Pat & Dan's Continental Divide Adventure

The point of my hiking pole is pointing to the CDT covered in snow.  I got turned around in the Pintlers due to trail snow. I struggled to the top of Storm Creek Pass, looked over the other side and figured it was not possible without technical equipment. Storm Creek Pass covered in snow. It was a real struggle to get to the pass. I could see big snow in couloirs from ridge tops to valley floor. No sign of anyone. I turned around and am now in Georgetown Lake figuring out an alternative route I'll try tomorrow.

The CDT offers alternative routes, usually for additional sights or cutoffs to shorten mileage. The alternative I'm now on leads through Anaconda, MT.  During my high school and college years in Montana, Anaconda was on a downward spiral. The major employer pulled out along with many supporting companies. Anaconda's glorious years were lost. It's sure nice to see its recovery and charm.  Look closely at the mountains inside the arch and you can see snow! That's where I'll be hiking tomorrow.  After hiking into town, it was sure nice to visit, have dinner with, and do trail planning with my nephew Alex who's doing a nursing school rotation here.

Sakagewea, Lewis and Clark on the banks of the Missouri River in Great Falls I've been having so much fun off the trail; visiting with my sisters, seeing Erin, seeing my mom and eating well.   Montana is where I grew up, I got to know the state, and I have family here. Between hiking through Montana and seeing family,  it might be late fall before I get to the next state!  

Montana Historical Society in Helena A few extra days in Great Falls and a few extra days in Helena allowed me to again enjoy my favorite artist (next to Judy), Charlie Russell. Charlie Russell's painting titled "Smoke Signal" The weather forecast is for rain, wind and snow along the CDT. I'm waiting for decent weather, but Dan decided to push ahead. I'm not sure if we'll meet up again. I'll now be soloing.  The weather forecast looks promising for Monday. If so,  I'll keep hiking southbound toward Anaconda. 

I sure had fun seeing and meeting so many people during my stay in Great Falls. Erin, her dog Nelli and me On Father's Day I returned to the CDT and Erin gave me the best present; she hiked with me for a few hours before returning home. The trail was beautiful and exactly on the Continental Divide. It was very emotional for me to say goodbye to Erin. I've heard that's what the Trail does to you.  Monday night, it rained, but I stayed dry in my tent. Granite Butte Lookout We hiked close to this fire lookout, which is available to rent from the Forest Service .

Grandson Eli I'm returning to the CDT tomorrow!  Hooray! What did I do in the meantime? I spent time with family and friends. I'm now in Great Falls, Mont. helping Erin with a family-friendly bike race and walk along the Missouri River. Beyond the Dam Bike Race The bike race and walk is sponsored by Northwestern Energy, Erin's employer.  It was a very successful and fun event. I was sure happy to help out and see Erin in action. Erin will drop Dan and I  off on the continental divide at Rogers Pass and we'll hike southbound.   We'll return to the Bob later in the summer when it's hikeable.