Today was the nicest zero I think we’ve had on trail. Outside of Yellowstone, of course. All of our chores were done yesterday so we truly had a day of rest and relaxation. So we rode bicycles around town!

As we left, I asked for bike locks? No need because no one in town would steal anything! So truth be told, things have been lost on this trail. I’ll start with all my stuff that has been dropped, left or misplaced. I lost my hat on day one! How that happened was when I went to grab my umbrella, my hat was attached to it and evidently fell to the ground. So I picked up a second hat in Glacier which I lost and by Helena, I purchased my third and final hat.

Sabine, aka Hogged Up lost her water purifier on the trail. That is much worse than a hat, but fortunately for her, another hiker gave her water purification tablets and she continued onward. Once in town, Hogged Up bought another filter and now she’s hiking with us!

But the most devastating loss on the trail was Fearless’ specialized hiking poles. When we were picked up, in the rain, we had gear. Somehow someway, Fearless’ poles were left at the trailhead. The ride to town was a long journey on a dirt road. Once at Jackalope Motor Lodge, we unloaded all things but Jen’s poles were nowhere to be found. Rerun was so compassionate and knew that he needed to make a return trip to the trailhead.

Jen and Rerun drove back up the long and dusty road, and much to Jen’s dismay, they were gone. These are not your typical hiking poles with straps. They are made in England, and takes weeks to order. Downtrodden, Jen returns without her poles.

Immediately we pray for these poles to be returned. Rerun’s wife Irish posts on every forum she has access to, pleasing for the poles to be returned. This is when God takes over. After a day of mourning, we all head over to Wind River Brewing Company. The place is packed. There is seating inside, outside, at the bar and we are on a long waitlist.

We belly up to the bar and wait. There is no less than 100 people at the Brewery. Ends up that Andrew was at the same trailhead we were at two days prior. I had talked to him and his friend while they were waiting for the storm to pass. When we left in Reruns truck, Andrew saw that Jen’s poles were left, leaning up against the horse trailer, where we had taken refuge. So he picked them up, stashed him in his vehicle with plans of finding us.

We find ourselves being seated and here comes Andrew. He recognized us as we were sitting at the bar, went to his car and returned her poles. Oh my goodness, how did this happen? What are the chances that we would go to the Brewery, at the same time, and sit near each other?

At times, I ask the Lord how do you know what I need, when I need it and answer my prayers for the return of my dear friend’s hiking poles? Then He answers and reminds me that’s because I love you, I love Jen and Sabine. Faith my child, all you need is a small amount of faith and He will, indeed, answer.

“Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

After two thunderstorms with lightning overhead again, I’m ready to get to town! Everything I carry on my back is soaking wet so I’m hiking out in my long underwear and town dress. That is not my typical garb, but it’s all I got!

For a hot minute, it looked like the clouds were lifting. I packed up my wet tent, wet clothes, wet camp shoes, wet food bag, and let’s just say it because it’s my reality, my backpack was wet too! I must’ve added an extra five pounds to my pack. I only packed out half a liter of water since all I needed to do was wring my gear and I’d have another gallon!

As me and the girls marched out, the ground was saturated with water. Hogged Up gave me a pair of dry socks and I was determined not to get them wet. Well that lasted for ten minutes! There was no way to get around the flood stage of the trail without submerging yourself in it. Then it happened. The rain came back! You’ve got to be kidding me?

Both Fearless and I popped open our umbrellas and honestly that was my one last saving grace. There was little to no wind so it helped to keep me dryish. Not dry but not soaked like yesterday. Well at least for the moment.

Fearless had contacted Rerun, a TrailAngel who was willing to meet us at the trailhead at 11am. We knew this was our ticket to town, to hot showers, to clean and dry clothes! The trail went through willow trees and bushes, bogs and meadows, across a couple of rivers and streams, then climbed a canyon only to come back down.

As we were climbing up the pass, a pack of mules and horses were coming down to carry out Pam, her husband and friends. For just about $400, we could’ve done that! Maybe on a sunnier day, I would’ve jumped on the chance, but sitting on a mile in the pouring down rain doesn’t sound like a good time.

So we climbed, I huffed and puffed and then we went downhill. That’s pretty much what we do everyday. Just luckily for us gals, this has been our first real exposure to pelting nonstop rain since Glacier. A little over three hours, we made it to our way out, and waited in the rain!

Rerun planned to arrive at 11am and we got to the pickup location just after 10am,. No shelter, no picnic table and no Porta Potty! Because honestly I would not be below sitting in an outhouse, waiting for a ride! Thank goodness there were two large horse trailers that were attached to trucks by a goose neck. Between the truck and trailer was a small overhang that served as a shelter. And so we waited.

Rerun, bless his heart, showed up early. He brought coffee and donuts which we promptly consumed. Oh my, I was reliving my days on the Highway Patrol. Coffee plus donuts equals best day ever! It hit the spot. Fearless, Hogged Up and I crawled into the covered bed of the pickup truck while the Father and Son Duo from Santa Cruz, CA sat up front.

What a ride. We were warned that it was a rough road with many ruts and washboards so I drank my coffee very, very carefully. An hour later we arrived in Downtown Pinedale. Hogged Up booked us a private room at the Jackalope Lodge and Hostel. I chose to get a second room just as Indian showed up. She had been out in this crazy weather too and was looking for a room. Being I just reserved the last room, Indian moved in with me. Yeah!

Our gear was soaked and all I wanted to do was start drying out every piece of equipment that I owned in my little 50 liter backpack. Within a couple of hours, I had all my worldly possessions out in the sun, the glorious sunshine and by mid-afternoon, all gear was dry. Now it was time to do laundry and take a shower.

After two months on the trail, all I can say is this is and always has been an adventure! Indian and I caught up on all things trail and then dove into what really matters, family and friends. We had such a sweet conversation about letting go of the ones we loved, reconciling with our losses and knowing that the Lord promises a reunion in the days ahead. I feel that we were supposed to to be in town. Arriving at the exact time, the same place and knowing that we would have these deep and meaningful moments, was always God’s plan. This encounter is reshaping our thoughts, allowing us to release the ones we loved and lost. Maybe, just maybe, it was suppose to rain after all!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It rained pretty much all night with some thunder and lightning added in for good measure! From what the locals say, this is quite unusual. They don’t get rain like this in August. Lucky me, as I received a full dosing of rain, hail and more rain today!

This was our big climb to Green River Pass. After yesterday’s fiasco and the lack of communication on all our parts, we decided that the three girls were going to hike together. The weather was downright miserable and we didn’t want a repeat of the past. So we headed out, in single file, one after the other and up the mountain. It was our first time above 11.000’ and the weather forecast was for monsoon-like rain all day! This was our first experience with the three of us in such conditions.

The morning climb was mostly in the trees, rock hopping across the creeks until we made it to Upper Green River. With all the previous days rain, there was no way to get across without wading in. Dang it, I had just put on clean dry socks today.

Once above tree-line, there was no escaping the pelting rain and wind. There were two access points down to our next town of Pinedale. Either route had its challenges so we chose the first option, Summit Trail. It was reported to have blowdowns and not maintained but at this point, we needed to get off the summit and away from the altitude.

It started out as good as can be expected. The trail was rocky with only a couple of blowdowns. Bit the issue of the day was the constant downpour that went from freezing rain to hail. All three of us were drenched and I made the command decision to find a place to pitch our tents. On a knoll, not in the meadow or down by the lake. We stopped at one location that wasn’t plausible for two tents and a hammock and continued down.

Just above Trapper Lake was a knoll that overlooked the lake and appeared somewhat protected. We walked around a bit, saw some other campers and found a reasonable spot for all three of us.

We all had the beginning stages of hypothermia as we all struggled just to unbuckle our packs and set up our tents. It took me no less than two minutes to take off my backpack and another three minutes or so to pitch my tent. From the top of my head to the tips of my toes, I was soaking wet.

For some reason this morning, I was prompted to double bag everything that was vital to me. My sleeping bag, down jacket, my extra clothes, I had wrapped in both my trash compactor bag and a second trash bag I had picked up in Yellowstone. That saved my bacon because everything else in my pack was soaking wet. Thank you Lord for bringing the voice of preparedness that spoke in my ear this morning!

After a good hour of warming up, I finally emerged from my cocoon. I hung out a clothesline which doubles as my bear hang. The clouds started to break up a bit but the sun never really produced enough heat to dry anything out.

We met our neighbors, Pam and the guys, who made hot tea for the girls. Then we all went over and had dinner with them. They reside in Jackson Hole and have been camping in this area for years. They also told us that it never rains like this here. Hmm, I’ve heard this before. I guess we really are the lucky ones to have experienced such a fluke in Wyoming. I’m sure they will write stories of this torrential downpour that occurred in the Winds! I’m just glad to say we will be hiking out to Pinedale tomorrow to defrost, take showers and to do some much needed laundry. And definitely eat some Town Food. At this point, I think we are all craving Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Disclaimer: This may be a bit of photo unloading! It’s hard to pick only a few when they are so beautifully and wonderfully created!

What a day I had! The first bit of business was getting over Gunsight Pass. It was a brief climb but what was ahead was sheer perfection. I have always been a mountain girl at heart. There is something that just draws me back, time and time again. I like the beach but I love the mountains!

We had a huge descent this morning. So much so that Hogged Up stayed tethered to us. Her shoes are slicks, as the tread is nonexistent. And the downhills are her nemesis. It’s the only part of hiking that slows her down. So we stuck together until the downhills leveled off and then bam, she was gone!

Fearless and I stuck together. We had another brief climb and then we saw it, the Wind Mountain Range. If you have ever been to Patagonia, this is as close as you get to seeing such beauty in the states. I was in awe as to what was ahead of me. The mountains touch the clouds with spires, peaks and flat top mountains. This is such an incredibly unique sight and I was honestly in tears! I was told that this is the standout favorite place on the CDT and for good reason. It is breathtaking.

We made it to Green Lake and met up with Hogged Up at an abandoned cabin. It would be a perfect place to hold up if the weather turned bad. The clouds were stirring and a storm was brewing, but during our lunch break, all was well. Fearless checked her weather app on Garmin and sure enough, thunderstorms were predicted. And tomorrow rain. There was crazy talk about getting a ride out but from what I could see, the weather was holding and I wasn’t leaving this trail! From what I just saw, I planned to keep on trekking.

We made a game plan to continue another ten miles to Green River, which would set us up for the next pass in the morning. Hogged Up took off in search of camp, while Fearless and I headed south. We knew we’d be a good hour to two behind her, that was acceptable until it wasn’t.

It started raining as soon as we got back on trail. Nothing terrible but enough to get everything wet. As we walked around Green Lake, we saw a couple sitting on the side of the trail, covered up in their one person poncho. It made me laugh that they were just sitting, waiting it out, but they seemed quite content. And I’m thinking they have done this before.

The rain let up, just as we started running into several day hikers. I’m thinking that Wyoming Residents don’t get too concerned about a little rain or thunderstorms. We saw a couple in row boat, having a grand old time on the lake during the rain. It must be part of mountain.

Fearless and I were having a blast talking with the hikers, petting dogs and taking tons of pictures. We came around the corner and met Peter, who was sleeping on his Z-Pad overlooking the lake. He didn’t even budge as we passed until I said something. He is from Korea and hiking the CDT. We have met so many people from different countries on Visa’s here hiking our trails. Sometimes I forget how fortunate we are to have such access to these long distance trails.

Throughout the day I was praising God for his marvelous creation. It is overwhelming to see His beauty at every bend of the trail. And the lakes, rivers and creeks are emerald green. The waters are glaciated but not milky gray like you typically see, but green! This is one part of the CDT that both Fearless and I will definitely come back and visit again!

The weather started spitting on us again, thunder was clanging overhead and then it started to downpour. This is a serious problem because Hogged Up is miles ahead of us and we have no way to reach her. There were plenty of campsites that we passed but were committed to the one we spoke about at noon. So we kept hiking and three miles later, we were together again.

The spot that we camped at was across the creek from NOLS training course on Horse Packing. There were close to twenty horses, mostly rescued Mustangs, with several students. We talked with John from Texas, for a bit. He has a horse back home and thought this might be a great learning vacation.

Our threesome has come up with some new by-laws. With weather changing, we need to be able to reach each other and change plans, if necessary. When we get to town, we will update our FarOut App so we can check-in with each other. There’s no cell service out here so calling is out of the question. But all three of us use our FarOut App hourly, and this will be a great way to communicate with each other. Problem solved!

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We had a quick in and out of Dubois. Curt drove us to town, I was able to score us a room, Well, truth be told, I booked the room for the wrong date and Curt sweet talked Tina and she updated the reservation by one day! Hogged Up did our laundry, and Fearless got caught up on her much needed rest. I am amazed by this woman. She has M.S. and hikes like anyone else on the trail. But there are things that most people don’t see or understand. Her body needs rest and when she gets the opportunity to take a cat nap or close those yellow-green eyes of hers, she does!

We were up, hit the post office and grocery store, then Curt and Atsuko shuttled us back to the trail. It was a long forest service road that was supposed to be maintained but we know how that goes. Washboards and all, Curt got us to the trailhead and back to the CDT we went.

The game plan was to hike ten to twelve miles, but the weather has a way of interfering with my plans. The clouds started developing as soon as we went over the ridge and into the sage brush and willowed meadow. The mountain scape was terrific with Grand Tetons in the background and local mountains not too distant. The terrain was cushy, rolling up and over low lying hills.

We passed a few lakes and rivers and met up with Hogged Up after our rock jumping adventure over South Fork Fish Creek. She had her tent pitched and was ready to ride out the incoming storm. We hunkered down, had some lunch and it appeared the storm was stalling. After much discussion of should we stay or should we go, the majority agreed to head out and attempt to make it to the next logical place, 9200’ Creek.

As we were walking, the thunder started to speak. There was no lightning but the clouds were dark and ominous. I felt as if we were outrunning the storm, but those are just crazy thoughts. No one can outrun a storm while they are hiking at 9000’! Hogged Up made it to a tree enclosure and pitched her tent for the second time. It was just after 2pm. We hunkered down and once again, the clouds broke up and the sun came out. What’s with this shifting of the weather?

We decided to head down to the stream, grab some water and debate our next move. After some thoughtful consideration, we agreed this was fine place to stay. Fearless and I have talked about having a Zero Day on the trail, and this was just about as close to it as you get.

We had a sweet spot overlooking the trail and about an hour later, Hogged Up spotted a Sobo Hiker. It was Sunshine from Israel. We hadn’t seen him since Lincoln. So there are others still on trail behind us? After catching up, he continued up and over the pass. His plan is to get to Pinedale in a couple of days.

Just as we were beginning to think, once again, that we are the Last Mohicans. The last Sobo hikers on trail, we see Free Flow. She had been hiking with Blondie, Dimps and Side Quest but ventured out on her own. Wow, so maybe we are not the end of the bubble? We are just part of the late bloomers!

Free Flow also wanted to catchup with her friends and scooted over the pass, looking for more miles today. So here we are, Fearless, Hogged Up and I just taking it in and realizing that we might not be the back of the pack after all. Well, wherever we are, we are here and loving the fact that we are still on trail with many more miles to come. And taking a Nero, because after all, we can!

There are times when I question the Lord. Is this where you want me? Am I doing enough or do I need to do more? But in the end, He makes it abundantly clear that, yes, this is the place that I have carved out for you and your people. If you listen, then all the storms will pass over you and I will protect you!

“If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I have relented concerning the disaster I have inflicted on you.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭42‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

My mattress has deflated and I’m not sleeping much. The girls have given me their Z-Pads to sleep on but I feel like the princess and the pea. I want my inflatable mattress. George ordered me a new one after failed attempts to fix mine. So once I get to Pinedale, Wyoming, I’ll be sleeping like a princess once again. Until then, not so good!

Atsuko hasn’t been able to remedy her blisters and that has been a concern of mine. We broke camp knowing we had close to 20 miles ahead of us and a lot of elevation.

We all took off early and headed south. The cranes were singing, the temperature was cooler and the trail was, well suitable for horses. Indeed it was a horse trail that we were using to get us back onto the CDT. The past few days we have been seeing bear prints, but not any kind of bear. These are massive griz prints that were imprinted in the dirt trail that we were sharing.

After three miles, we saw the Game & Fish ladies. They waved at us and came over to commiserate with Atsuko. Fearless had talked with them minutes before and they wanted to see if there was anything they could do. Provide First Aid bandages, a ride out on horseback, anything. I thought for a moment and asked them if they knew of a shortcut out of here?

The girls came in through an area west of us, known as Turpin Meadows. They told us it was only thirteen miles to the parking lot and trailhead. This compared to our thirty-five miles that would take us to Brook Lake. It had less elevation and would save us a day of hiking. That’s all they needed to say! We located our escape route on the map, contacted Curt, Atsuko husband, and had a plan. Now we just needed to relay this to Fearless and Hogged Up.

Atsuko stride improved, her face lit up and I believe her blisters were beginning to heal. As we came over the hill, the girls were waiting and we were all onboard to leave this trail today. Yeah, town food, laundry and showers were closer now than ever!

The hike out was a breeze. It was long and dusty, but relatively flat compared to what we thought we would be doing today. We followed the horse trail all the way back to the barn, following a highway of horse manure, trails of rocks, ruts and all things familiar to our four legged friends.

Our last bit of downhill was greeted by no one else but Curt. He had his sandals on and was coming up the trail to greet his bride. He took her pack, gave her a hug and escorted us down to his awaiting truck.

We were welcomed with ice cold towels to wipe the sweat off our faces, ice cream sandwiches and beverages of our choice. That’s the way to be greeted from six days and close to a hundred miles on trail. Curt, can you follow us to Mexico?

Once we were all loaded in the truck, we drove to the town of Dubois where we had a cute log cabin room waiting for us. Fearless, Hogged Up and I were dropped off while Curt and Atsuko drove back to their fine home on wheels.

Atsuko, it was a pleasure to have you for this stretch. You have always been my go-to partner on the trail when things get tough. I thank God for all the friends that have come my way. Most definitely the Lord knew what I needed and when. What a boost for my heart and soul having my beautiful friend to share this enormous journey with. I’ll be praying that your feet heal and you come back to hike another day with me. Much love to you Atsuko, aka PT Cruiser.

Goodbye easy and pristine trails of Yellowstone. Hello Teton National Forest with all the down trees and mountains you can climb! We made it back up to 10,000’ today and it was a lesson in breath control!

I somewhat underestimated the fact that we have been hiking fairly flat trails for the past four days. We left camp and started our Forestill march out of Yellowstone NP. I had forgotten how much climbing we did prior to entering the park, but was reminded as soon as we left our tents. Oh boy, oh boy, as my dear old Dad would say. Let the games begin.

We left the park within the first few miles. The biggest expansive views returned and the Snake River was snaking below us. It’s a perfect name for it. It truly meanders all over the valley, in between the willows and low lying flatlands. We had many creek crossings and poor Atsuko has several blistering toes. So wet shoes mixed with wet socks are a recipe for blisters. Even Fearless started getting more of those pesty oozing skin bubbles. My feet are too calloused so I tend to not get that wrath, but my hiking partners are in pain!

Once the water crossings ceased, the big climb commensurates. On the profile, it was hideous. And once we actually started, my recollection of the past months came back tenfold! This is what I have been missing! I was thankfully surprised that there was a knoll, actually a meadow with snow filled lakes about halfway up the climb. If I was a bear, this is where I would live. There were berries, lots of rocks to overturn and look for nubs, water in the lakes for bathing and it was downright gorgeous. Atsuko and I sat for a bit, caught our breath then finished up our climb for the day.

Once on top at over 10,000’ we could see the Tetons and all the peaks in the distance. The two lakes that Fearless had planned to swim in, were empty. Basically nothing but a mud puddle which didn’t fare well with Atsuko and I. We were plum dry of water. To our surprise and astonishment, Fearless had left us a rock monument with a liter of water! I could’ve cried but that would’ve depleted me of more water so I just yelled “thank you!” She was well ahead of us, cruising up and over the final stretch.

Trail Magic is defined as something unexpected and unique when you need it most. This liter of water was exactly what Atsuko and I needed and would’ve never expected! As we frequently say, the trail provides but in this instance, it was a dear friend who knew we were short on water and the lakes were dry! Talk about the hands and feet of Jesus!

The trail down was steep and long. And it took a bit longer than usual due to the rocks disguised as marbles, that were scattered on the trail. These things are slick and can ruin your day if you aren’t careful. I had a few acrobatic accounts trekking down the trail but luckily landed them all upright.

Hogged Up was waiting at camp, as usual. She had scoped out a site for us. Now that we had left the park, we are back to our own resources to find a suitable place to lay our heads for the night. Once again, minus the horse manure, Hogged Up found us a place. We all arrived shortly after 4pm and got settled.

Around dinner time, we saw three gals walking with their dog. That’s odd. No backpacks, how did they get here? Ends up they work for Wyoming Game & Fish and are collecting data on the type of fish in the local streams, rivers and lakes. Cutthroat is the main trout in these parts but they also saw a few golden trout too. Then they asked if there was anything they can do for us? Hmm, what about taking out trash? They are on horseback so they were more than happy to oblige. That lightened my pack by at least wo pounds. Thank you ladies!

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Waking up to the sound of Cranes is something I don’t typically hear. They are migrating and pair by pair, they are flying across the lake making this beautiful music. On top of that, the glorious sunrise, how can you beat this day?

Hogged Up and Fearless beat us out of camp. Our morning walk was on the lakeshore in gravel. It was flat but walking on sandy ground is one way to wake up every twitch muscle in your feet. I’ve been having a bit of right foot pain and Sabine hooked me up with Lueka Tape last night. I’m hoping that this will retrain my foot to stop turning outward like a duck, and collapsing inward. The jury is still out but the sandy walk this morning was testing me for all I had!

Atsuko and I had a few balancing exercises this morning. Within the first couple of miles, we came across a river with a tree as the bridge. Why this stuff freaks me out, I still don’t understand. It’s only 2-3’ above the water but balance is not my forte. Luckily I made it across and Atsuko did too. I should’ve paid more attention in gymnastics, especially on that balance beam.

We continued past Heart Lake turnoff, and made it to the river. More balancing acts over logs and rock skipping. Then I looked at the map and realized we were off trail. You gotta be kidding me! All our acrobats were for not? We back tracked, and realized our mistake and with 1-1/2 miles extra credit, we were back on the trail.

The day was a fairly flat walk, following Heart River and then Snake River. We managed to cross several creeks and just submerged our feet directly in the river. There are times when I try to keep my feet dry, but today I embraced the cold water and my feet were happy! I must say these past four days walking in Yellowstone have been quite nice. The terrain has been accommodating, the trail is well maintained and the views are grand. I’d highly recommend backpacking this part of the park! Just keep an eye on your map.

But there comes a point when you finally have to climb up and over some pointless hillside. With four miles left, the majority of our elevation was smacked dab at the end of the day. Fearless had been leaving messages in the dirt, which were very encouraging as we were on our last miles to camp. I have deemed her the Encourager because she always seems to have a way to push you in a kind and supportive manner. It truly is a gift of hers!

Once at camp, we found our spots and pitched our tents. Sabine asked about my foot and I must say that her taping job did wonders! My foot after hiking 18 plus miles was feeling the best it has in quite awhile! I think I may invest in this Lueka Tape. It’s stronger and more durable than KT Tape, and did the trick for today. Now she has me doing PT in camp, stretching and manipulating my ankle. She’s a good partner to have on trail and can throw a mean rock bag for hanging our bear bags!

The last bit of business was completing our Scientific Research on Geysers in the park. We had already completed the Junior Ranger Course but we moved on to Scientific Ranger School. This entails creating a hypothesis based on an observations that we made while hiking Yellowstone. Our research was based on why some geysers are active and others are not?

Being uneducated in geology, we could only guess as to what caused certain geysers to stop flowing. Our thoughts were based on the possibility that certain minerals changed in the area and clogged up the vents, that seismic activity could have interrupted the flow of gases underground or ??? After walking through the park, we realized that we have no idea but it was a fun exercise and made us appreciate what we saw. Sabine, aka Hogged Up presented me and Fearless with Junior Scientist Patches which we will both wear with honor and distinction. Thank you Educator!

So once I was able to ask AI, Why do geysers stop being active? This is what I found. Us young scientists were not too far off!

Geysers can stop being active due to a variety of factors, including:

Disruption of the plumbing system:
Earthquakes, mineral blockages, or human interference can disrupt the delicate subterranean plumbing of geysers, leading to permanent extinction of the thermal feature.

Changes in the water source: If the water source is cut off or the configuration of the fractures and cavities is altered, eruption intervals may change or stop completely.

Drought conditions: Severe drought conditions can lead to a reduction in the water supply, slowing or ending the geyser’s flow.

Mineral deposition: Over time, mineral deposits can narrow the throat of the geyser, eventually “repairing” the leak in the crust and stopping the flow. + 1
These factors contribute to the dynamic nature of geysers, which are not permanent geological features but rather fragile “errors” in the Earth’s plumbing.

What an electrical storm we had last night. It started just after dinner for round one. Then just before hiker midnight, we had round two. I have seen and heard thunder and lightning before, but this was an overkill of electrifying weather phenomenon. Before I could even start counting 1-1,000, 2-1000, BAM the thunder was rolling, cracking and pounding overhead. It was morelike a thunderstorm on steroids. Absolutely magnificent! And it rained most of the night.

We had an early start as we wanted to hit the Witch Creek Hot Springs. As soon as the sun came up, we were walking out of camp. Our first bit of business was fording Shoshone Lake outlet. It was flowing lightly, but it was knee to thigh high. We all waded across and off we went down trail.

We met up at Hwy 89 which is the road into Grant Village. I thought hard and long about hitching in and getting a proper breakfast but decided that Meat Sticks, Vietnamese Coffee with RX Bar was just as tasty. Probably not, but it had to do. Our goal was the Hot Springs and by golly, I was going to soak them.

Atsuko and I brought up the rear. We were pacing ourselves, but Atsuko calls it “don’t get hurt pace.” That works too. We stopped for a bite to eat, some salmon with sliced cucumber on tortillas. The only problem was I spilled a bit of salmon juice on my mat, but more on that later.

We met up with Hogged Up and Fearless, but they were lounging above the Hot Springs. What’s wrong? How come you’re not soaking in these springs of life? Ends up that the Geyser Hot Springs called Witches Creek is too hot for soaking. You might be able to dip your foot in for a second or two, but that’s all. Dang it, I was hoping to spend the afternoon there.

So off we went to our campsite at Hearts Lake. We ran into a Ranger and he proceeded to tell us all the rules, making sure we understood each and every one of them. No food in your tents. There are Grizzly Bears here and thru-hikers are the worst offenders! If lightning comes, which it does at Hearts Lake, crouch down in a small ball on top of your mat. It helps to reduce the effects of lightning. The water in the lake clogs your filter so walk another half mile to the spring. Alrighty then, thanks Ranger for all the intel.

We made it to Hearts Lake. Quite the tranquil place with a view that was stunning. The clouds were rolling in and I had no plans of crouching on the ground! We pitched our tents, hung our food bags, and enjoyed the peaceful night. All I hear now is the crashing waves onto the shoreline. When you see the beauty of God’s creation day after day, it reminds me how great and mighty our Lord is!

“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

After a restless night of sleep, I was up and ready to get in gear for another day on trail. My tent was layered with condensation. Probably the mere fact that we were camped near hot springs and the moisture in the air was dripping. That’ll do it!

Our morning stroll was peaceful, no one else on trail. We were warned that a Bison was in the meadow a few clicks south of us but he was long gone by the time we arrived. But what was present were tons of active geysers! This stopped me in my tracks. So many hikers mentioned how the CDT took us far away from all things Yellowstone. But we were walking right next to steam vats, calderas, honey combs, and every type of geysers a mad scientist would want to see! It was such a sight!

After watching, photographing, and getting a facial from the steam, we headed to the marshlands. It was foretold that we would have close to a mile of wet crossings to contend with. Fearless, PT cruiser and I changed into our water shoes. Hogged Up was long gone and from her pace I’m assuming she just waded through it, shoes and all.

It was deep and no sight of what we were walking into. The grasses were covering most of the trail along with mud and muck. Thankfully we were not in Florida so there was no thoughts of crocodiles or alligators! Just swans, cranes, ducks, geese and frogs. Those I can handle. For close to half an hour, we were covered in a muddy concoction of who knows what? But we managed to make it through unscathed.

Shoshone Lake was our reward! It is the largest lake I’ve seen in this area and crystal clear. We cleaned up all the mud and debris, washed my butt from a couple of sit downs I took while navigating the banks and walked into the lake. I could’ve walked for what seemed like miles. It was as deep as my shins! Such a nice way to spend lunch. Fearless, Atsuko and I stayed awhile and soaked up the sunshine. It was a great place to chill for a bit.

Our camp was another fives miles and so we hoofed it to Moose Creek. It was flat except for the part that wasn’t! But for the most part, it was a walk in the park literally! Groomer trails with log poles and lots of shade. Just as we were finishing dinner, our suspicion has been acknowledged. Rip, a thru-hiker circumnavigating the PCT north to PNT east to CDT south and reconnecting to PCT by any way possible told us, that we are, in fact, the last Sobo’s. Not a huge surprise but it puts things in perspective. We need to get a move on, if we plan to finish this thing before winters frost!

During this journey, I have questioned myself if I’m going fast enough to finish what I started. But I keep getting reminded that this is exactly where I am suppose to be. If the Lord wanted me to go faster, He would’ve given me faster legs, more quick twitch fibers and stronger cardiovascular endurance. But He made me like I am and so I do what he asks me to do. Fast, slow or slowest, I believe I am where I need to be.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”” Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬