Pat & Dan's Continental Divide Adventure

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. 

The mountains of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado have so much snow the CDT is possible only with snowshoes and winter equipment. Most hikers are making alternative plans. We've decided to 'flip flop.' Judy picked us up at Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico, and after two days in Golden, we will drive to Lander, Wyo. and hike the CDT southbound.   The trail crosses The Great Basin. It's rather flat and not much snow. Pat and Eli It was sure nice to see family in Golden. Erin was in town to run the Bolder Boulder with Emily. Grandson Eli has grown and seeing the Edwards at Woody's and Erika at Cozy Cottage for breakfast was a treat. And of course, spending time with Judy was so nice. 

Mile 666!  Add in additional miles of longer alternate trails,  I've hiked over 700 miles! A couple of challenging days hiking and camping in two-three feet of snow.  Chama River running high. Thankfully, the CDT crosses the Chama at a bridge. Hiking through another Wilderness Area

Here are two trail pictures. First picture: The CDT leads to the top of a mountain that has a dramatic view looking north. Second picture:  Dan pointing to the point where I took the first picture the previous day.