East Glacier Zero

CDT Montana 2016

Day 37, August 11, Thursday

Start near Glacier Park border at town of East Glacier, Brownies Hostel

Stop Brownies Hostel

Trail miles walked: ZERO

The main task today is to take a shuttle to the ranger station at Two Medicine, one “town” over, and get a backcountry permit.

The shuttle leaves at the lodge.

I decide to take the earliest shuttle at 8:15AM. The shuttle web site said one could not make a reservation less than 24 hours ahead, but the front office staff at the lodge got me signed up, no problem. The driver said I could take an earlier return shuttle as a walk-on if I ready early.

While waiting for the shuttle, the lodge has an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) breakfast buffet at very reasonable price, perfect for hikers.

Two Medicine is quite beautiful, and I will be hiking here tomorrow.

The ranger at the station could not be nicer.

The system that the Park Service uses is that you have to reserve particular back-country campsites in advance, and keep to the schedule, no matter the weather or circumstances. In spite of this being a busy season with most campsites already reserved, she was able to work with me to find a reasonable schedule. One or two days had to be low mileage because of site availability, but I am pleased with the overall plan.

Now to get food ready for the trip tomorrow…

[finished audiobook The Heavenfield, Book 1, by Ian G Hulme]


Author: Jim, Sagebrush

Jim (trail-name Sagebrush) codes audio software for Windows, Linux, Android, and embedded systems. When not working at sagebrush.com, he enjoys backpacking, which this blog is about.