Day 206

Day 206 (cdt 33): 30 miles

My man Evan dropped me off at chief mountain trailhead this morning at the Canadian border. It was a little less photogenic than the normal terminus but I think the logistics for that one would’ve been a nightmare with the border closure so I took this alternate.

I got on the trail around 8 and began my joinery on the CDT to get back to Monarch Pass in Colorado where I ended in April. Right off the bat today I was making a lot more noise than usual. The best way to deal with a grizzly bear is by not having to deal with one in the first place so making frequent noise is key. I apologize for those that hear me randomly singing (in perfect harmony) or yelling random movie quotes but I’d rather not deal with a grizzly.

The smoke wasn’t too bad today but everything of in the distance was a little hazy. I don’t even think I’m close to a fire right now so I presume it will get worse. My body didn’t feel great today. I think it’s adjusting to my granite gear pack again. My abs are more sore than usual and my upper back is super tight. Walkin it off should work

It ended up being a 30 mile day cause one of the trails was closed that would’ve made it shorter because of high bear activity. It was a pretty scenic day finished off with a road walk to many glacier camp, a large campsite in the park for mostly NARPs. They had to “overbook” me here but there’s room around me for at least 8 tents. Thru hikers will sleep in a ditch if necessary. But it is nice to have a toilet with running water and bear boxes.

The most scenic part of the day was red gap pass. I came up out of rolling hills of golden grass to red rocks that totally stood out from the surrounding landscape.

I met res dog not far from the terminus. He was finishing up his NOBO thru hike. I’m guessing he might be the first one cause it’s still pretty damn early for the CDT. He told me that the bubble of SOBOs is around 400 miles ahead. I just wanna let y’all know, I’m coming for ya.

Song of the day: say my name-odezsa