Tue 7/15 - double, 95 minutes total

AM - 65 minutes, Zapata Falls. Failed miserably at camping last night, having planned on pitching a tent in the dunes as I have twice before in the past. Turns out the calm dry conditions of mid-August are different from the current monsoon pattern, not a lot of rain but plenty of wind. So much that it was impossible to put up the tent, in fact even getting it back in the bag was a big challenge. Figured this out after trudging out there of course, had to head back to the car in gathering darkness and attempt to sleep in there instead. Not so much alas. Awoke feeling sore but less exhausted than I expected. Went for a hike up the dunes before leaving just because I wanted to have some kind of positive experience there:

 stubborn cloud cover meant no stargazing last night

 dunes a bit damp from yesterday's rain

looking for a novel running experience, proceeded down the road a few miles to the Zapata Falls access road. This ended up being better than expected and in fact made up somewhat for last night's tribulations. The access road, about 3.5 miles of steady gradual ascent, was steep enough to present some challenge but not too much of an incline to present issues either up or down. About 40 minutes to climb, then a long break to poke around, and 25 minutes to come back down. At the top a short trail led to the falls which was one of the more unique spots I've seen in Colorado which is saying something. The recent rainfall likely contributed to the falls' high discharge, also the fact that the water is being squeezed through what amounts to a slot canyon. Got rolling a bit on the descent, legs not feeling nearly as sore and tender as yesterday. 

 road actually not that rough, at least for foot traffic

 falls can be heard before they can be seen

 Expecting to bump into Gollum at any moment

 above and to the side of the falls, view of the valley below

 slit in the rocks where the water comes through

 dunefield

 al the water sucked off into irrigation

PM - 30 minutes very easy, Bear Creek park in CO Springs. Much needed shakeout after 3+ hours in the saddle driving back from the dunes. Took a long break in Salida for lunch but still needed to move my legs at least a little bit. Made it through the day surprisingly well considering how little rest I got last night, finally feeling it after dinner though and slept like a rock.