WalkingCarrot

It’s been a little over 3 weeks and we have covered about 300 miles so far on our hike. Very diverse country, this Continental Divide. From “Marquee” Wilderness areas such as the Bob Marshall/Scapegoat complex to lower lying ares given over to grazing, logging and mining, the CDT covers it all. As it must, if it is to cross the mountains and mid-sections of the American West.

Of course, the wilderness areas are more renowned and generally much more interesting. More wildlife, more dramatic scenery; but more hikers and horsepackers too.

The Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, Great Bear Wilderness Complex is one ofthe largest and most intact Wilderness ecosystems in the “lower 48”. Truly wild country. If you aren’t familiar with it, read the daily journals from July 10 to 21.

I am proud that our American heritage has included the vision to preserve such places. For 160 miles, from Highway 2 at Marias Pass to Hwy 200 at Rogers Pass, the CDT does not cross any paved roads. This is wild country!

I am also proud to be part of a “movement” of people dedicated to identifying and working to preserve such Wilderness experiences on any commensurable scale. Here is my shameless “plug” for my own “pet” wilderness project, the Scotchman Peaks – go to www.scotchmanpeaks.org

Back to the “Bob/Scapegoat” – there is a clear dividing line – leaving the Dearborn river in the Scapegoat Wilderness we climbed along Blacktail Creek’s Valley to a saddle on the crest and the landscape changed dramatically. Since then we have been walking on, or very near the crest of the actual divide.

While we have no longer had wet feet, we have also had very few water sources. The change from a valley walk to a ridge crest walk has mixed blessings. Among the surprises is the frequent steep climbs the trail takes, even as the general terrain becomes much more of a gentle, rolling, countryside. The CDT remains a challange.

Helena is spread out, as trail towns go. We are lucky to have friends here – John Gatchell and his family, Tamara, Lee, and Jaya. They have treated us with exemplary hospitality, setting a high standard for trail towns to come, fom local swimming holes to Elk barbecued in several way, to the loan of a van to run errands and a friend who cuts hair, we were not lacking for anything we needed or wanted. What more is there to life besides good friends, good food, good fun and good wine?