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Heading further west we stopped at two different BLM free camping areas on our way to Silverton and Winnie didn't have a problem getting over a high pass at 11,312 feet (3,394 m). We stopped at Curicanti National Recreation Area and did a 4 mile walk up to Dillon's Pinnacles. We did this walk 7 years ago when the weather wasn't too good, but today it was beautiful and sunny.
Dillon Pinnacles - 360° Panorama(move mouse over panorama and click on the arrows)
We really enjoyed Silverton when we first came here 3 years ago and wanted to return. It is also an ideal place to get some training done as Helen would be going to Africa in August to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and fulfil one of her dreams.
We had already done the steep walk up to Ice Lake but Helen wanted to do the walk again as it starts at 3.400 m and goes up to the lake at 4,200 m and would be good preparation for her climb up to 5,895m in Africa. We picked a beautiful day and really enjoyed it.
Lower Ice Lake Plateau - 360° Panorama(move mouse over panorama and click on the arrows)
We met a few marmots along the way. They are really sweet! It took us 6 hours to do the 9 mile walk and we were pleased about our fitness level even though our knees were a bit sore afterwards. Here is a short video of the walk.
Hike to Ice Lake.
Whilst in Silverton we also tried to watch some of the European Football Championship that was taking place in Poland and the Ukraine. Kirsten managed to find a good link on the internet so we could watch the matches live as America isn't renowned for being a football nation and they certainly aren't interested in the Europeans!
This meant watching in libraries where we had to be quiet. Not so easy seeing as both England and Germany got through the group matches and were both top of their respective groups. Try cheering silently!
It was also great to meet up with Barry again and to meet his friend Sue in his new motor home. Sue was trying out the new microwave and convection oven combination and her oatmeal raisin cookies were superb!!
We stayed for 4 nights and did some other walks aswell and then headed for Moab, Utah.
