Journey Day 391 | CDT Day 54

Scrambling to find the route in 1987.

8/6/87

Up before 6 a.m., I'm packed and out first on a hike up Hell Roaring Creek Canyon to town. Tired as I hike along the creek. Miss spot to climb up to ridge above, others end up ahead. Drag through brush slowly after the others. Back on creek, stop at spring. Milk (reconstituted from freeze-dried packet) and ramen rejuvenate. Onward up canyon to the Divide, leave Montana for the last time. Hike old jeep road up Sawtell Peak to main road. Hike without stopping down hot roadway that seems endless, leave others behind. Catch ride down final miles with broken down van carrying RVers among large number driving up as we head down. Talk as they carry us to Mack's Inn, a conglomeration of lodge, post office, etc. Get mail, no camera for Leonard. Eat half-gallon of ice cream with chocolate chip cookies as tourists mill about. Read letters, leave box for later.

Register room for Carl and me, call Eric Gallandt, he's unsure if he'll be able to make it that night. Confer with others, head to room for shower, organizing. Write letters and cards to supporters, call Mom for long talk in noisy pay phone area. When laundry cleaned by Carl's labor, don clean clothes and head over for dinner.

Back to rooms stuffed, decide on alternative route through nicer parts of Yellowstone National Park. Hit the bar for live music. Drinking pitchers with Leonard and Carl when Eric appears and we yell to each other over the music and drink drafts until closing time. More rap back at the room, pass out before rough night of liquor reactions.