Journey Day 425 | CDT Day 88

9/10/87

Up early, quick breakfast, before resuming hike toward the prospect of Bridger Peak. Pass intersection with Wolf's route, Carl catches, passes as I climb up onto Bridger's microwave building, enjoy 360 degree views with haze, maybe from fires. Also check out Battle Lake, where as Charles Larsen said, Edison conceived of the lightbulb. Push on down from the peak, hit the road up to Battle, then to town. Carl there, we hike up to buildings, sign remains of Battle. Note from Leonard and Laurie, in town already.

Try hitch, then walking down about a mile when a wildlife researcher from Boulder, Wyo. picks us up, I ride with packs in covered flatbed. Down to post office, spot Leonard and Laurie coming up the street. First box no-show in three years on the trail. No guidebook. Eat lunch at the Oasis, then over to a museum, pack for free camp. Organize, back to town, call Gregory about pack equipment, do wash. Talk with an Okie lady who lives in the woods with her husband. Over to the Oasis for a burrito and a milk shake. Call Mom's phone machine, Way unsure of time he mailed the box, so I call back. Wayne Gregory placates and promises. Aug. 29 mail date apparently not good enough. Back again to camp, hang out a bit, pass on a $3 shower, wash in a toilet bowl.

At Encampment Cafe, enjoy excellent Mexican combo plate, pie ala mode. Over to bar, talk with local logger, write letters, talk to Novick with another beer, He sends a food box that'll get me to Steamboat Springs with left-over pack food. Talk Bears with a Chicago guy, write. Leonard, Laurie and Carl come in, drink a bit, leave. I stay as most go home, pass on the waitress. I haven't even showered. Crash...