Day 17: “Peanuts! Get Your Peanuts!”

July 1st, 2024

Mile Marker: 309.4

Miles Hiked: 20

We slept in this morning and grabbed breakfast around 8 AM. I have decided I am going to try a cinnamon roll in every town if they have it; similar to what I did on the AT.

This cinnamon roll was massive and tasty but Augusta still had them beat.

Around 9 Robot went to the post office to get his resupply and Journey and I went to pack our bags.

I was feeling pretty unenthusiastic to head out today. Aunt flow had arrived yesterday and I was just tired. However, I also didn’t feel like zeroing just yet and I knew the boys wanted to get out so that we did.

We started hitching after 11 AM and didn’t have much luck for the first 15 minutes or so.

Then a man in a pickup truck hauling a trailer pulled over and said he could take us. He also popped out as he said we could put our stuff in the back and picked up his rifle and looked at us, as if to say, no funny business.

After we got into his truck he asked “Ya’ll ain’t gonna mug me are you?” and we laughed and said no and that we were so thankful he pulled over as we are doing the CDT.

He originally said he could take us until he had to turn, but after a few minutes of chatting he seemed to be more friendly. He then claimed he could take us all the way and would just turn around to go back to his destination.

He was from the Helena area and was mowing out at his family cabin in Lincoln. He was very curious about our hikes and where we were from and warned us of grizzlies and to take care. When we got out he shook the men’s hands and wished us well.

I ended up not asking for a picture since I didn’t want him to feel weird. We then headed out for the day. We started with a 13 mile water carry and I had 5ish extra pounds of water. Sheeeeshhhh. Still not used to all the weight.

We had a first big climb then stayed up on the ridge again for majority of the day.

We knew rain was coming around 2 PM and we watched as the clouds came from off in the distance until it was right over us.

The rain came through fast and the wind even faster, the raindrops were like pellets to the face. All I kept thinking was rude rude rude.

I was wide stance walking to keep from toppling over and was so thankful that after about 20 minutes it passed on.

We all let out hollers during it to make sure a bear could still hear in the wind and for me to get a little of that frustration out. 😁

Today was enjoyable. We spent a good amount of time coming up with different things to yell to alert the bears. My favorite was acting like vendors at a baseball game; “Peanuts! Get your Peanuts!”, “Iced Cold Beverage!”, “Pepsi!” All taking turns and laughing as we followed along with each other.

After we got to a spring 13 miles in, we decided to go 5 or 6 more miles to a camp spot. Most camp areas are not marked on our map like the other trails so we just have to wing it. We loaded up again since we will be dry camping (no water at camp) and will have 5 miles to the next spot.

We went through a stretch of trail with some blown down trees but went over them with ease, not really minding, it was just part of the trail.

My quad started flaring up today, not sure what it’s about but feel a little concerned about it, especially since we have a big day tomorrow.

I thought about my grandma today. We talked on the phone last night and she had encouraging words for me and we shared some laughs. Sometimes I wonder if she knows how much she means to me, if she knows how much her encouragement and support means to me. With all my family and friends back home who cheer me on, it makes me feel strong even when I may not believe in myself. Hiking in the storm that passed through I kept thinking about being strong for them. Knowing that she and they are out there thinking of me makes me charge forward with purpose.

I wish everyone could feel that type of love and support.

We found a flat spot to camp and Journey and Robot knocked down some dead trees to make sure they didn’t fall on us during the night in the wind. Quite hilarious watching them.

Hoping for some solid sleep.💗

Iz and Oz