Up early and back on trail. There are many ways to get back to the CDT, but most take Anaconda Alternate. We were debating where to go as Sally needs to get back to Butte by mid-week so she can head home to Idaho. Me and Fearless need to get some miles on the trail and after much contemplating, we decided to take the alternate. Then head north to Butte. A bit off track but it works.

We hit the trail early and headed to Storm Lake. With the massive thunder, lightning and hail we experienced last night, this seemed like an appropriate place to start. It was, by far, the most incredibly beautiful place I’ve hiked yet, on the CDT to date. The lake was pristine, clear water like Lake Tahoe Blue, and was surrounded by huge peaks and rock walls. The shoreline had dark green pine trees, with moss and liking everywhere.

The trail headed up over 2500’ in elevation with switchbacks that were properly spaced and just the right amount of steepness. I felt so strong today until I didn’t. We climbed for a little over an hour until we hit Storm Pass. The wind was blowing wickedly and then I saw the trail. It was on the side of a rocked wall cliff with some sleet, loose rock and an extremely narrow trail. I do not like heights and this was way out of my comfort zone! After taking many breaths, praying for God to give me courage and solid feet, I slowly made it along the shelf! This was the scariest moment of my hiking career. Well, at least on this trail! I had one point when I was on my hands and knees just trying to get around rockfall. Needless to say, I made it with a bit of coaching from Sally and a some talking me literally, off the cliff. Thank you Jesus for keeping me and my crew safe and sound while we negotiated this precipice. I won’t be back.

Once on solid ground on Goat Flat, which is nothing close to flat, we walked over the mountain and made it down to a valley. I thought I was going to loose my lunch, but being I hadn’t eaten, it was time to take a break and fill our belly’s. And for me to truly stop shaking and compose myself! Did I tell you that I am deathly afraid of heights?!?! This was way beyond my expectations of the CDT. And to think, I haven’t even made it out of the first state.

We had lunch and finished our second half of the day. Once at the junction of CDT, we headed down towards Upper Seymour Lake. Once again there were countless switchbacks and the trail was quite narrow. Fearless took the lead and Sally occupied my thoughts with memories of past, present and future trips. This really helped calm my nerves and before I knew it, we were off the mountain and back on flatter ground.

Upper Seymour Lake was just as pretty as Storm Lake. But it was tucked away from any roads and was a true gem of Montana. Nestled in the Anaconda and Pintler Range, there are majestic mountains enveloping the lake. We met a group of gals who had Llamas that they use to pack all their worldly possessions. These were the sweetest pack animals and seemed to be quite content in the mountains.

Fearless and I headed to the lake and after coercing her, we both got into the water. It was, by far, the most relaxing part of the day. I cooled down and just let all the tension of the day drift away. After reflecting on my thoughts today, I decided it truly was a picture perfect day. Minus the hands and knees crawl!

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV