Thursday, August 27, 2009

Dry, Warm in the Great Basin

I just walked into Rawlins, Wyoming, where I am staying at the 1st Choice Inn.  The last day and a half has had abundant sunshine, and it's been arid and dry.  However, the first three days through the Red Desert were mild, and afternoon thunder showers frequently chased me.  I survived it all.

The group I am hiking with managed 30-miles a day through the desert.  I have read that one is to "hike 30's and get the desert over with,"  but I have to say that I was very impressed with the abundant wildlife in the Great Basin of Wyoming.  Coyotes, wild horses, antelope, horned lizards, and a badger were among the many animals I saw roaming the desert.  I saw a lot of cows roaming the desert too, fouling water sources that are unfortunately not protected by fencing.  The BLM has erected fences around some very important springs, but one day I had to drink some nasty cow-ass water over a twenty mile stretch.  Despite treating the water with Aqua Mira and flavoring it with Crystal Light, I gagged down the water and stayed hydrated - miraculously.

A couple highlights from the stretch: Visiting South Pass City, which is an old mining camp town that Butch Cassidy used to frequent.  I was amazed to know that in this small mining town, there were three saloons for cards and drinking.  I guess there was not much to do in Wyoming back in the late 1800's.  The other highlight was a drive-by visit from a guy named Bob, who shared cold PBRs with the group, and who claimed he had lost a half a million dollars worth of guns, ammo, and fireworks confiscated by the feds who raided his ranch a few years ago.  Apparently, he spent time in Leavenworth until 1971, and he has not been able to catch a break from the law since that time.  Hmmmmm...

I am leaving Rawlins tomorrow, and my next stop will be in Encampment, Wyoming for a quick resupply (I have been told that Encampment is not the place to spend time).  After that, I will continue my hike into Colorado, and I think I will cross the border on the 31st or 1st of September.  I will take my next zero day in Steamboat Springs.  Wow!  I cannot believe that I am almost in Colorado.  Hike on!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

I Flourished in the Wind River Range

I am in Lander, Wyoming, resting up from an eight day, 146-mile stretch through the Gros Ventre and Wind River Ranges - it was awesome!  You can read about the day where I thought I was going to die climbing Lava Mountain, or look at my potentially award winning photo in the Winds.  Sometimes there are great risks out here on the trail, but the rewards (i.e. stunning views) are worth it.

I am taking the day off here in Lander, where I will re-supply, catch a movie at the theater, and simply enjoy being in a new town.  On Sunday, I will get back on the trail, and I will begin my hike through the Great Basin in southern Wyoming.  This is the well-known desert area along the Continental Divide Trail, which has long, water-less stretches and blistering temperatures.  I plan to power through it, hiking 30-mile days, so I should be in Rawlins by Thursday.

It is looking like I will enter Colorado by the 31st of this month, which should put me on track to hike through the San Juans in southern Colorado before the snowstorms hit in late September - early October.  At least I will keep my fingers crossed that there will be an Indian summer down there.  Who knows?

All I can say is that I am having a great time out here, and I am thriving on this harsh, but beautiful Continental Divide Trail.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Food Poisoning, Beat Up Body, But Hey, It's Worth It!

Hello Everyone!  I am in Dubois, WY, and I am doing well, in spite of what I titled this blog entry.  Yes, I think I suffered food poisoning somewhere in Yellowstone.  I am not sure where I got it, but I managed to hike 60-miles, despite feeling like poop.  You can read more about it on my trail journal entry here.

I got to Dubois, and the first thing I did was lay down.  My legs are trashed.  I've been hiking for 11-days straight, and I really prefer a sabbath in there after 7-days, so I am hoping that will happen after my next stretch through the Wind River Range.

I am still having the time of my life.  The pace of the hike is comfortable, and I am surrounded by a bunch of great people.  Everyone said that I will get lost on this trail, but I am here to say that I have not been lost.  On this trail, I am finding myself.  I love being outside, and I enjoy being in the wilderness.  It has its moments, but do we not experience moments in the real world too? 

Sometimes I feel like I have died and gone to heaven, and I pray for many moments not to end.  So I will continue to enjoy "paradise," and I will be sure to proclaim how great it is.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Yellowstone Just Around the Corner!

I am totally loving this CDT hike!  Yes, there have been a lot of bugs, grueling climbs, lack of water, and did I mention bugs?  Oh yeah, I did.  Anyway, I am very close to the Wyoming border and Yellowstone National Park, and I am looking forward to the change of states.  Montana-Idaho has been adventurous and remote, but I am looking forward to some easier walking - at least I have heard that the hiking there is easier.  I have just updated my trail journal, and I am now about to load some new videos on my You Tube channel.  I will try and thrrow some pictures on my flickr site, but I may run out of time.  I will make additional updates when I arrive in Dubois, Wyoming, but that will be in about 10-11-days.  I might be able to make some updates in Olf Faithful Village, but I am not counting on it.