13.4 miles to Chalk Creek Trailhead elev. 8,381’
Today was a recovery day – both physical and mental. We hiked a relatively easy 10.1 miles to Mt, Princeton Resort which included a few miles on dirt and then paved roads. We got to the resort around 1:45 pm and promptly went to the restaurant for lunch. We both ordered cheeseburgers, fries and a beer. Yummy!
After lunch we went to the small store for a 2-3 day resupply. The food choices were extremely limited. We sat in the grass lawn for a little bit while our phones charged next to the building. Then it was time for another road walk – 2.5 miles past the resort. Road walks are hard on the feet and not as interesting as the trail. We did meet some interesting people along the road though. One couple who lived nearby talked to us about the local geology including the chalk cliffs, the geothermal hot springs (that’s why the resort is there), and to our surprise the “alien” face in the cliffs.
We searched around for a flat spot to camp and eventually found a nice spot with a view of the Chalk Cliffs as well. After setting up camp, washing up it was time for an early bed … see a pattern here?
Journeys with Jeff and Ellen 