WalkingCarrot

We got up just before the sun to get an early start. We have a bit over 17 miles to do to get to town. The trail kept close to the narrow crest the whole way, with distant views to either side. Mountains dominate the Montana landscape, while on the Idaho side we gaze upon the flat Snake River plain and distant dormant volcanos. By noon we can see trucks rolling along the interstate highway and at lunch we can make out the junk heap (literally) that is Monida. We have Lima MT in our crosshairs.

With burgers in mind, and in the mind’s eye, and beer on the brain, we keep a quick pace. The roller coaster ride continues and gives us almost 2,000 ft of vertical in the morning, but becomes an incessant drop in the afternoon. On the last 6 miles of gravel road we move along leaving a cloud of dust.

We pass the junkyard looking like a post-apocalyptic vision, having more brick-a-brack than just old cars. From the payphone in Monida, where not a soul is stirring, we call the Mountain View motel in Lima and shortly the very hiker friendly owner, Mike, arrives to whisk us away to town.

Sandy, the Carrot and I enjoy an evening of grill-your-own-meat at Pete’s, a few beers and relive the wonderful memories of the last week.

Miles 17.2