What was the noise I heard all night? At first I was dreaming there was a train whistling but there’s no trains in the woods. The longer I listened, the more I believed it was a grouse calling to his grouse mate. They have been everywhere, near the trail, on the trail and have been scaring the dickens out of me. I’ll be minding my own business walking down the path, and then they jump up out of nowhere and take flight. They are like small turkeys! The grouse in my neck of the woods are much tamer and quite a bit smaller.

The sunrise was remarkable. I had pitched my tent on the top of Lewis and Clark Pass which has views in surround sound. Every direction you can see for miles. From my vestibule I got a glimpse of the marvelous world that God had painted for me this morning. Thank you Lord. Now I can get on with my day.

Packed up and hit the trail in search of the life-sustaining water. For the past weeks, all I’ve talked about was water crossings, with wet feet and socks. But here on the ridge line, there’s not a drop of water. I was down to my last half liter and FarOut stated that there was a spring in 2.6 miles. Now I’m afraid to drink what I have as this is the only reliable source till I reach town.

So no coffee this morning, no miso soup. Just dry crackers and a meat stick. Yum! Of course there was a climb up the ridge since I was in the saddle between two ridges. But the wind was blowing and the air was cool. Off I went in search of an spring.

Up and over the ridge to a survey marker. That was the first I’ve seen on this trail. Then down the trail until I ran into the culprit that kept me up half the night. Mr. Grouse was making his noises and hiding in the bush next to the trail. Another half mile and the field of dried grasses and flowers perked up and were in blooming color. That’s my spring!

It was a tiny little pool of water bubbling up. It sure was so cold and refreshing. Yep, that’s a spring. I filled both my bottles, sat down and had a proper breakfast. More Meat Sticks, Cold Brew Coffee and a Biscotti. Now that’s good living!

My next planned stop was the Yurt. For years, there has been a Yurt that CDT Hikers post about, blog about and make videos of. I need to see this place. Down the hill, back up the ridge, down the backside of the ridge line and there she was. Up on top of the hill. What a beauty she is. The door was unlocked and in I went.

The first log book I’ve seen on trail. My friends that I started the trail with, Coyote, Radio and Curly had all stopped by four days prior. I’m either really slow or they are super sonic speed-goats! The girls along with Kanga, George and Foggy all signed in yesterday. It’s nice to know that I’m only a day away from seeing them again. Me and Norman signed the notebook and off we went.

All that was left to do was climb up and over two more ridges and down to Roger’s Pass in search of a ride to Lincoln. The wildflowers were abundant and so fragrant as I bee-bopped down the trail. I could hear cars passing by and felt I was going to have an easy time getting a ride.

Sure enough, when I was on the road, I zeroed in on the cutest brindle dog named Sage and her two-legged owners. They are transplants from California who moved to Montana in the mid 80’s and never looked back. After talking dog with them, they graciously conceded to give me a ride to Lincoln. It’s a good 20-30 miles down the road. Thank you kind people and Sage the dog.

I arrived at my humble stay, the Lincoln Log Motel. My husband George reserved it for me. Thanks babe. Only the best room with the most comfortable bed will do. The Owners Val and Roy, had it all picked out and proceeded to tell me how much my husband loves and misses me. Sounds like George is making friends in Montana too!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬