Hi everyone!

I know it’s been a few months since we posted anything, but we are not gone. Now that winter is on the retreat, we’ll soon be back to a more regular hiking schedule. That means more amazing pictures and uninspired writing for you all!

For this particular adventure we made the short hike up to Campbell Town, a ghost town. The trailhead is only a couple miles out from Ohio City, CO, which made it pretty close to home base for us. There was still plenty of snow, but Spring had made enough of a headway that the path was usable. We were able to join the rest of the wildlife that was out that afternoon.

Of particular note was a pair of dusky grouse wandering around under the evergreens. They didn’t seem to mind our presence much, which made for a good photo-op.

After about 2.7 miles of uphill, we reached the town itself. At one time, about 44 people had lived there. Very few of the dwellings they inhabited still remain, though. The cabins are toppled, like Lincoln Logs that have been kicked over. Of the buildings that are standing, one has been maintained at a notch above the other gutted wrecks. The descendants of the Campbell family which founded the town continue to pay their respects here, and the cabin is full of assorted memorabilia. Old licenses, artifacts, and Forest Service posters line the walls.

There wasn’t another person around for miles. The site was all ours to enjoy. We stayed and wandered around the town for a little while, taking in the sights of wilderness and the sound of woodpeckers.

We had a little studying left to do, sadly, so we finally started the hike back. Seeing as the return was all downhill, you might think it would have been a lot easier. Yet, we were foiled again by the snow.

It was with soaked socks that we finally arrived back at the car. The sogginess was a small price to pay for the experience, though. It can’t really be called adventuring without discomfort.

Here’s to a year full of adventure!

~Sky and Ty

Note: thank you to the Campbell family, who continues to maintain and care for this memorable little ghost town!

(Pictures courtesy of Skyler Stanley, words courtesy of Tyler Brant)