To Darby Day 1: Lakes

I only hiked 8.3 miles today. But I hitchhiked 11 or 12 so whatever. 

I was reluctant to return to the trail. Relaxing in the air conditioning was appealing. But I left at 12:30 and hitched to the end of the pavement. My feet couldn’t do any more pavement. 

The dirt road was lined with very large mushrooms. It was hot and sunny. The dirt road became a trail to Twin lakes and it, too, was hot and sunny. My pack felt heavy with 5 days of food. There were lots of day hikers it was Saturday and the trail is not difficult or far from Anaconda. 

Eventually the forest became thick. The trees were much larger and healthier. The forest duff underfoot was soft and springy. There were side creeks and moss on the ground. 

The trail became more narrow after the two lakes. It climbed steeple first to a boulder field and a meadow and then almost straight up to Twin Lakes Pass. On the other side of the pass thunder started brewing and I hurried to Storm Lake to try and find a campsite. It started to rain. 

Mowgli appeared as I reached the lake. There were car campers at the lake and he was disappointed. I didn’t care and started looking for a good site. I found a nice one just as it stopped raining. I could hear car engines idling, kids playing and dogs barking but I didn’t care. It’s a nice lake and I’m only 3.6 miles away from the red line and I feel I can relax here, sort of continue my Nero day. 

Update from Anaconda

 I’m leaving Anaconda today. I stayed at the Pintler Portal Hostel and was able to make a video. 

To Anaconda. Day 4 in this section: McDonald’s

I woke up early. After yesterday’s heat I wanted to maximize the coolness of the morning. I was 10 miles from McDonald’s in Anaconda. 

I slipped a note under Wallaby’s tent and headed out behind the Belgium folks who are unfriendly and insular. They soon faded into the distance. Everyone walks faster than me. 

I walked along a winding river. The mosquitoes were fierce. The morning was colder than expected. The road turned to pavement and I tried to walk in the dirt on the side. The speed limit was 70. People in cars were polite, slowing or pulling over or both. 

I walked by a correctional facility and could see men exercising in a cage. This contrasted with me exercising the kind of freedom of movement most people don’t even attempt, and I was doing it for self-actualization reasons. 

Eventually I turned on the last highway that would bring me to town. Town wasn’t where I thought it would be. I’m still not used to reading the app/map in a SOBO direction. 

My first goal was McDonald’s. They have clean bathrooms, delicious breakfast sandwiches and a place to sit. Soon lightning appeared on the horizon and rain began to fall. McDonald’s would also be dry and warm. 

I made it in time for breakfast. I turned down two offers of rides to town. Road walking this 10 miles felt like a big accomplishment. 

Mowgli had been here already for a night. Wallaby had camped with me at the trail angel. Lotus, FastCash and Mango were behind. I began wondering if I should separate from them. I cannot hike as fast but I can get up earlier and hike longer hours more steadily than them. I like their company at night but I end up alone almost all day anyway. Enduring the rain and mosquitoes seems easier knowing I’m not alone. I need to decide what to do.