Day 10 - Selden Pass — Walking People Out of Poverty

Start Time 6:30 am

End Time 3:30 pm

Start Mileage 862.80

End Mileage 874.80

Distance Walked Miles 12

Elevation Gain Feet 1772

Elevation Loss 2182

The sun greeted us this morning as it has done every day of our walk thus far, which was not a good sign. As the day warms up, and the sun reaches you, it can be debilitating.

We set off and the first mile or so was pleasant walking as we aimed for a lake up the pass where we were scheduled to have breakfast. There’s no finer time to have breakfast when the weather is nice, and we had a wonderful location planned for it.

I was a little behind the boys in leaving our breakfast spot and set off after them. It was pleasant walking by the lake but then the climb up to the pass began. Already the sun had reached into the head of the valley and there was very little shade to be had. I’m not sure what’s happening with me but I’m finding the climbs extremely difficult.

It’s like I’m walking through a treacle!! All I could do was keep plugging along and stopping occasionally for a drink. I eventually made it to the pass and the view that greeted me made all my efforts worthwhile.

After a short break, it was time to move on and it was all downhill, thankfully. We had a 3.6-mile jaunt and passed several beautiful lakes along the way. Although it was warm, it was not as bad going downhill. You had to watch your step, but it was a lot easier walking. Our destination was Bear Creek which we eventually reached, and we were presented with another problem. Keep your shoes on and wade across, which everyone did, or go across barefoot like I did. The water was so refreshing.

After a relaxing lunch, it was time to go as we had a vicious climb waiting for us at the end of the day to reach our campground. Woody and I walked together with Woody taking the lead and he set off at a steady pace.

It was all downhill or flat and Woody stopped after an hour so we could get a water break and a short rest. Upon checking his phone, Woody figured we had walked 2.5 miles in an hour. I was shocked.

For the next mile or so, we were accompanied by our ever-faithful friend, the river, which makes walking so enjoyable. Eventually, we reached “the climb” and the hard work began. Up and up, we went, and then up we went some more. It was grueling work, but we were determined as we were in sight of our goal.

Eventually, we rolled into camp, and not a minute too soon, as about 5 minutes later, 3 fellows heading in the opposite direction came into camp, which was now tight for space.

The walk from lunch to the campsite covered 4.5 miles and set us up for a quick exit tomorrow.

We have a short 7.9-mile day as we head to Vermillion Valley Resort for a food pick-up. We are also taking a Zero Day, which means we are taking a day off walking to recharge our batteries.

Time to cook dinner!!