Ice cream in the desert

imported
#1

Since 2008 we have had an angel camp at Lujan Pass for the months of July and August. We plan to move to section 18 this year since this seems to be the Dreaded Section of No Water. Lujan Pass was near Lujan Creek, so hikers can refill here whether or not an angel is present. By having refreshments at Texas Creek we hope to make the trek across the Cochetopa Caldera a little less formidable. We hope to have ice cream too from a specially insulated cooler so you can enjoy a dessert in the desert. Any suggestions are welcome.

Apple

#2

It’s true that section 18 is a dry haul. As I recall, I hiked about 21 miles from Lujan Creek to the next reliable water at Cochetopa Creek. The good news was that it’s a relatively easy section of trail, but carrying the extra water was definitely heavy.

Ice cream would be awesome, but the delicious spring water from Gunnison is the real treasure. When I arrived at Lujan last year I was down to about 4 ounces of water because I mistakenly walked right past Razor Creek without actually realizing that it was a creek (well, it was an honest mistake since it’s only 10 inches wide!). When I arrived at your camp, I drank about 2 litres of spring water which was the best water that I had drank in the past couple of days (Baldy Lake water is drinkable, but Tank Seven creek isn’t great!)

Anyway, ice cream would definitely be awesome, but any refreshments are greatly appreciated by parched hikers!

Thanks again Apple!

Loup

#3

Being near Texas Creek (Waypoint R114M)will present a new opportunity for camping since water has always been such an issue in that segment. I’m betting you will have lots of overnight guests.

I have always found water near the trail a couple of miles east of there at Los Creek. (Waypoint R090XL) Follow the creekbed a few hundred yards instead of doing the left turn. (The dogleg was put in there to prevent damage to a wetland.)

bearcreek

#4

Great news! This makes planning much easier. Plus Ice Cream! Thanks.

terriv

#5

Larry & Denise here, the trail adopters of Segment 17 (northern section) … we met a couple of years ago while doing our maintenance trek and then a few weeks later when our small group did our annual section hike through your Angel Camp. Glad to see your still commited to providing your generous brand of goodwill on the trail. Our group completes the trail this year with a hike from Molas Pass to Durango. Cheers and thank you!

Bullet

#6

Yes, I think we met just north of Razor Creek. So, unfortunately it looks like you will miss me in section 18 this year (2013).

apple

#7

Bill:

Any idea of the dates you hope to be there and of any resupply possibilities?

Thanks.

Wadnering Bob

#8

I plan on being set up around 7/1 until mid August and will gladly ferry folks to Gunnison with 48 hours(or more) notice to/from Texas Creek, the point where section 18 meets 19.

apple

#9

Thanks, Bill, but I suspect your mid-August expected departure date from Texas Creek is of greater significance to thu-hikers.

Wandering Bob