CDT Montana 2016
Day 32, August 6, Saturday
Start beyond 24-093XX, 9.8 trail miles inside Bob Marshall Wilderness
Stop SB-020M, mile 2.1 of western alternative trail in Bob Marshall Wilderness
Miles walked: 22.1
In the Bob Marshall Wilderness, most trail are named after the stream of water that they follow along. Typically the trail is up a hundred feet or more up the side of a mountain to even out the winding of that body of water and avoid the thick vegetation growing along banks. Here is West Fork Sun River as seen from West Fork Sun River Trail.
Today we get to experience something special, the Chinese Wall.
Behold a first look at the Wall in the distance
Closer, enjoy several shots of this sheer solid rock cliff, several stories tall.
Just as you think the Wall is going to end, the trail turns in such a way as to make more of the cliffs visible.
After several miles (!!) along the Wall, a thunderstorm downpours. Here is a view of the path while hiding under a spruce tree.
As rain diminishes, cloud vapor rises on the Wall.
Hail from the thunderstorm is extra heavy in a few spots.
A junction designates where an alternate trail splits off on a western route from the CDT, which the Ley map suggest is more straightforward and has good views.
I take the alternate, and expect to rejoin the main CDT in about a day.
Thick tall summer growth overhangs the trail, wet and cold from the storm.
Walking drenches pants, socks, and shoes.
But still, the Wall. Which makes a really fine day.