CDT Montana 2016
Day 12, July 17, Sunday.
Start Leadore, Idaho and get a ride up to 07-249AP Bannock Pass
Stop 08-150M on a grassy ridge along the Divide
Miles: 16
Sam of Leadore Inn took us to Bannock Pass in early afternoon. Leadore has been very good to us. I will remember the town fondly.
DNA stripped down to boxer shorts and set a fast pace.
Apparently he hikes like this often.
We met two hikers who already completed the CDT and are returning this summer to finish some sections that they had to take alternates on before.
Hamburger and Steady were a treasury of information about the trail, apps, Sula, and more. Steady might hike the GET the same year I will.
We passed by the side of a mountain so steep it is a wonder trees can cling to it.
Southbounders Blue Sky, Johnny Rocket, and Grams stopped to talk. Rocket and I worked on a trail-building project together last year in New Mexico. And Rocket, Blue Sky, and I all hiked the AT in 2012, where they were part of Pile ‘O Dudes hiking group. Johnny and I remembered each other– I feel almost famous.
We expect a big wave of south hikers over the next days.
We are in a section of trail with warning “Next on-trail water 48.9 miles”. Th situation is not completely dire, since that sometimes means getting off the trail 0.25 miles to get to a spring. It does mean water opportunities are rare, perhaps once or twice each day, so pay attention to maps.
DNA and I camped near each other on a high grassy ridge with clumps of trees for shelter.
Tomorrow I will start early, as is my routine, and DNA will catch up and likely pass.