Inks Lake Primitive Camping

We are really considering taking on a supported hike of part of the Colorado Trail next summer. It's the very last portion that ends in Durango. About 100 miles over 5-6 days...A lot of miles. Even though it is a group hike (about 12) with guides and meals provided, tents carried on to the next place...I'm still a little (really a LOT) concerned about my ability to do this. 

Our neighborhood is very hilly and provides challenging walks, so I've been hitting our streets most days. Most recently started walking w/ my trekking poles again. I think I can get in shape to walk the 15-20 miles a day, but my other concern is actually sleeping in a tent. On the ground. When it's cold. THEN getting up the next morning and hitting the trail. For 15-20 miles.

So, this weekend we tried out tent camping over at Inks Lake. I had not done this in ten years and last time we did it, it was in Colorado near Grand Lake. It was late May or early June and all I remember is how very cold I was and that I said I NEVER wanted to tent camp again. It was just a miserable night. So, I know I have to figure out if I can really sleep in a tent.

I was actually surprised at how well I slept at Inks Lake. In a tent. On the ground. (on a pad, really) I actually kinda liked it. I actually really liked the idea of packing everything in our backpacks and just striking out with all that we really needed.  We had a lot of fun. William did all the cooking and it was yummy. Dinner was a chicken teriyaki. Dessert was hot chocolate. He brought me hot coffee in the morning in the tent. What more could a girl want? 

So, next month we will try it again when it's much colder. AND we will get up and try to hike at least 10 miles AFTER we've slept in a tent. Oh boy.