Trip Report Aug 29 – Lima at Last
From Chief Joseph Pass to Lima, the CDT follows the divide for about 225 miles as it forms the Idaho/Montana border. Our friends Sandy, Kerri and Ken met us at Bannock Pass with our resupply box, so we did not need to come down off the divide for a little over two weeks. Two weeks without email, cell phone, or any real news from the outside world. Total immersion.
In the lake basins near Homer Young’s Peak we came across carpets of wildflowers as thick and vividly colorful as any we have seen anywhere.
Sandy joined us for the 100+ mile section from Bannock Pass to Lima, a roller coaster ride along the steep serrated ridgeline making up the divide. Sandy was a fresh set of eyes through which to experience the trail, adding a lot of fun to the hike. Most of this section was grassland, with wide open spaces and views all the way to forever. Dramatic panoramas.
The downside of grasslands are cows, and grasslands that are mostly above 8,000 feet are the home range of that particular species, bovinus alpinus.
We came across a magnificent herd of elk in (place name deleted) basin/drainage. There were maybe 75 to 100 cows, calves and a few small spiked bulls. We were downwind and at a low point between hills, so we were able to watch them unnoticed for quite some time. As we continued on the trail we came closer and crossed a small rise. Several elk became nervous and started to tighten up their herd formation. Soon we spooked one of the elk cows. As she ran the rest followed and all hundred or so elk flowed together and moved uphill into the woods. Within minutes, or less, there was not sign of elk save for the occasional cow whistling as she tries to find her calves.
Other highights were too many to include everything here, you can read more on the daily journals.
It was wonderfull being out there for so long. But after two weeks on the crest we were ready for the delights of a town stop – beer, burgers, showers and laundry. We were ready for Lima at last. We celebrated our arrival and wished Sandy well as he returned home. Saturday, we’ll be back on the trail and heading for Yellowstone
About 800 miles down and 500 to go…..we’re getting there…..
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