Arrived to Cayton campground about 2pm. Warm and sunny with creek running near campsite across the street. Spot #5. We will stay here four nights. The first day we just hung out teasing the mosquitoes with our warm blood and zapping flies with out zapper.
Thursday, June 27
It was supposed to be the hot day today but not too bad. Bill forgot to bring the coffee so first we had to go back to Rico (6 mi) to the mercantile for some Folgers and email check - there's no cell signal in camp. Then back down the road to the east fork trail, across from Lizard Head peak for a vey nice, 6 mile hike. Beautiful big columbines around, and I forgot my camera. Both came back with headaches for elevation (10,200) and most likely, the lack of morning coffee. Hung around camp, napped, and watched the skies darken until it actually rained! Finished off my 2011 Estes alpaca on the drop spindle and read more about Navajo weaving, potentially the next big project for me. Took a little CG walk after dinner and watched some of the Discover show North America which is amazing. Glad Bill thought to record it. Low 40 at night, maybe 83 in the day.
Friday, June 28
40 this am and sky has turned hazy. Looks smoky but without a signal we have no idea what's burning, but hoping its still just west fork and nothing new. Took the hike behind the campground for 4.5 mi RT, up the mountain to someone's private property. What a view up there. Drove 10 miles to Dunton hot springs resort but couldn't get in to see it. Looked like a pit but gotta wait for the website. Cooler today because if the overcast haze, about 76 degrees. passed Trout Lake on way to Telluride and shocked how low it was, like half its former size last hear. Cleaned up and went to Telluride for wifi and dinner at Rustico. Hit the history museum and a few bars first, including Last Dollar and Smugglers. Learned Rafter J is now on level 3 water restrictions - no watering, and a bear is ripping into things down on Ridge.
Saturday, June 29
Much clearer today; West Fork smoke has moved out. Guess Durango was well into the haze yesterday too. And not as cold last night. Hiked Horse Creek Trail 4.5 miles, rather steep, but beautiful. Toward end it started to lightly rain, which was welcomed. Took a short drive up Bolam Pass to the near-dry lake. Nice and cool with the rain as I sit here smelling campfire smoke with my Pelligrino.
Sunday, June 30
Beautiful day, but packed up early to head home by 9:45. All clear, no smoke and lots of rain as soon as we got home! yay!
