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

Much better day on trail than yesterday. No crazy river crossings, no snow, no rain. It was cool and windy but I’ll take that any day. My cousin Ed gave me a ride back to the trailhead and off I went.

Elizabeth Lake is breathtaking. It’s surrounded by glaciated mountains and the clouds were hanging on top. As I headed back towards the CDT, there was a rainbow over the waters edge. Quite a nice view for my morning stroll.

The trail was fairly unremarkable. Except for the two, very long suspension bridges. I should be getting better at these but they still freak me out a bit as I walk across them. I remember years ago when my friend Sally and I hiked the Wonderland Trail in Washington. There was a mama bear and her cub attempting to walk across the bridge. We all gave her plenty of birth and somehow, someway they both made it across. So that’s my plan. If a Mama and Baby Cub can do it, I can too!

Being it was a very short day with little elevation, I stopped a lot. Honestly I haven’t found my trail legs yet. I’m exhausted and moving fairly slow. Sometimes I question this idea of hiking from Canada to Mexico. Who does that? But here I am still trusting that God wouldn’t lead me out here, if He was going to have me turn around. So I keep heading southbound.

Red Eagle Lake is in a bowl surrounded by dead trees. I can’t tell if there was a fire many years ago, best guess or if there was a mean ole beetle that decimated the forest? I need to find out these things. (My Trail Family said a very long time ago was a huge fire, so I’m sorry beetle of accusing you.)

I was the first to camp so I scouted a site that we can pitch two tents. The options were slim but I found a reasonably flattish spot and hunkered down. Curly showed up next but without Max. Sounds like Max is off-trail due to Achilles injury. Glacier NP is already claiming our class of hikers. And it’s only day five!

I hung my bear bag, not with ease like the times before. This pole about claimed my line but somehow- someway I was able to untangled it from the grommets that were attached to the horizontal pole. I’m not sure whose grand idea that was but it’s not helping the bear hangs.

Coyote and Radio showed up and shared their disastrous night. It rained heavily so everything was soaking wet. Coyote found not one, but four slugs in her shoe and a worm. Yuck! When they stopped for lunch to dry everything out, ended up another hidden slug had hitched a ride inside their tent. Oh the joys of hiking in the woods. I promised that no slugs have been found, seen or reported in our dry dust bowl of a campsite. Worlds apart and only one mountain range that separated us.

I’m taking a much needed rest and have no plans of leaving my tent till dinner. On the menu tonight is Chicken Alfredo. Then to bed so I can mentally and physically prepare for Triple Pass tomorrow. That’ll be fun. Or maybe not.

Today was what my body needed. A easy peasy day that finished early, and gave me rest for tomorrow.

“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.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭2 NIV‬‬

There is something magical about sleeping in a bed with five pillows. Oh, I could hike forever if I could only stay in my little cabin nightly. But that’s silly talk, as no one who thru-hikes has such luxury.

Norman and I hit the trail at 6am, our earliest start yet. As we walked down the trail, Curly and Max caught up. They were headed to Many Glaciers Hotel for a fine breakfast. I passed. Let alone I paid a fortune to stay in my cabin last night, but more to the point, there is no way I can climb a big pass with a full belly. So I bided them ado and headed up the pass.

This morning was glorious with cloud covering and cooler than normal temps. Just when I was thinking to send my warm joggers home, I think I’ll keep them a bit longer. The trail meandered up through the trees and across many small creeks, all manageable for rock hopping. Then the trail opened up to an incredible meadow and the waterfall I had been eyeing was right in front of me. It always amazes me how in such a short period of time, I can reach a distant peak or waterfall that seemed miles away!

Now the river crossing begins. I had been warned of the big rivers with no way around. They were spot on. There were many crossings and I figured, no point of taking off my shoes. “Embrace the suck” as they say around here, and I did. Plowed through, thigh deep, cold glacier water rivers. If I wasn’t awake, I am now!

I sat and had my morning snack when I hear, “hey bear.” That’s what hikers say to warn the unsuspecting bears of our presence. I don’t know if it works, but we all do it. My tent mates Coyote and Radio came around the corner. Radio has been struggling with blisters so I offered him up my hobby’s favorite remedy, Compeed. He was thrilled!

The big climb started over Piegan Pass. It was long and steep, and the worse part was I really could not see where the pass was. Usually you can see a saddle or something that looks like a perfect place to get up and over, but Piegan Pass was a mystery. What wasn’t a mystery was the glacier fields. Oh how I do not like crossing these!

After what seemed like hours, I finally arrived at Piegan with rain coming down and a cold wind. Both me and Norman were covered from head to toe. I usually plan my lunch stops on top of passes but today, no such luck. I had a trail bar and found my way down the backside.

The clouds had covered the tops of all the surrounding peaks, but it still was beautiful in its own way. All I could think about was getting off this mountain. Especially when I saw lightning. It was a flash of light and that’s all I needed to beat feet down the mountain.

About half way down the mountain, I hit the trees. This usually is not a problem except it holds the snow for much too long. I had a few glaciers to travel across but there was at least two, maybe three miles of solid snow fields. My shoes were wet, my socks were soaked, my gaiters were cold and my pants were drenched. I was NOT a happy hiker!

But, my cousin Ed happened to be in Glacier this week. Oh this could be my ticket to warmth. My new and improved I-phone has satellite access so I sent out an SOS to Ed. He was finishing a hike with his son Andrew and girlfriend Amanda. Ed accepted my request for help and picked my cold and frigid body up. We went for dinner and I am now crashing on his floor. It is dry and warm and I will be back at it again. And don’t think I bailed on my miles. I finished up all miles and will be back at again.

So funny side note. For Mothers Day, George bought me a new watch, the Garmin Enduro. It has way too many functions to even grasp. But as I was lying on my sleeping pad, it told me that I need to take a rest day. When does your watch get to override when you need to take a Zero Day? Ends up, my peeps that I’ve been hiking with, had the same message. My following day will be like a rest day. Only ten miles and flattish. Hopefully that’ll count as a Zero!

When I was cold and miserable, wondering what I was doing on the mountain, God already had a plan for me.

Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus,” assuring believers that God supplies every need abundantly.

I tiptoed out of our campsite this morning. I had all intentions of sleeping in being it was an easy peasy day. But I could not sleep last night. So I was packed up and headed to the kitchen area for breakfast. In Grizzly Country, they separate your eating area from your camping area from your outhouse. All have distinctly different locals.

As I was getting my food bag down, the biggest Hare came into the kitchen. Obviously looking for straps from last night. Sorry bunny, we keep a very tidy place around here. I packed my bag and off I went.

There was a short climb this morning, and then it was smooth sailing. But what stole the show was a plethora of flowers, exploding in color in every direction. I had a tough time getting any mileage done as I was snapping pictures of all the different variety’s that were showcased. All I could think of was my friends Atsuko and Judi. They would be in heaven with the bounty of colors and bouquets to be found.

I made it to the road, and Norman and I were happy to be on flattish ground. We beat feet to the Swiftcurrent Lodge to see if any cabins were available. To my surprise, we were able to get a little reprieve from the dirt and have a proper place to lay our weary heads. Even Norman was delighted.

Shower, laundry and food. A perfect agenda for a nero town day. I made it back to Many Glaciers, and my trail friends are all hanging out in the campground. And the laundry mat. It’s seems to be the most used space in the park today. Now that all is done, I think I’ll take a nap.

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I am so glad I did not know the elevation I was doing today. For some reason, I anticipated 2500’ but not close to 3500’ on day two. That’s all sorts of wrong.

I was packed and out of camp by 6:30am. No one else was up so I tried to be super quiet. My plan is to hike first thing in the morning and have my coffee about 2-3 hours later with breakfast. Being I’m not a first thing in the morning coffee drinker, this works fine.

Around 9am, I arrived at Elizabeth Lake which is where most thru-hikers elect for day one. I had breakfast, talked to a nice group of youngsters, probably in their 20’s and headed out.

My pass today was a doozy. It just kept climbing and climbing until it didn’t. I had hoped to get there by noon and made it ten minutes later. That’s a win in my book! I had lunch and admired the grandeur of these mountains. Glacier is mountainous, in every direction! They are jagged snow-covered peaks with many glacier fields to cross.

A couple of guys showed up at the peak and had lunch with me. Curly and Max. We are all thru-hikers and they have a similar permit that I share with Coyote and Radio. I took off knowing they would catch me and in perfect timing. There was a section of the trail that was covered with snow and no trail to be found. I started heading south and Curly caught up with me. I followed him for five minutes and bam, we were back on trail. Max was behind me and I was able to navigate him by the sound of my voice. We all made it and were off to camp.

Today I saw two hares, many pikas and squirrels, but missed the moose. Curly & Max said it was 100’ off the trail in the willows. Well of course it was. That’s prime eating for them there moose.

Made it to camp ahead of my camp partners and squared away a spot for us. There’s only four possible sites that are available by permit only. You can have up to four people with a maximum of two tents. This works perfectly for the three of us being Coyote and Radio share a tent and I have my single tent with a very small footprint. We have a great partnership, the three of us.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬