The more miles you hike today, are less miles you need to walk tomorrow. I believe there is more to that than just what’s underfoot. Many times in life we have to endure, so we can grow. Others can float through life and it all seems like a blur, a frenzy of meaningless activity. Then, before you know it, life here on earth is over. I prefer to work for my enjoyment. Yes, it’s hard, it’s painful, but in the end, oh the rewards! And the sheer joy.

Today, Blue and I are finishing the Big Bad Bob! We have paid our dues with blood, sweat and tears, but have been rewarded with memories of a lifetime. There is nothing more satisfying than selecting a goal, preparing for it and seeing it through to fruition. Blue and I have done that.

The sky was deep blue, the air was crisp and the ground was wet with dew. Now all we need to do is find water. We dry camped last night so in search we went. Less than a mile down trail was a small stream and we filled up.

The rest of our day was focused on deciding what final leg of the trail are we going to take. Either the High Route or crossing the low water Sun River Route. The closer we came to the river, and after our terrifying river crossing yesterday, it was apparently clear that we would take the High Route. It added a couple of miles but it was, indeed, the much safer route to follow.

My left foot started giving me issues and I sat down. When I took my sock off, I found the culprit. A huge hole in my sock near my heel. Natalya just so happened to come across a single toe sock on the trail that was for a left foot. Perfect, I’ll use that. Poor guy who lost his sock will be bummed. Hikers like me only carry two, maybe three pairs total.

We had lunch, admired the many packers that were coming in on Mule Trains for weekly excursions. Oh, what I would do for a horse right now. We finished lunch by the river and headed to Benchmark, another four miles to go.

Once we arrived, there was another Mule Train headed out with 15 plus packers, clients and gear. The parking lot was full of empty cars. All we needed was just one car heading to Augusta to give us a ride back to civilization. Natalya noticed a gal in the camping area packing up her car. She went over and asked if there was any chance she was headed out and if we could hitch a ride with her? Before I knew it, Pam and Jim and all their friends invited us to their campsite, unloaded every form of homemade cookies under the sun and presented us with icy cold beer. What else could a hiker want but Cold Beer and Cookies?

We talked with the gang as Pam reconfigured her car, accommodating two stinky hikers with a ride to Augusta. We talked with the friends of Pam and Jim who arrived this week to celebrate the life of a dear friend. There were close to 35 people who drove to Benchmark and spread Judy’s ashes. Such a great tribute to a woman who evidently loved the outdoors and this wondrous place.

After sometime passed, we drove to Augusta with Pam down a dusty thirty mile gravel road. Benchmark is such a remote place, it amazes me that so many people find it. But if you take time to get off the beaten track, oh the beauty you can turn up. Pam drove us to the country store so I could pick up my resupply box and then to our hotel. What a dear lady and Godly Woman she is.

Once at the hotel, it’s all about showering, laundry and shoving in as many calories as humanly possible. I did all three. Homemade Chicken Alfredo, Garlic Bread and Caesar Salad with Margaritas. Why not?

So the saga of the missing sock. The sock that Blue found on the trail was outside our door. When we arrived, I took off my nasty shoes and unmatched socks and left them to stink outside. Spokes, whom we met on trail a couple of days ago, knocked at my door. Any chance that might be my sock? You’ve got to be kidding me! Spokes had lost his sock the day before yesterday. Today, Blue finds it, I wear it and Spokes happens to have a room two doors down from us. Now if that’s not God, I don’t know what or whom else could’ve ordained a perfect connection.

As I’m headed over to do laundry, Natalya has a conversation with Spokes about Karma verses Divine Intervention. When it was all said and done, God smiled. Time after time on the trail this week, we had these beautiful and precious moments that were orchestrated by our Heavenly Father. Praying over hikers that we met on trail, sharing our love of Jesus with others, and complete strangers who became friends like Pam. Our family has greatly increased and we will be blessed when we all meet in heaven. Thank you Lord for putting me right where you wanted me to be. Preordained, predestined and honored to be here.

“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 ‭

I woke up to rain coming down on my tent. Did someone turn on the sprinklers? Nope, it was a quick moving cell that showed up for my morning session of getting ready to hit the trail. I have had the best of weather since Blue arrived, and darn it she had not worn her rain poncho or used her umbrella! So it was perfectly timed to make sure everything was brought for a purpose. Nothing worse than carrying something on your back for miles and never using it!

So with all our rain gear on, umbrellas up and deployed, we marched down the trail. A little mud, a little muck was nothing new to this dynamic duo. Blue and I trekked the Appalachian Trail together and the CDT has nothing on rainy cells. There is nothing worse than Vermont to Maine. If you want to know what rain is all about, that’s where they study it! Montana rain is child’s play. Well except for that brief encounter in Glacier.

We walked to what on my map appeared to be some outbuildings or possible forest service cabins. As we headed over the ridge, down into the valley, across the meadow, through the sage bushes, sure enough we found our refuge from the rain. It was a full on dude ranch with mules, tack and a forest service cabins.

Out walked the ranger and her brother. She is an archeologist for USFS and hiked in for the week checking on artifacts and historical buildings. Quite an interesting career. They let us move into the porch, make some hot tea and enjoy the weather from a perfect perch.

The sun came out and we headed over the ridge again, across the stock bridge and up the knoll. It ended up being a glorious day. No fallen trees, no dead forests, just long open meadows, fields and wildflowers. We saw a few people out for the day, a group of horseback riders and several section hikers.

As we were looking at our CalTopo map, thanks to my dear friend Atsuko, we found a shortcut. Now I have been known to find shortcuts that have ended up to be “not so good”. My biggest concern was the blowdowns and if this trail would be clear like the Sun River Trail. We took a leap of faith and veered off the trail and took another unknown route. All was good until it wasn’t.

The North Fork of Moose Creek was our obstacle. Being we had a good amount of rain last night and this morning, and the fact it was late afternoon, the river was roaring. Well now what? We’ve made it this far, I guess the only option is to go across. The first half of the 50’ wide river wasn’t bad, but the last 20-30’ was intense. I would’ve never done this alone but there is safety in knowing someone else is going down with you. Natalya headed across and the river reached the bottom of her pack. I waded across, poles vibrating, shorts wet but all was good. We lived to hike another day. Nothing but fun on the CDT.

We followed the Moose-Firman Trail for about five miles before we stopped for dinner, then camp. This should be our last night on the trail together, me and Blue. We celebrated with Mexican bean soup and pasta. It was a perfect end to quite a memorable experience with Blue. Tomorrow we will match out of the Bob Wilderness in search of Burgers, Fries and Beer!

As I look back on these past days with Blue, I have to reflect on the amount of suffering, pain and sheer agony that we both experienced. Yet, without the hard work, we would’ve never truly appreciated the glory and grandeur that was ahead. God refines us, sharpens us and builds us up so we can learn to see who He is.

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬, ‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Yesterday we saw six hikers and five people on horseback. It was our most social day on trail. There a few and far between people out here. I really didn’t expect this to be so desolate.

Once on the trail, we were able to keep our feet dry for maybe five minutes. We crossed many rivers today, but the last two were shake your hiking poles kind of crossing. We had the last, at least I hope so, of our Ninja Warrior Training Course. Three miles of straight up log jams. Our time for each mile was 51:00 minutes. That’s almost a mile per hour. We have been typically hiking two miles per hour including breaks. So this was painstakingly slow.

By noon, we finally hit the junction of N. Fork of Sun River. This is our new and improved route to Benchmark. The Bob Wilderness has not been the nicest to me, or Natalya. I think if you want to cure someone of backpacking, this is the place to do it! This trail has not seen any maintenance for years. Ends up “The Friends of Bob” is a coalition of eight people. And I’m sure they are all volunteers. And it’s hard to access. I will not be doing a repeat of this place. Not for a Million Dollars, not for anything I can wrap my head around. Good riddance Bob.

Thank God there are other ways to get to Mexico. Ends up the Sun River is the prime choice for the majority of CDT Hikers. It’s maintained much more so than the CDT and it has stellar views of the surrounding mountains. Something we haven’t seen much of. Both HoboBlue and I were stoked to see the China Wall from above. This is the one caveat to not taking the Red-Line. The China Wall stretches for miles and hugs the east side of the CDT. Well folks, we had a view of it from the east side and it’s just as beautiful!

Our afternoon was nice hike on the trail, no more blowdowns but still a few patches of mud. Most of which we walked around. A couple of hellacious river crossings that made my poles shake in thigh deep water. But besides that, it was a fine day.

After crossing the North Fork of Sun River, I saw my first Northbound CDT Hiker. Ein started April 1 and has beelined it from Mexico to here in a little over three months. That’s thirty plus miles a day! He was a bit disheveled as his DEET Bug Spray leaked all over him, his pack and clothes. First of all, that stuff is bad news and probably a Class 1 Carcinogenic. His two shirts had turned colors, his skin was red from the irrigation of all that DEET all over him. We stopped and accessed the situation. I had a Tide Pod for when I get to town to do my laundry. I gave him that, and my extra long sleeve shirt, as he had nothing to wear that wasn’t drenched in bug spray. We talked for a bit, and he was extremely grateful for our help. I wish we could’ve done more. With his youth and drive to get to Glacier, EIN hopes to be there in two days. I sure hope he does.

With our lackluster start, we pushed out another 7-8 miles, found a knoll and pitched camp. We had dinner on a bridge just short of camp being there was quite a bit of bear scat and it seemed like a good thing to do. Outside of that, just another day on the trail.

This wilderness is only held back by the desires to explore it. Once Natalya and I left the CDT Red-Line, our eyes opened to such beauty and abundance.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

My intentions today are just that. Pie in the sky dreams of long miles on the trail. We haven’t been leaving camp before 7am. It’s just nice sitting in our cozy tents, drinking coffee and slowly preparing for what this trail is going to throw at us.

After walking no less than a mile, we had our morning plunge into the river. Both of us had dried our shoes the best that we could and relished the idea of dryish feet. Short lived! It was freezing cold glaciated water. This happened a few times before we were basking in the sunshine once again.

Our miles went fast in the morning. After two breaks we were at Spotted Bear Cutoff. This is the route that most hikers take but word on the trail was “no-go!” The trail was worse than what we’ve encountered. No trail maintenance has occurred since last year and people were turning around. We made the choice to stay on the Red-Line and take our chances.

Around 1pm we met a Flip-Flopper. His name is K-1 and he’s from Korea. He’s a mountaineer and has much experience in the outdoors. His trail intel was “worse blowdowns on trail are coming,” Take your time and after three or so miles, take the Sun River Route. Red-Line is no-good! This kind of info is the best as he has firsthand knowledge and knows what he knows. So after deliberating, Blue and I decided to call it a day early.

We found a flat grassy meadow by the river and relaxed. Tomorrow we will climb Sun River Pass, tackle the three miles of Lincoln logs and bee-line for the Sun River Trail. As long as I keep heading south, that’s all that matters. My legs will appreciate the reprieve from constant climb over and unders, and I’m ready for some scenic miles. I’m sorry but Bob Marshall Wilderness is not that pretty. Many years of forest fires have destroyed the trees and I’m ready for some greenery! Onward-Ho to Sun River Trail.

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What an incredible sunrise I woke to this day. It was star (the sun) and purple skies with pink stripes. I didn’t even realize it was the Fourth of July till I turned on my phone. Funny how some things like dates start to blend together out here.

The trail today was a missed bag of treats. First thing we had a double river crossing. I don’t even bother taking off my shoes at this point. They are already wet from the day prior and if I even thought I was going to keep them out of the water or the mud, I would be on a different trail. It is what it is. Mud, rivers and more of the same.

However we did get to climb to Badger Pass today. Prior to that I missed the trail and took us on some bonus trip to Beaver Lake. Then we backtracked and we got to see it again but from a much higher view point. I have found that one water filled trail looks like the other. There’s few and far between signage so you definitely need to rely on your map or app. It’s the most navigation I’ve had to do since my friend Sally and I hiked the Unita Wilderness in Utah. That was a booger too!

After reclaiming the trail, the morning hike was nice. We made it to the pass with seeing nothing more than a rodent, moose and bear prints and a lot of scat. But not a single human being or hiker in sight!

After lunch, we had a bit of navigational excellence and stayed fairly close to what appeared to be the CDT. We crossed Strawberry Creek but it was a river. We made it across only to find our last two miles was nothing but Blowdown City! Oh my goodness, this is really starting to wear on me. But as Natalya reminded me, it’s just not that easy to be a Triple Crowner! She is so right. These are the dues you have to pay for the reward at the end. Thank goodness I have my HoboBlue with me. She keeps it real and is my truest hiking partner ever! She holds nothing back.

Being on the trail was a bit out of sorts, being we are celebrating 250 years of American independence. A friend of mine, Suzanne Petersen, sent me this beautiful poem on what we are truly celebrating.

Before We Were Red or Blue…

Before we were Republicans or Democrats…We were created by the same God. Fashioned by the same hands. Loved through the same sacrifice. Perhaps the enemy has convinced us that our greatest battle is with one another…When Scripture reminds us that our struggle “is not against flesh and blood.” Maybe our greatest victory will never come when one side wins. Maybe it comes when hearts choose Christ over conflict. When grace becomes louder than outrage. When compassion outlives criticism. When neighbors once again look like neighbors. When we remember that no political party can accomplish what only the love of Christ can. The cross was never painted red or blue. It was stained with love. And perhaps… that’s the only color the world has truly been longing to see.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

~ Ephesians 4:2–3

What a difference a day makes! I was ready to turn my sticks in and walk off the trail. After all the blowdown’s, fall downs, the breakdowns and meltdowns, I wasn’t sure if this is really what I wanted to be doing for the next 150 days. But God. That’s all that needs to be said.

The one huge blessing since HoboBlue came along is the weather has been picture perfect. I woke up to the most stunning sunrise, reds, pinks and purples, with a crystal blue backdrop. It was gorgeous.

We packed because that’s what we do. Prayed over our day and asked the sweet Lord to clear the trail for us and headed off. I had done a bit of homework while in the tent last night. I found an alternate that stays low and follows the river. This sounded like a good option, free of Lincoln Logs but we would endure some Montana Mud. I’ll take mud over fallen trees any day of the week.

It ended up to be the best maintained trail this side of Glacier. It was lush, green, easy hiking, rolling ups and downs but mostly flattish. We had one river crossing and some mud, but outside of that, no fallen trees. My legs were thanking me. And HoboBlue was humming songs behind me. It was a day unlike yesterday.

Once we hooked back up with the Red-Line (official CDT route), we crossed Kip Creek and were back on the trail. Another five plus miles and we found camp. We never saw a single soul out here today.

I am so grateful that HoboBlue joined me in this section. Honestly, I’m not sure how I would’ve negotiated all the trees, climb overs, crawl under, foot stuck in knee deep mud that literally encased my leg. She was there to lift me up, pull me out and laugh at the mess we got ourselves into. There are not many people in this world that number one, physically can even go this. But two, mentally and spiritually are able to respond with such grace and love during harder than hardest times. We have a good partnership and even though she says she’ll never do this again, I betcha she’ll be back at it with me, if just for the memories of how bad things can get! Who else do you get to have this kind of fun with?

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬ ‭

This has to be the worse day of hiking I’ve ever had! Today was the first day in the Bob Wilderness and it was a disaster zone. My only explanation is that no one, and I mean not a single person has done anything to this trail. I have never ever seen so many fallen trees in all of my hiking miles combined! There’s no way that I can get across what this trail looked like but there are few areas in which the trail is clear.

Trees are crisscrossed on top of one another for miles! That is no exaggeration. If it doesn’t get any better tomorrow then I’m looking for a bail out and skipping this entire section. Both Natalya and I look like the walking wounded!

We tried to keep our sanity over the day. Between crawling under, on my belly, rolling over, climbing up, balancing on a log and walking in between pokey branches, my legs are sliced and diced. They are rubbed raw from trying to straddle some logs, and my hands are black with sap from holding on for dear life.

Natalya had one bad fall that needed some cleaning, antibiotic and double bandages. She’ll be okay but I tell you, if the queen of balance can fall, I’m in big trouble. We had all intentions of hiking 15 miles today but we’re lucky to crank out what we did.

Camp couldn’t have come early enough. All I wanted to do was soak my wounds and look for an exit strategy. I’m not one that bails when it gets tough, but this is life changing. This isn’t like a train that’s not moving for hours on end! This is Lincoln logs scattered in your path for miles upon miles! I’m not sure my busted up body can take much more of this abuse. I’ll take a road walk any day over this mess.

Sorry, not the most uplifting blog but it was a tough day. Praying that the next 107 miles are not much of the same.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭

My partner is back. You all should remember Blue from the AT. My Bluber, my partner at the Cafe and my hiking buddy who makes me laugh, is great company and keeps me relatively sane. There is something beautiful about being with someone who is just as crazy as I am.

We pulled out of the lodge at 7:30am. Not the earliest start but it’s day one for Blue so I need to break her in slowly. Our first section we had to walk through muddy bogs. We desperately tried to keep our shoes clean and dry but within a few miles, we embraced the mud. Our shoes, socks, gaiters and legs were covered in the muddy substance. Luckily we usually had a creek, river or stream that we could submerge in and that would clean us up till the next muddy bog. And so the day went. Mud, rinse, repeat! Welcome to the CDT.

On the other hand, good news came from Ranger Sean. He said that Many Glaciers was opening back up today, St, Marys is getting there but Going to the Sun Road is still in a state of flux. They had a historic rainstorm that the park had never experienced. Six inches of rain alone near Chief Mountain in a short period of time. He had a single bladed saw that he was carrying to clear the trail of fallen trees and branches. What about a blow dryer to take care of the mud?

We saw a handful of day hikers, one CDT hiker who was headed north trying to get some miles in, four Sobo hikers and my favorite couple Coyote and Radio. Blue and I were sitting eating a snack when they stopped to chat. They plan to blow through to Lincoln, some 180 miles and carrying 9 days of food. Just to give perspective, we are carrying 8 days of food and plan to hike 140 miles. So needless to say, Coyote and Radio will not be seen for awhile. I prayed over them before they left and hope to see them somewhere down the trail.

After our long day, we came to our Railroad crossing. Only one-tenth of a mile to go when the longest train in Santa Fe history slowly chugged up the tracks. And then it came to a sudden stop. Blue and I were both done for the day and just wanted to get to camp. I decided, after waiting for at least a half-hour, maybe we should have dinner as we wait. Natalya had another idea, why don’t we crawl under the stopped train?

This woman is crazy! All I could think of was the train starting to move and crushing us, or maybe just loosing a limb. Or what if we got through only to get hit by another train going the opposite direction? This seems like sudden death or at least chicken with a train! I pulled out dinner and waited. Blue went ahead and did the same.

After what seemed like an hour and no movement, Blue was done waiting. She packed up her backpack, climbed up the train, across and back down, then scurried across the other tracks. She then walked back and told me to give her my pack and get my butt up and over the train. Peer pressure is alive and well even in old age! I did so and we were Scott free, finally on our way to our campsite. And to think that was only day one with HoboBlue! I am in for it…

The fact is that Blue is the other side of reason. It is always good to have someone to bounce ideas off of, to come up with options and to make crucial decisions.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭

Sounds like Glacier NP made history. The rainstorm that was predicted, packed even a bigger punch than expected. My exit day was well ahead of the parks evacuation. Anyone that was still in the park, north of Atlantic Creek were told to vacate or be severely fined. And for good reason! Don’t be rescued as you are placing many people at risk besides yourself. Once again, the good Lord protected me and provided a way off the mountain.

My first zero was completely unplanned. After sleeping till 7am, I stood up and knew immediately that I wasn’t going anywhere. Looking out the window confirmed that the downpour and winds were still exerting themselves with a vengeance! And the sleepy town of East Glacier was bustling with displaced tourists, as well as hikers. I headed to the one and only diner in town, had a Mushroom Swiss Burger with Fries, and took a breath. I was so protected, as well as my trail family. Coyote, Radio and Curly had all made it out. We met for dinner and shared more of our experiences of sheer willpower and grit that kept us moving through this crazy storm. And to think, this is only week one! Oh my, what stories we will have by the end of this trail.

After a day of reprieve, the Park announced closures of the Many Glaciers area, Saint Marys Lake region, Going to the Sun Road and cancelled all permits for hikers from Chief Mountain to Two Medicine. We were, in fact, the last hikers that managed to make it through.

Today, the sun peaked out and hikers, along with tourists, were ready to get back out. There were limited trails open but the section that I still needed to do was indeed, open. Me and the kids, Coyote, Radio and Max got a ride by my most favorite Bluber of all, Natalya. She arrived just in time to shuttle all of us back on trail. There are no coincidences when the Lord is amidst us.

The trail was a bit wet but it didn’t keep us from loving every second of being on foot. As I made it to the Trailhead, a young man named Gary asked if I’d like to hike with him? I was a bit puzzled as he was half my age but he wanted to go slow as he had an Achilles injury. Sure, I can go slow, that’s my perfect speed!

We took off and the climbing commenced. It was the north facing slope so there was quite a bit of exposed slate and shale. The trail had plenty of streams cascading across due to our recent rainfall. Yet there were tons of people just happy to be outdoors. Cabin fever needed to be remedied, and the mountains could solve that with ease.

Gary took the lead and within a couple of miles, we ran into a herd of Rocky Mountain Goats. They were next to us, crossed the trail directly in front of us. Then met their entire goat family and hung out beside us. It was such a sight to see.

Gary and I had a great conversation regarding my faith and his lack of belief. He stated that he is Agnostic and that just opened up dialogue for the remainder of the hike. I’m not sure why I get surprised by this, as my God had this all planned out. We laughed and shared heartaches, talked for hours as we climbed to the overlook. After arriving to his destination, we took pictures and departed ways.

I continued southbound and Gary went back to his car. There are days when you just realize that you are exactly where you are suppose to be. I had a lovely hike down the mountain, made one small error in my compass heading but it all worked out. The trail split, which I totally missed and I stayed on a parallel path which all converged again. No big deal and I was able to see a ton of frogs and climbed over several fallen trees. Must be training for what’s to come.

Natalya was at our sweet home for the night, Glacier Park Lodge. This has to be the swankiest place in all of Glacier NP. She booked us the family suite with four queen beds! It was glamping at a new level. We had our next eight days of food spread from one bed to the other. We were on a mission. Our packs were stuffed with pounds of beef sticks, protein bars, tuna packets, coffee and many more snacks that will keep us fueled for the next week.

Our last bit of business was having a gourmet meal before heading out bright and early tomorrow. We both ordered my most favorite Farro Apple Salad with Fresh Trout from the local river. Why didn’t I bring my fishing pole? This is all I’m gonna be thinking about as we are trekking through the wild and scenic Bob Marshall Wilderness thus week.

Disclaimer: We will be literally off-grid for the next eight days so no blogs will be posted for quite sometime. But just know, me and Natalya will be hiking together, fending off Grizzly’s and having a picnic as we climb every peak, plateau and forge many rivers for the next 132 miles. Until I blog again, remember that Jesus has a plan for your life. All you need to do is get onboard!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today was a bittersweet day. My people that I’ve been hiking with are moving on. Coyote, Radio and Curly are heading to Two Medicine. It’s a 25 mile push with two major passes and I’m not ready for that. So I’ll continue with our issued permit and head to Atlantic Creek.

Ends up that the rain came sooner than expected. It rained all night and around 5am, there was a sudden stop. This was my opportunity to pack up, and head up the pass early. Hopefully, before it starts raining again. Coyote and Radio did the same. Curly had already left.

By 6am, we all pushed south, and headed towards the pass. The clouds were hanging low, and it was forgone knowledge, that the sky would open up and rain something fierce. InReach, my satellite tracking device, has a weather forecast mode and it stated, “expect 8-10” of rain, wind and flooding for the next 48 hours”. That doesn’t sound pleasant.

Another suspension bridge, more snow fields to cross, one river to ford and a lot of uphill ascent. I feel the extra rest I had yesterday prepared me for this kick butt day. I play this game in my mind, what pass or what passes will I be made to climb today? There was a distinct saddle and I told myself, that’s where me and Norman are going today. The trail is so well hidden that you cannot see the route so it truly is a guessing game. Well you can always check your map, but what fun would that be?

As I climbed, the clouds would drop down and obscure the mountains. It reminded me of the Israelites and how the Ark of the Covenant would travel with them. God was literally in camp and would show his presence by enveloping their camp with a cloud. I felt God’s presence, swirling around, guiding me through these mountains and protecting each and every step I took.

Once I made it to the pass, yep you guessed it, the rain began. It was a wicked cold rain and the clouds invaded the trail. I had one snow field to cross and headed down. Occasionally I caught a glimpse of the valley below. There was a pristine lake that was aqua marine blue. As soon as I had a chance to take a picture, it would disappear. So I put my camera away, and walked.

It was a quick descent on colored rocks, red, greens and brown. I had no place to eat or take a break because of the weather so I just put my head down and hoped for a nice campsite at Atlantic Creek. I arrived shortly after noon, and as appalled at my options. It was dank and wet and there was no way I was going to weather out this storm here! No thank you.

I had planned an escape route for this exact scenario. There is a trail that heads east towards Cut Bank via Pitamakan Pass. I decided this was my ticket out of here and a ride into East Glacier. There is no need to suffer through this when I have plenty of chances to embrace this brutality in the upcoming months.

As I headed off the crazy CDT, I saw two people headed in with huge backpacks. I was thinking why would they be going in on a day like today. A few miles later, I saw six people hiking in. They were smiling and seemed to be having a grand ol’ time. What’s with these crazy’s? We talked for a bit and they were headed to Atlantic Creek. I didn’t say a word.

Finally, I made it to a deserted campground with five vehicles parked at the trailhead. Someone is bound to be leaving. I talked with a car full of young girls and they were headed into see the lake during the rainstorm. Well that sounds like a grand time! If I was still around in four hours, they’d be happy to give me a ride. I continued walking towards the Forest Service Station that was on my map. I could always sit there and wait for a ride.

I should’ve taken a picture of this but my hands were freezing and my phone didn’t need to endure this rain. As I walked up to the “abandoned” Forest Service Station, there was a herd of big black cows. They have decided to move into the porch of the station. No way cows, that’s my spot. I walked up with purpose and the baby cows were the first to leave. But the big steer was having nothing to do with it. He was quite content being shelter from the rain. I gave him “the look” and he got it. Him and all the girls scampered away and I had the porch to myself!

I stripped off all my wet clothes, got into my pack and pulled out my dry clothes. It felt so good to have a place to change, eat and process my day. Now all I needed to do was find a ride. A car came by but they were NOT going to give me a ride. But they would call a Ranger if I needed help. No, I don’t need help. I just need a ride to town.

About ten minutes later, the van that was parked at the trailhead came by. I waved them down and they were more than happy to give me a ride wherever I needed to go. That’s my God. I knew He would provide me a perfect way to get off this mountain!

Ends up, they are guides and had set up camp at Atlantic Creek for their six clients. They were the two I passed with the huge backpacks. Now I was on my way to East Glacier, staying in a warm hotel with a bathtub. Oh my goodness, how much better does it get than that?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬