Journey Day 362 | CDT Day 25

A frozen creek in Montana in 1987.

7/6/87

Up early, we leave our road camp in the cold and quickly find ourselves at the main road to Helena. Little traffic dampens our enthusiasm for our prospects. We put on clothes for the wait, then a car passes and picks us up almost immediately. A long-haired Montana native in an old Plymouth carries us to the campground near the post office. We hope to do laundry and shower. We wait for 8 a.m., I go for fuel, end up trading Australians touring the country fuel for tips on spots to visit. Carl comes and tells me they've been rudely rebuffed by the owners, treated as bums. I leave incensed, stare down mean lady and hike to post office in a foul mood. Only a box (no letters) worsens my mood. At least the box outlasted the 21-day deadline. Wait for Carl (who's washed) further rankles me.

But shower at local pool (Parma Hts. pool flashbacks) - after first unsettling - leaves me happily cleansed. A good meal at Gertie's diner adds to my good feeling. I hit bank, lounge and buy in bookstore before catching the gang at the library. Call Mom in unsettled state. Problems with the IRS and Washington Post detract from the call. Down street to packs at pack store, more tasks, walk toward trail. Hit laundry, store, see beauty again. Then good meal, beers, while locals play keno at Hofbrau. No German food on the menu, possibly for dinner (They did advertise Hofbrau beer). Finish laundry, walk down to gas and go where Laurie was, get lady filling up to haul us to alternate trailhead road.

At road, ready to hike. As I'm shooting HiTech promo, a truck pulls up to carry us ahead. Local electrical contractor offers his place, but I hedge, end up settling for spot where road climbs back to the Divide. Short hike to spot near creek. We pitch, talk happily of good fortune. Gather at table to cook despite fullness. Coldness convinces me to head for tent. Also very sleepy. Syonara....