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Day 60 - Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Well, I got caught in my first thunderstorm today. Actually it was a sleet thunderstorm. Afternoon thunderstorms are a known occurrence in Colorado and other mountain environments, but I was so mesmerized by the well-named Exlamation Point, that I paused for an hour to read and enjoy the view, long enough to put myself in trouble. I was a third of a mile from the summit of Green Mountain, two miles past the Exclamation Point, when I heard thunder and looked west to see dark storm clouds. 

I looked up at the summit lovingly, but turned around immediately. I went off trail, down the trended and not so steep moutain side, knowing I could intersect the trail below and save a half mile. I found the trail and began running. More thunder. Closer. Not wanting to be on the highest mountain covered with trees, running would atleast get me well below tree level-- wet is fine, stuck by lightning is not. It started sleeting as I ran, covering the ground and the canyon vista in a thick white pebble crust. With the trail now wet and muddy and having cut my distance to the van from three miles to one, I fast hiked the rest of the way to the shelter and warmth of the van. 

I stayed in the van the majority of the afternoon. The weather would clear up and then suddenly another sleet storm would come. This pattern repeated all afternoon. I napped and read my book and napped and read my book until about 6.  Then I took a drive along the rim to view all the viewpoints, eventually winding my way back to my favorite "chasm view" as the sun set. 




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  1. David FrankstoneMay 22, 2015 at 5:56 PM

    What a day! I echo Laura's sentiments..love uou and take care!

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