Day 19 - Low Hanging Cloud and Mile 200!

The guys had quite a day today! When they woke there was a low hanging cloud. They knew today would be a challenge starting with a big climb. They started at 8937' and climbed 2000' up, went down 1500', tHen climbed up another 1000'. They had some drizzle during these ups and downs, but Dave described it as no big deal. By 1:00 ct they had hiked 11.8 miles and decided it just wasn't time to stop for the day. The drizzle was slightly increasing so they put on their rain coats and kept moving. That is when the skies broke open! The drizzle had turned into a pounding rain! They were soaked to the bone in no time. All Dave could think about was that he had to put up a tent in the rain, he had get water in the rain, he had to cook in the rain. He was so cold that he had trouble getting the clip undone on his pack. As they were walking along Dave glanced a little way down the mountain where he spotted a rood. He figured it was a hut for hikers. He left Trevor and Tennille on the trail and went off to check it out. He found an old log cabin from the 1800s. It was pretty run down. No one could live there but it did provide them some shelter. It had an old fashioned cast iron stove. When Dave saw this he went back to get his hiking team and they all took shelter. They built a fire in that old stove and thawed out. They tried to dry out but everything was still a bit damp. While wearing their shirts, they helt them over the stove trapping in the heat. That really helped warm them up. Once the rain stopped they decided to move on. They only had one more mile to their planned camp. They ended up hiking 15.2 miles, reaching and passing their 200th mile!! They are camping at Elk Creek. Dave had me check the weather for Buena Vista, CO and it will rain a bit on and off tonight with a clear morning and 50% chance of rain by 10 am that could last for two days. That didn't make Dave too happy. My advice was to get up early, hike until the rain shows up and get in his tent to stay dry. I know these guys though. They'll just hike through it as long as there no issues with lightning. Although they are now 3.4 miles ahead of schedule. I just hope they stay warm tonight. 38.89256 -106.23985 Jane