Simba Hikes the CDT - Dispatch #2

The Bob Marshall Wilderness is complete. I’m sitting in a hotel room in Helena, MT while I give my body a rest from the rollercoaster ridge line I just walked. 

Although in towns I meet other hikers, on trail I see nobody. A lot of time to think and formulate ideas for the future. A lot of podcasts and music. A lot of silence. Never ending solitude.  It’s nice.

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There was a biker-rally in Lincoln, MT last weekend, so I enjoyed people watching. Leather jackets, do-rags, skull-n-crossbones patches, fast shades, American flags, fingerless gloves, and bald eagles. I’m almost sure I saw Kid Rock, but it might have been a lookalike. 

I camped for $5 in the local state park. It was worth it because of the free showers. Creepy 100-legged bugs crawling on the cement floor included. Maybe Area-51 had accidentally left their doors open..

I washed off the dirt-tan I had gathered with cheapo Suave soap other hikers had let me borrow. Mountain mist scented, I think. 

⠀Mile 292 to 360 was a rough stretch for me. There wasn’t much water, so I consistently carried 2-3 liters. It seemed like the up and downs would never stop.

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I limped into MacDonald Pass anticipating two giant, glowing yellow arches with a sign that read “BILLIONS SERVED”, but turns out the pass had nothing to do with the fast food chain. Oh well, I’m sure the ice cream machine would have been broken anyways.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀  

  This is Spacejam. Spacejam is a cool dude and a soon-to-be triple crowner. His shelter of choice is a hammock, and recently multiple times has called me a “ground muggle”.. which I’ve gotten a kick out of.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

 I’m usually not one to get blisters, but I guess my luck decided to catch up to me. Doing some R&R in Helena for a bit till I can comfortably walk again. I’ll be back to trail in no time.

The past 250 miles were mentally tough, but I made it through. It’s been some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Only more of this up ahead and I am seriously so happy!

Photo Essay below

"Glamping"

The Bob Marshall Wilderness is somewhat famous for being home to all of the "bad bears" that roam away from the busy Glacier National Park

Painted Sky

Endless ridge hiking

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