Weekly UPDATE 6-18-05

Dear family, friends, and fellow walkers,
Jeff and Walker are in Colorado!!!!  At this point he has 10 walking days or 185 miles to go.  It's hard to believe.  The last few days have been very hard from the weather, getting thrown off the Interstate by State Troopers, to having Walker taken from Jeff's room at a hotel by the front desk clerk while he has away eating.  (He was lonely that night.  So he worked the front desk for an hour or so.  They loved him and I think he liked it a little also.)  The following are a couple of excepts from emails so that you can understand the conditions that he is experiencing now.  The first one is about miscommunication concening his pick up location.  And the second is about the weather conditions for one day of walking when a friend, Daniel, came from Texas to spend a few days with him.  I hope you enjoying having Jeff's writing back for a little bit:

This day was one of the hardest days I have ever had hiking. At 4:00 PM, I was probably 5 miles or more short of my goal. At 5:00 PM I was still a couple of miles short. My cell phone had not worked in hours, but I was still on the road I was supposed to be on. My back was hurting and I was exhausted. We stopped and sat down on the side of the road in full view of anyone passing by. After a while, I walked another mile down the road to see if my designated ( Weston Pass Ranch Road) ending spot was in site. It was not. I found out later it was still another mile beyond. I returned and sat beside the road to wait. It was a helpless feeling. Sometime after 6:00, I began to watch the sky. Storm clouds were rolling over the ridge from the south – dark clouds. The wind was picking up and gusty. I faced a significant dilemma. I needed shelter in the event that no one showed up and I had to spend the night here. I had hoped not to have to take this step until just before dark, but now it appeared that a storm might be imminent. There was a campground a hundred yards to the south that offered some protection in the trees from the strong winds and whatever heavy rain might come. The problem was, that if I went there to set up camp, I might not be able to get back to the road in case Pete drove by. I felt I had to take the chance because it was looking more and more like I would spend the night here. I felt bad for Pete. I hoped that he was the kind of man that would not give up, but if this were true, he had been searching for nearly three hours now. The wind was blowing hard enough now that it was hard to set up the tent, but soon, this was accomplished. I did not unpack anything yet, still hoping Pete would show up. I did get some food for Walker and he ate. As soon as we stowed everything safely inside the tent, we went back across the creek to wait by the road. We could stay there ‘til dark or after, with my lights, as long as we could stay dry. It would be a cold night here. We were still probably near 11,000 ft. I thought about trying to build a fire but decided against it. I figured we could stay warm enough in the tent, although I might have to share my sleeping bag with Walker, but we would be sunk if we got wet.



Tough day today. Started out looking stormy although none in forecast. sprinkled on us a little. Storm parted and went around us. Stayed cloudy and cool for a while then sun came out and got hot. Winds strong, cooling but irritating, although they did keep the biting gnats and flies away. Looked behind us about 1:30 PM with about 7 miles to go and storms building again. Could see lots of rain and some lighting with thunder behind, beside (west), and in front. Before long it began to rain on us. Winds were high, temperatures dropped. No cover in sight anywhere. Put on parka and kept going. Feet soaked, pants soaked. Rain changed to large slushy sleet up to 1/2" hitting hard. Still no cover. After about an hour, there was a place for Daniel and Walker to stop and get out of the weather. I kept going for the truck which was still 3 miles ahead (50 minute or so). A guy stopped and offered me a ride. Seems he had been looking for me all day long. He used to be a Trek guide and works summers in CO guiding for a group called Life Trails. He knows Matt and Nikki and several others. Will try to see him again in a couple of weeks. Am very tired. Back hurts yesterday and today. Heading out in the morning again tomorrow - mostly down hill - will try to do 25-30 miles. Hopefully storms are gone tomorrow. Speaking tonight, going to try to start EARLY tomorrow. Staying at a bed and breakfast in Westcliffe tomorrow. Methodist church there is hosting me. A member owns the B&B. All sleeping arrangements are done. Will try to call you later. Much left to do today.
I love you and miss you. I am tired. Only about 185 miles and 10 or 11 days left.

Jeff





Until next week,

Sherri, Jeff's other half