Will we wake up on New Year’s day and realize that the crazy, chaotic, disaster-riddled mess of 2017 was all just a fever dream? I’ve definitely had my share of fever as I close out 2017 with a solid case of the flu, so maybe I’d better jot down some of what I remember before…
2016 review: disappointments exist, life is still good
Here’s the short summary of 2016 for me: many of the new things I hoped for did not pan out, yet I managed to hang on to the basic things that make for a quality life. An amazing life, in fact, when put in perspective. The perspective part is important. I don’t want to fall…
July 25 – Climbing results, final thoughts
I try climbing at Mores Mountain, then head for Ann’s parents house in Nampa.
July 24 – Stanley cafe, hot springs, Mores mountain
We eat in Stanley, swim in Idaho city, and fill up in Boise before heading upward again to Mores mountain.
July 23 – Craving movement, admiring the Sawtooth range
Our foot problems start to drive us bonkers, but extreme outdoor beauty helps.
July 22 – Cranes, Smoke, and Morgan Creek
Alien noises wake us up, we encounter heavy smoke driving along the Salmon river, and camp up a small side canyon.
July 21 – Foot evaluation and return to my 2004 pick up spot
I get a foot exam, fail to receive new footwear in the mail, and head for the endpoint of my 2004 CDT hike.
July 20 – Peregrine watching with Jack
I tag along with an ornithologist from Montana Western University to see if we can spot a Peregrine nest.
July 19 – Rest day, catch up
Off trail for the day, I review the meetings and full moon hiking that came after submerging my recorder.
July 17 – CDT East Centennial Ridge to Little Table Mountain
The trail feels remote and high, but I encounter a local with his kids, who provokes some thoughts on grizzlies. A descent causes some worrisome foot pain before the entries suddenly stop, as if I had dropped my recorder in a creek.