CDT Montana 2016
Day 10, July 15, Friday.
Start 07-025M Just past Morrison Lake
Stop 07-249AP Bannock Pass and then hitch 15 miles south to Leadore, Idaho.
Miles: 27.3
In the morning I start early, trying to catch up with a another hiker a few miles ahead. The road continues up a broad ridge, then past a nice piped spring off the trail that I use, then Elk Mountain at 10k elevation becomes visible, with Bannock Pass beyond.
Closer…
On the approach to Elk Mountain is good built trail, with controlled slope and few switchbacks.
Rocks mixed with grasses near the summit make a pleasing pattern.
For a very special reader (you know who you are), here is a view down the mountain slope.
As the trail descends further, we can make out the dirt road going over Bannock Pass in the distance.
As I get closer, weather threatens.
Down below forest and onto grassland, rain and wind attack briefly. Finally at 4PM after walking fast and hard all day, I reach the pass.
Now comes a tricky part. I did not have cell reception to get a ride from Leadore Inn, so had to hitch, or walk the fifteen miles to town. The road was lightly traveled, maybe one car every 15 minutes. After a 30 minute wait the first vehicle going my direction offers me a ride in the back of their truck.
In town at Leadore Inn a room was not available until tomorrow, but a tent and RV site across the road
had a shower, and Sam, the hiker-friendly proprietor of the Inn offered laundry service, and best of all a good porch with fine conversation. I found DNA, arrived an hour or two earlier, already at the local restaurant. I get cleaned up and set up camp and start laundry and we both go back to The Silver Dollar for a well-earned meal.
The eatery had a stuffed bear for decoration, so we got a little silly.
