state, I get word that Debbie, along with friends Chuck and Carla, two Lazy Dazers I met last summer in the Pacific Northwest, are on their way down the same path in the opposite direction.    I had originally planned to follow the Rio Grande through Creede and on up to Lake City, but I chickened out for two reasons.  One, I couldn’t face the reports of 9.4% grade for  7.5 miles of two lane highway.  My trusty “Mountain Directory” warns, “This is a very long descent for heavy vehicles and it will require brakes in good repair and adjustment and caution on the part of the driver.  There are no runaway truck ramps.”  (PUCKER!)

Is this not an idyllic boondock spot?

Is this not an idyllic boondock spot?

Debbie, Carla and I climb up the backside of the pinnacles.

Debbie, Carla and I climb up the backside of the pinnacles.

Rupert and Elliot may declare mutiny when Debbie tries to leave this playground.

Rupert and Elliot may declare mutiny when Debbie tries to leave this playground.

But worse, I couldn’t face the upcoming three day weekend with no internet anywhere in either town, except the library.  So I would go around the long way, through Saguache (pronounced “Sa’watch.”)    The bonus would be getting to meet up with Debbie, Chuck, and Carla.

Playing on the pinnacles.

Playing on the pinnacles.

Chuck is down there in his lawn chair with his telephoto lens.

Chuck is down there in his lawn chair with his telephoto lens.

Carla, of "Chuck and Carla" fame.

Carla, of “Chuck and Carla” fame.

When I arrive at the turn-off, Debbie is waiting for me.  They have changed locations, as they found one of the most beautiful boondock locations I have ever seen.  And we have it all to ourselves!   There is only one catch, and it’s a big one.  There is no signal.  Nada on either Verizon or AT&T.    So I plan to only spend one night.

Do you see the man in the mountain?  Look for the hole as the "eye" in the center right of the photo.  We decided he looks like Abe Lincoln.

Do you see the man in the mountain? Look for the hole as the “eye” in the center right of the photo. We decided he looks like Abe Lincoln.

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Rin Tin Rupert is a dare devil...

Rin Tin Rupert is a dare devil…

But when I get there, the setting is just too perfect. It is worth the sacrifice for a couple of nights in this idyllic spot. Besides, I cheated. 😉 A hike up the Colorado Trail (which overlaps the Continental Divide Trail) to the LuJan Pass reveals a sweet spot of 4G AT&T, a channel open long enough to get word from home that all is well.

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You just never know what conveniences you might find when you go off trail.

You just never know what conveniences you might find when you go off trail.

Chuck has hiked a good portion of the Appalachian Trail…more than my paltry few miles through Georgia and parts of North Carolina. We swap section-hiking stories, and he shares some backpacking recipes. I am particularly intrigued by his cocktail recipes using Tang and Koolaid. 😉

Playing on the pinnacles.

Playing on the pinnacles.

Photographing Chuck who is photographing us.

Photographing Chuck who is photographing us.

Thanks for being our photographer, Chuck!

Thanks for being our photographer, Chuck!

While hiking to the top of the pass, we see a 4WD road up the back side of the mountain and small flag stakes with markings similar to those where underground cable is buried.  Could it be that a cell tower is not too far in the future?   Will we come back next time and find a field full of fire rings?

Solitude comes at a price that is soothed by an interlude with good friends…

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(Photo courtesy of Chuck)

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail with Chuck and Carla

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail with Chuck and Carla

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16 thoughts on “We Interrupt this Solo Sojourn…

  1. I’m trying to convince Jim to stop there just for a night if we ever leave Poncha Springs. It does look idyllic!
    Glad you got to spend some more time with Chuck and Carla. Those Iowa folks sure are nice!

  2. Don’t stand too close to those beautiful Lazy Daze units! It can be infecting! Ours is just exactly like Chuck and Carla’s – same color; same floorplan! It’s a winner!

    Virtual hugs,

    Judie

    • Judie, if there were no Sprinter chassis anymore, it would certainly be tempting! But I am intimidated to drive the wider body. Otherwise, the spacious interiors and quality craftsmanship might be enough to make me convert. 😉 I am always surprised when they let me join up in the wagon circle. haha!

  3. As always, beautiful photos. What a great place to rest and renew your soul – we live in an awesome country and have an awesome God.

  4. Sweet! Great to see Debbie, Rupert and Elliott again, and meet Chuck and Carla. I don’t believe we met them at the last LD gathering in AZ…We are chillin’ in Seattle…connected and experiencing the quiet neighborhood where my sis & hubby live. Still thoroughly enjoying reading of your adventures, no matter how far behind I get.

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