CDT mile 1886.6, miles hiked 21.1
The trail boss Tatu-Jo is on his way to his double triple crown
The day started with a little sleeping in, then a shower, then heading to Jan’s Cafe for a hot breakfast. When Tatu-Jo and I walked in we found Zorro and Popeye already eating, we sat down with them and ordered up some food. We all chatted about the trail the past few months and Popeye’s new chapter. Popeye’s wife was arriving today from Belgium to come hike with him to the end. He lamented how he would miss us but he is determined to finish the trail this season.
Crossing the grassy hills of the Montana-Idaho line
Tatu-Jo and I then headed to the Post Office to mail some stuff, grabbed a few last snacks at the Exxon station and then at 9:30 Mike from the motel drove us and Charge back to the trail. Tatu-Jo had already done the 2-mile frontage road walk so Mike dropped him off and then Charge and I walked together to catch him. A few miles in and we found him sitting in sage bushes waiting for us. We all walked together for about 6 miles and then we took a break but Charge carried on (he doesn’t take breaks, crazy).
Tatu-Jo and I enjoyed some snacks then took the alternate up Modoc Creek which was longer but stayed low. We ended the alternate with a bushwhack through sagebrush up a dry creek bed to the top of a ridge which is the actual Continental Divide. From there we started what many south bounders describe as a terrible roller coaster. We, however, thought it was very pleasant and we enjoyed walking in open ridges and going up and down all day.
The hills here are amazing but kicking our butts
The day went by quick we had so much to catch up on since we have last seen each other a year ago. We told stories, took our time and enjoyed some awesome views and breaks on the divide. It’s a real treat to hike with Tatu-Jo he is a very accomplished hiker, in his 50’s and had worked with me on the board of ALDHA-West for 2 years. It’s great to be out here with him.
As we came down off the ridge we saw a large herd of elk about 200 or so. Their hoof steps sounded like horses and we watched them for a bit as the crossed a meadow and ran up the hillside. It must be getting close to fall because the babies are getting big and the Bulls are starting to bugle.
As the day was winding down we heard a shout and saw Easy StrideZorro zorro on the ridge above, looks the 4 of us will be rolling together for the time being. It’s funny how the trail provides and how things come full circle, I was alone but now in company and two of the guys I already knew so from here out, it will be a new experience with these guys and one I look forward to.
