August 6th, 2024
Mile Marker: 1150.6
Miles Hiked: 20
This morning we woke up just shy of 7 AM as we had planned to go to breakfast with Captain, Whatever, and Aster. Journey and I were rather tired though so we slept right until we had to leave.
For breakfast I had a breakfast panini sandwich with hashbrowns and after yesterday’s feast, I found myself struggling to finish the sandwich but I knew I needed the energy for today’s hike. We of course also needed a picture with this fabulous restaurant before we left town!
A little before we left the restaurant I chatted with my good friend Josh See. We were all still a little concerned about the Leeds Creek Wildfire and wanted more info before we headed out. Thankfully Josh knew exactly where to look, what information to provide me, and helpful tips so that we could make an informed decision. I am so grateful for you Josh. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Josh was even kind enough to keep an eye on the fire and make sure to let us know when we were in the clear.
After sharing info with the crew; Journey, Captain, and I went back to our hotel to pack our bags and head out. Aster and Whatever decided to zero and will meet back up with us on trail. We had decided that we would hitch down the highway and take a road to meet with the alternate that went around the fire. We were also okay to hitch all the way back up to the trail since we felt more confident to get south of the fire as quick as we could.
We rolled out and with 15 minutes got our first hitch by a lady who lives in Casper but comes to Dubois in the summers. She is a photographer and said she enjoyed picking us hikers up. When she dropped us off she asked to take our picture and we of course said yes and if we could also take one with her.
We then started down the gravel road and within 10 minutes or so caught another ride with a man headed up to Crooked Creek Resort as he is a cook there.
When he had to turn to go to work we popped out and started walking. We hiked probably 2ish miles and caught another hitch with an older couple who are retired and out exploring. They let us hop in the bed of the truck and took us the rest of the way.
Once we got high enough we had clear views of the smoke coming from the Leeds Creek Fire and watched the helicopter take gallons of water to it.
Watching the smoke roll and bundle just made me sad. Sad for the forest and sad for the animals and little critters that aren’t able to escape it.
We reached the trailhead and the couple popped out and chatted with us for a while. They were so sweet and honestly I think we could have spent a while standing there chatting. They were so generous offering us water and wanting to help.
We then started our hike and I was thrilled that we only had 16 miles to go to get to Green River Lakes Campground; Where we are to meet Tia and Grady tomorrow around 1. We were ahead of schedule but that was fine, we could use the down time.
The trail first took us over vast views and minimal trees. It was beautiful and windy so we didn’t feel too hot.
We kept a good pace and after a couple hours stopped for lunch at a creek but decided to keep it short because we could see dark clouds heading our way and we wanted to make it to camp before it poured on us.
We continued on and made it up Gunsight Pass and came into stunning views of the Winds. I mean just stunning. 🤩 As soon as we reached the top, it was like BAM! Here we are!
We then had 7 miles to descend and make it to camp. We cruised down easily and made it around 5:30.
We were excited to get to camp early and relax however, the storm was extremely close and we knew we needed to get set up fast. We walked around the campsite and didn’t really feel like we had time to explore each site so we threw down our tent and got in within minutes before the storm started pouring on us.
Rain, hail, lightning, thunder, the works. The campsite we chose wasn’t ideal either, a puddle was forming under us and we were getting a lot of splash back under the tent. Gah!
Of course the CDT wouldn’t let us have a nice beautiful evening!
When the rain subsided we decided to walk around the campsite fully and see if any other site was better, we found one that was as it had trees to shelter us from any further rain and by the time we were walking back to our tent another storm rolled through. We ran back to our tent to hide out this storm.
After this one passed, we hopped out of our tent, packed it up, and walked down the road to get to the new campsite.
We turned to our right and noticed a giant clear rainbow forming. Sometimes the storm is worth it. We tried to embrace the beauty and continue walking to our campsite to make sure no one else took it.
We were in luck too because a car was coming up behind us and once we walked in they stopped like they were going to take that spot and then continued to the next one. Whew.
Once we got set up, we made dinner and enjoyed the crazy looking clouds.
After dinner we started packing our belongings and getting ready for bed and the camper that almost took our spot and parked next to us had a couple and child who ended up walking by. They asked if we wanted a beer, we of course said yes and chatted with them for a good while.
They are very familiar with hikers and love supporting them in any way they could. We were so appreciative.
We got into our tent late but ultimately it was a good day and even with the thunderstorm mess it led to great outcomes.
Just gotta keep going.
So excited to be reunited with Tia and Grady tomorrow and take our time moving forward.
After that one beer I am so drowsy and ready for bed. 😴🥱😵
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 