Journey Day 370 | CDT Day 33

Hiking amidst the Anaconda Mountains in 1987.

7/14/87

Carl gets us up. So I pack, head to the post office, but it's not open, so I write, get materials organized. Get it together to a point before getting breakfast. Big omelet with chili, as sixsome all chew at Peppermint Patty's.

Bank, birthday card for Mom, after she reminds me during our talk. More post office, meet others at library to write. That done, back for final post office, then supermarket run. Ed leaves Liz, Carl and me at Mule Cabins, but not my money, etc.

But I stay as mellow as possible, read in the shade from picnic table top until the rest arrive, thanks to Dave, a retired postman from Anaconda.

Dave, playing Souza marches, drives me back, while telling me of his life and the history of Anaconda. He's 70, blessed by good health. Stuff there at the truck, so we head back out. I'm relieved. Regrettably I leave Dave and his fountain of knowledge. Head across field, over ridge, to Grassy Mountain. Hot steady climb with good views to the Anacondas, down into the valley.

Hike to lookout tower road, see others ahead, switch film, photos, then on. No real break, enjoying solo hike down to saddle.

Follow road turn to vague trail continuing down Mill Creek. Seems long, tricky rock and mud hopping. Eventually find Mill Creek, find others and we camp, talk, eat, crash. It's nearly 10 p.m. and dark as I finish.