Journey Day 338 | CDT Day 1
Border Monument, Waterton Lake, Contintental Divide Trail.
6/12/87
Today I began what may become the greatest challenge of my hiking life. After a two-hour wait for a ferry unable to drop us off, The Across the Roof of America Expedition began its hike of the concept known as the Continental Divide Trail.
About 3 p.m. we took photos, then strolled through Waterton, Alberta, in search of the trailhead. After a couple false starts, we found it and hiked up onto the ridge along the west side of Waterton Lake. Almost immediately we saw a small herd of bighorn sheep equally inquisitive about us. There were great views and we were all excited after the six-day journey (for me) bringing us to the trailhead.
The trail stayed about midway up the ridge, with frequent excellent views of the range across the lake. The mountains were amazing in their naked, granitic grandeur. I led the way, Leonard and Laurie Adkins of Va./W.Va., and Carl Ownby of Ark., following. We took several breaks as early hike conditioning problems stalled our progress. The trail took us down to the lake (nice break spot), then back up steeply, then back down, usually in pine forest.
We took a photo break at the international border, where there was a marker like the one at the border on the PCT. One more climb, then mostly flat walking, near or on the lake shore. It was a beautiful spot.
Continental Divide Trail in Glacier National Park, 1987.
Growing very tired, we headed to the Ranger Station at Goat Haunt, met, discussed trail plans with the ranger whose nine summers at this locale prepared him better than the visitor-center woman. We set up camp after he turned on the toilet's water. We set up in individual cubby holes and cooked. Ate, rested tired legs and sore feet. Bear bagged on set-up pole, tying around tree on ranger's advice.
Writing from lake shore next to boat launch, complete with powerboat. Very sleepy, but...
Will Carl get himself together?
Will our group remain harmonious?
Will the high trails through Glacier be passable?
It is very good to be back!
