We are resting today after an epic night hike into the stars and rock spires of sacred Black Elk Peak to keep company with several mountain goats.
After nearly four months on the road, this was our ultimate trek—12 miles and 2,500 of elevation gain.
Why at night?
Because during the day, Samwise and Emily are allowed on the trails, but leashes are required. At night, humans are nowhere to be found, and neither the constellations nor the goats have a beef with three wonder-filled souls minding our own business and holding reverence for the land and the beasts.
We began this trip on January 5, and while it has not been the easiest due to unusually harsh winter weather (snow, ice, flooding, torrential downpours, wind), rock and mudslides, and downed trees), it’s been the most rewarding.
There have been more cloudy and rainy days than sunny, and the temperatures have been below average for nearly the entire trip. Alas, …
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