Routt National Forest - Rabbit Ears Pass

Tuesday, August 3, 1999 *
Journal Entry
"
Fields of colors laid out on green meadows. Light purple bouquets blossom across the hills, accented by spots of tiny yellow flowers. The colors are rich in the variety of plant life, ranging from the large broadleafed orange tinted plants to the vividly green streaking wild grass. These picture perfect meadows are surrounded by tall pines and Aspens with their straight, white trunks. All of the green grass and beautiful flowers are tall and lush, waist high. A scene you'd expect to see in movies and films about the open land, and here it is at every turn.

We've done a little bit of mountain biking over the last couple days, and I've learned how different it is from street riding. Conquering those rocky, steep paths is not as difficult as I'd imagined, and much more fun! The lower gears have become my main use, as they are much easier on my knees...

We've found a beautiful, secluded campsite. And the best thing is - it's free!
"

I wrote that sitting next to the pre-dug out campfire ring (back when camp fires weren't even questioned as a camping necessity), propped up in an early version of the canvas camping chair without arms or cup holders or foot rests that are common accessories today. Ryan took a picture of me in my oversized purple rain pullover, surrounded by dark, looming evergreens soaring out of the frame. The green and gray tent with purple lining tucked between several of those trees, slightly hidden behind a smaller one. The campsite a clearing in the woods off a lonely dirt road beyond the throngs of campers huddled together at a pay-site a mile or two away. We were secluded completely for the first time. And had plenty of time to explore just how secluded we were before darkness enveloped us.

In retrospect, it's not surprising that we spent the night thoroughly spooked. We'd never camped in an unexplored, unpopulated location such as this. What seemed charmingly quaint and pretty by day, became a penetrating black night beyond the fire ring once the sun set. And with the fire out, I had no desire to leave the tent. I imagine that may have been the first of many nights when I lay with my bladder screaming at me rather than venture into the cold darkness outside the tent.





* Yes, I realize that's the same date as Monday, but I'm going with what's written in the journal! One day in, and already losing my sense of time? Silly city girl.