Colorado Hut-to-Hut Adventure – Day 8 – 9/15/12 – Uncle Bud’sHut to Timberline Lake Trailhead - 4 Miles
Another beautiful early morning, ready for an altogetherdifferent kind of adventure. Today we’reheaded to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, for a soak in their famous hot springs, afancy meal and a cushy night at a famous hotel. But as with every hike…there were a fewtwists and turns in the trail.
We packed up, cleaned up and swept up Uncle Bud’s Hut andlingered for a few minutes on the deck to say goodbye. This was my favorite of all the huts weexperienced because of the unparalleled view of Mount Elbert and Mount Massiveand our relaxing reading time yesterday morning. Still, hiking out to civilization was very exciting – food,showers, food! We hiked down the CDT,four miles of contemplation of leaving a piece of myself here in the Coloradomountains.
Here in the Holy Cross Wilderness during deer and elk bowseason, we met a crossbow hunter willing to pause to get his picture made.
We passed near Galena Lake on the left and then skirted theedge of this pretty little unnamed lake on the right.
Reflection
Catching glimpses of tomorrow’s grand finale – Mount Elbertand Mount Massive
One more stroll through the aspens Up and over one last little mountain, then on the lastdownhill we met a group of 15 people hiking up to Uncle Bud’s. They were carrying very little, a few smallbackpacks and bottles of water, so I assume their gear was being hauled up viathe jeep road. They were laughing andjoking, a rowdy crowd, although a couple of them were already sweating thesteepness. Looks like we got out just intime.
At the trailhead parking area, a discovery: Jeff did not have the keys to the rentalcar. Instead, they were in Mike’s van20-plus miles away. How long Jeff hadknown this, I’m not sure, but there was nothing to be done now except beg aride to the van. What worked in ourfavor was that this was a beautiful Saturday morning and this was a popularparking area for multiple trails with many cars coming and going. A young couple drove up and I asked if theywould help us out, give Mike a ride to the main road where he could hitch anotherride to his van. They were very kind,taking Mike all the way to the service road where we had left the van, and fromthere he walked in less than a mile.
During our two-hour wait, Cathy explored the trail toTimberline Lake, then read her book on her eReader. Jeff contem- plated the universe. I spread out my rain jacket, pulled my ballcap over my eyes, and simultaneously napped and acquired a sunburn. Hey, there are many worse things than sittingoutside on a sunny day.
Once we had collected both vehicles, we commenced our longdrive to Glenwood Springs, stopping at the funky little town of Red Cliff forfish tacos at Mango's Mountain Grill. 
A little rooftop celebration
On Highway 24, the abandoned mining town of Gilman clings tothe side of Battle Mountain, wrapped in aspen yellow. The view was irresistible. Cars were screeching to a halt at thepull-off every which way to get a look. 
Gilman, Colorado, founded in 1886 for mining zinc and lead, closed in 1984Highway 70 winds its way through Glenwood Canyon, anengineering feat as it slithers through the narrow twists and turns. No photos, we just enjoyed the ride.
Our home for the night, Hotel Colorado, reminded me of theOverlook Hotel in “The Shining”, wide plushly carpeted hallways perfect for akid to ride a Big Wheel, beautiful people in the common areas attending weddingreceptions. But it’s all a blur because thereal reason for the long drive was …
The Spa of the Rockies
Glenwood Springs! Thebiggest hot tub I’ve ever seen! Thewater was waist deep and luxuriously relaxing as the sun set on eight days ofoutdoor frolicking. And the showerafterwards was a wonderful thing. Then, a glass of wine and dinner at Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse. That is all.
“You know he’d be a poorer manIf he never saw an eagle flyRocky Mountain High”~ John Denver
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