hobolog :: CDT 2009

Near Jeffrey City, WY

Ann’s parents have found the trail crossing near Crooks Gap! They’ve strung up a tarp for shade, making a little oasis for us. A hot meal and cold drink top us off. I say goodbye to Ann, and Pete and I set off again.

Quickly the terrain changes as we climb into the Crooks Mountains. There are trees, granite outcrops, wild horses, and the ubiquitous cattle. We finish with some cross country through high sagebrush to Green Mesa, where we sleep under the sky, hoping that ticks are not nocturnal.

Near Jeffrey City, WY

We encounter no ticks overnight, but in the morning they’re everywhere. We decide Green Mesa ought to be Tick Mesa.

Unexpectedly we encounter some people. Jeremy from Wheatland is out in his truck exploring Wyoming’s vast public lands. He says you can drive to Rawlins from here without hitting a fence. A rancher from Lander chats with us at an algae-filled spring, saying he talks to a lot of people on “the trail”. There were even two guys from Britain he couldn’t understand at all. Last we meet Daybreak, a southbounder who keeps us from blundering right past Wessel Spring.

We decide to do an alternate section on the Sweetwater River tomorrow, and start down Willow Creek at the end of the day. The mosquitoes here are bad enough to make us put up the tent.

Near Lander, WY

The country feels more wild as we descend Willow Creek, and the Sweetwater River canyon has a very remote feel. It’s a great change of scenery, but the uneven terrain on the banks is hard on Pete’s knee. At first we cross the river reluctantly, but soon do so whenever convenient. It’s usually only thigh deep, but fairly swift.

After lunch Pete’s knee freezes, and he has to spend ten minutes working it out before hoisting the pack. Luckily it loosens up, and we’re able to finish the river section and return to road travel through sagebrush. Our best tent option for the night is the bottom of an old ditch that looks like it hasn’t run in a long time.

Near Atlantic City, WY

It’s not far to go into South Pass City today, but there are surprises. As we approach a rise suddenly two small antelope are running full steam toward us with no sign of stopping. By the we register it it’s too late, but the antelope start and swerve away at the last second. Still processing the event, it’s soon explained when an ATV clears the rise and the rider happily tells us to have a good morning.

There’s loud gunfire as we approach town, even a cannon shot. The mill is cranking, and an two baseball teams in antique uniforms face off. We’ve hit town during Gold Rush Days, it becomes evident, the big event of the year. We tour around a bit before finding Ann in the parking lot and heading off to their campsite.

Near Lander, WY

Ann is with us again, and we meet San Gabriel in South Pass City, a northbounder headed for Lander to resupply. He hikes to the highway with us and swaps a few tales.

My breakfast is not sitting well, and gets worse through the day of navigating small backroads. By the end I only want to lie down. Ann and Pete take care of making camp in a BLM campground while I rest.

At the end of the day Ann stays back a while, and sees our first bear.

Near Boulder, WY

I’m still feel a little sick in the morning, but able to hike. On our way out of camp a Moose crossed the road in front of us.

We meet an excited trail crew on their way out, with news about some almost-finished new CDT tread to Big Sandy. We consider trying it, but opt in the end to go over Temple Pass as planned.

It’s a long slog up Little Sandy Creek to the pass, but the rock formations on the canyon walls are incredible. We finally reach the pass at the end of the day, and find a way up with only one short snow crossing. At the top we can see into the Cirque of the Towers to Pangora Peak. Combined with the intense final climb it’s enough to stop the brain cold.

There are some easier snow crossings on the descent, and we call it a day at a nice flat spot just below Miller Lake. I’m exhausted and aching.