From the beginning. It was a crazy cold and windy night but I managed to stay cozy. The temperature dropped to around 35 degrees, so I was pleased that I was able to stay warm.
The morning was very cold and it was hard to break down camp and get moving. There was dense fog and swirling wind for the first few hours. Most of this was during a climb to just over 7000 feet. That was good to generate heat, but bad since we entered worse conditions. At the peak of the climb it was hard to see anything and we had a small snow slope to traverse without seeing where it led.
Enough drama. We got down to lower elevation and the weather improved slightly. The next issue was…a fire closure. The helicopters and airplanes I saw yesterday were fighting a fire caused by a lightning strike. The impact on me, a 38 mile long trail closure.
Detour time. Road walk. Sigh. Three hours into the roadwalk fantastic magic came our way. A truck with a husband and wife coming from the opposite direction picked up Ben and I and took us all the way back to the open section of trail. As if that weren’t enough, they then gave is cold drinks and nearly a pound of smoked Alaskan salmon. Wow. Awesome.
We hiked on to a good spring which puts us about 14 miles from Timberline Lodge. Ahead of schedule. Instead of being short on food due to the detour I was able to gorge and fill my belly.
Joey, Greg, and Danny rolled into camp just as Ben and I finished dinner. We’re all headed to the Lodge tomorrow for te lunch buffet. Food is good.
Today is my 3 month anniversary of being on the trail. Just about 2100 miles down and under 600 to go.
Wow. That IS totally awesome trail magic. I’m glad that you are having such a great experience. Maybe when you get back, I’d love to hear your recommendations for some local weekend hiking/backpacking trips. I’ve lived here for six years, and haven’t hiked at all!
So incredible. Good to know there are still some kind souls out there willing to help out.
Congrats on the 3 months!
How cool is God that he provided that family and food for you! You are a blessed young man. Congratulations on your 3 month trail anniversary, another month and you are done? My prayers are with you.
yes!! only 600 more to go until i get my skinny husband back
So do you feel the need to go back and do those miles eventually?
@Phollower. Nope. If I do that’s cool, but no.
@Gwen. Sounds good!