Journey Day 417 | CDT Day 80

The Great Divide Basin, Wyoming, 1987.

9/2/87

Quasi-wild horses bother me by grazing near my head all night, making for fitful sleeping. Up early, we hike down to Muddy Gap through sagebrush. Others get ahead. I end up wading through a dung ditch known as Willow Creek, working through a heavy willow thicket up to a gate, down Route 289 to a gas station, run by Chuck . Eat too much, sit at a table in the shade. Eat more, talk with Chuck, who eventually shows us a quick route through the basin. Three hours pass as we talk with two guy duos interested in the trip. Eventually hike back out toward Ferris Mountain as the heat of the day is peaking. Pass Whiskey Gap, site of the first prohibition raid, not much but sagebrush and red dirt ridges, antelope and cattle.

Hot walking, progess seems slow. Breaks, stagger style up Buck Canyon. Ascend ridge, miss right spot, others take break under a tree. I go on, eventually sort it out, pass goats, then descend to Indian Creek, by some aspens. Pass correct turn, take a break in shade, munch pbj sandwiches.

On down, back on trail, right side of creek, antelope about as I descend, through high grass, grey buttes to Raymond's ranch. Knock, no answer, dogs barking madly. So on down the road. Stop at a small pond to wet my bandana. Walking road, notice people heading back toward a house. Ahead shortly, meet Mr. Raymond driving one of two hay trucks. He okays creek water for drinking, not much else to say.

Down to 2.5 mile mark, take long dinner break under willows along a creek named for Red Newman. Others appear as I'm finishing. Talk of options, I'm set on getting close to the Larsen place, a spring, that night. They cook up pudding. So I hike away - some tension. Nice hiking, see antelope, deer, as night falls. Under stars again, eat some gorp before dozing. Hear others coming up, awaken as they pitch. About 1:15 a.m., Carl's up for a bathroom break. I misunderstand and get up to start the day. Leonard sets me straight.