With day 2 now behind us, day 3 was looking much better. Everyone was feeling good, altitude headaches were still there, but we knew that today would be the day that they would go away. We’d be dropping down to a more reasonable 7,500′ today.
Day 3 Black Mesa Hut to Dry Creek Hut
- 34.95 miles
- 1,825′ elevation gain
- 5,023′ elevation loss
- 11,045 max elevation
We started the day off with a very brief downhill before one long, but gentle climb before we would hit the major elevation loss of the day.
What struck me most about this section of the route though was just as we finished the rough downhill and were getting back onto some smoother gravel we ran into what I can only describe as some sort of hippie commune. I haven’t seen that many dreadlocks and unwashed people in one area for quite awhile and I used to live right next to Vermont! There was some sort of crisis going on too. Some dude ran up to John and I and asked if we had seen a guy in a red hoodie, his name was Mushroom (I kid you not) and he apparently had the anti-seizure medication that some one else was desperately in need of, right now! The dude then ran off while John and I waited for Dean and Dave to catch up. As we rolled along, the 1st dude was coming back with Mr. Mushroom, who looked like he was straight out of the Matrix Trilogy. When asked they indicated that all was well and the 4 of us continued on our trek. Very strange, and somethings just didn’t quite add up.
Anyways, back to the riding. After Hippieville we had some small climbs and gradual descents. It was a very welcome day of easy pedaling and we were all making good time.
Nick and Troy had opted to do the extra 4 miles for the alternate route option today. We all agreed to meet up at the Miramonte Reservoir for lunch.
Soon after the cow herding Dean, Dave, John and I hit the reservoir and setup a little lunch time action.
Today was a transition day from alpine forests to the edge of more desert like conditions. We would spend the next 2 days in dry and hot conditions so we enjoyed this while we could.
That’s about it for now. All of day 3 pictures are here
Thanks for reading,
-Pete
One Comment Add yours