Sagebrush personal hiking blog
CDT Montana 2016
Day 31, August 5, Friday
Start near 23-455M along Straight Creek, 12.9 miles from Benchmark Trailhead
Stop beyond 24-093XX, 9.8 trail miles inside Bob Marshall Wilderness
Miles on CDT: 22.7
The trail continues along Straight Creek for a bit.
An alternate trail to Benchmark continues along Straight, and, looking back, that should have been my route.
Instead we zig-zag up a different path. Rock bluffs look down on the trail.
CDT Montana 2016
Day 30, August 4, Thursday
Start 23-186WT lake
Stop near 23-455M along Straight Creek, 12.9 miles from Benchmark Trailhead
Miles walked: 27.1
After climbing up from the dry lake, the path continues on high ridgeline with vistas.
Readers back east might not understand the extent of changes to the forest due to beetle kill or fire. In this photo all mature trees dead, including the background mountain. All mature trees gone.
Just think what that does to habitat for deer, bear, and other wildlife.
Now we take a break from high ridges as we parallel the Dearborn River for several miles.
Rocky bluffs can be admired while walking the river section.
Departing Dearborn River, the path follows Welcome Creek, jumps over Straght Creek Pass, and then follows Straight Creek for miles. More rock bluffs can be enjoyed on the trail.
I ended up camping in a burn area along Straight Creek, being careful not to pitch the tent near any tall dead trees still standing.
Met southbounder Legend today.
CDT Montana 2016
Day 29, August 3, Wednesday
Start hitch from Lincoln to Rogers Pass 22-249AP
Stop 23-186WT at unnamed lake
Miles walked: 18.6
After breakfast, saw southbounder Red Bass, preparing to hitchhike.
After checking out of motel, went to north end of town and started to hitch. From Sula, I had learned not to hitch early in the morning, because the angle of the sun is too low for motorists to be able to read my sign, “Hiker to Trail”.
A trail angel picked me up after just returning from binging Red Bass to the pass. This angel was staying at the campgrounds north of Lincoln, waiting for his nephew, a southbounder, to arrive.
Beyond Rogers Pass, more exposed high ridges make for inspirational walking.
Several dark clouds are forming overhead, but no indications of rain. The temperature is quite low compared to recent days
At Cadotte Pass, cold high winds batter this poor hiker. Two small buildings are on the pass.
Despite the wind and cold, vistas are magnificent.
The trail goes past Lewis and Clark Pass, with history notes.
We stay high (and cold) most of the day, with tantalizing rocky mountains nearby.
My planned water source for the evening, a good-sized lake, was completely dry.
But I had enough water left over from earlier for second dinner. Hope to find more water, and warmth, tomorrow.