GDT Day 22 - Steamboat to Lynx Pass CG

Mon. Aug. 15, 2016

Start - 6700'
High pt  8947'
Lo pt 6700'
End Elv 8947'
Climbing ~2500'

Miles 36.75
Total time 7:00
Ride time 4:54
Day with BOB 21

Today was all about the Yampa and it's tributaries. Started in the well watered hay fields south of Steamboat. After a short ride on Hwy 131, I turned toward Catamount reservoir. Followed the Yampa River Trail, an extremely nice and scenic 4 miles between Catamount and Stagecoach reservoirs, is mostly right along the river,  and which looks to be a fly fisherman's heaven.

After entering Stagecoach Reservoir State Park crossing the dam, I got to do some trail riding around the lake for a couple of miles, before splitting off to follow the Morrison Creek drainage for 16 miles to Lynx Pass. Also very nice country along the valley, though eventually one could see lodgepole devastation on the higher flanks and ridges surrounding the valley. Close to the topmof.Lynx Pass,.the thimble berries were ripe, and I enjoyed a mid climb treat.

When I got to the campground the pump worked and the water was safe, but it was an unpalatable shade of limenade. I asked the the freindly forest ranger lady if I could get some water from the work center a quarter mile back, and she agreed, indeed she filled up the water for an ACA group of riders as well.

Another personal milestone today, I have ridden over 1000 miles on this journey.
I am roughly half way done in miles, not clear if I am half way done time wise, or even mentally. I may never be done mentally, if this trip inspires more adventures in the great outdoors. Let's hope that is the case!