July 30th, 2024
Mile Marker: Mack’s Inn Alternate
Miles Hiked: 0
Sleeping in feels hard to do, even when in town. Journey and I woke up before 7 AM and went down to the hotel breakfast. I was shocked to see so many people awake and in the room. The last few towns hardly had any people so this was a new vibe and I know Yellowstone will be even worse!
After a healthy amount of breakfast food, I called Yellowstone to try and get a permit for the next couple days. I felt nervous as we had heard other people struggling to get the campsites they wanted and having to stay extra days here.
Journey and I didn’t have the time to spend extra days here so we had our fingers crossed.
I ended up talking with a ranger for a while and we found backcountry campsites that were a bit off the CDT but not more than a mile. We could definitely do that especially since the terrain is pretty flat through Yellowstone. This will give us extra time to look around and see things. I was so stoked that this worked out!
Then shortly after I got a call from USPS in Island Park. The person announced that my shoes arrived at the post office but that REI had recalled them so he had the shoes labeled to go back. I immediately asked him to keep the box and not send them back so I can call REI to try and sort it all out. Thankfully he was very friendly and willing to wait.
I then called REI and they were able to cancel the recall so I could get the shoes and gave me 20% off the new shoes ordered to Tias. I figured I’d keep those because later I would need them.
I was so excited, this day was working out way better than I thought.
We ended up having Nate give us a ride down to the post office. I was so happy to see Chuck (Nate’s dog) again. Journey was able to feel the love from him this time as they became quick cuddle buddies.
Additionally while we were out I checked the gas station and thankfully found a small travel size contact solution bottle as well. Score!
The past 3 towns have been so small that I couldn’t find any small travel size contact solution bottle so I have been skimping on emptying out my case and washing my contacts. I’m so relieved to have a new bottle! The little things.
We then relaxed in the hotel room and met up with Aleka and Karma for lunch at Subway. Those two are also on our permit so it’ll be fun to be hiking along with them these next couple of days!
It’s been a very low key relaxing day. Just what we all wanted. We even turned on the Olympics for a while which is always enjoyable.
The nearby restaurant was closed so Journey and I ate at Subway again and then got in the hot tub for the last time. It was nice to have a good soak for our tired legs.
Much ready for sleep before an early morning tomorrow!
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 