DAY 149 Heading to East Glacier day 1

SEP 8TH 2022

I was up early, but there was no movement from the other two tents.
I quietly packed up inside my tent then went to retrieve my food bag .I untied it and walked back to my tent.
I lit my stove and put water on to boil as I began to drop my tent.
When everything was packed I walked over to the log and leisurely drank my tea. It was 6.40 and still a little dark but now I could see Cross-creek beginning to drop her tent and some movement inside Google’s.
I finished my tea ,clipped my cup to my pack stuffed the rest of my gear inside and I was ready.
I marched out and began a small climb that began to meander through the forest .After an hour I reached the Chinese Wall. A huge escarpment that was over 5 miles long and as high as the clouds.

I found it mesmerising. I stood staring at it for sometime before moving on and up. After a brief climb the views of this magnificent *thing* were even better I was taking photos when Cash appeared closely followed by Cross-creek.

I set off after them but had to keep stopping to take more photographs of this amazing wonder. As I walked it seemed to follow you that was its size.

Okay enough video and photos of this spectacle I need to push on.I had several more climbs before the trail at last levelled out.

After three hours I decided to stop for a quick break and glug some water. I had just put down my pack when cross-creek appeared from the opposite direction . I looked puzzled and she laughed
See you up trail snail.
I finished my break and headed off I had 3 more miles to go until the trail junction. I had planned to take the alternate from here.
I pushed on until I something caught my eye, something black . i stopped and backed up.
Yes it was a bear sat under a tree.

My phone camera is poor at long distances and I struggled to hold the focus but I think I got a few seconds of film.
I was pleased with this.
I pushed on and immediately began to climb ,Okay next log I’ll take a break. perfect..
I dropped my pack glugged down more water and ate some snacks.
I headed off and could soon see yet another gorgeous lake. Will I get closer ?..
Yes , and soon I was standing at its edge.. I stared at it but couldn’t see any fish or signs of fish so moved on. I was soon walking around the edge of a mountain with amazing views.
Below me I could see several hikers but I didn’t recognise them so guessed they were not Cdt hikers.
I began to head down via multiple switchbacks. In the distance I could see several hikers and these guys I did know. Shredder, Google and Cash.
Where is cross creek I asked?
She’s behind you.
How? I said
Think she went to climb the wall
I didn’t know that that was a thing. But apparently it is.
We all sat there not wanting to hike on (know one knew why)
Okay see you up trail I said and set off on the Alternate.
Cash said he would come to.
We set off with the same pace and spent the whole time talking crap and was soon amazed at the miles we had covered
Supposedly there was a dead horse up ahead and we were nervous about Grizzly’s as they love a good carcass. But thankfully the rangers had been in and removed it.
Okay I needed a break so at the next water I stopped. Cash thought it a good idea too and also watered up.
As we sat filtering Shredder came by closely followed by Google. They where heading for a camp that was 4 miles away.

I checked my watch 5.30. Mmm I’m going to walk for another hour * I said .
We set off again but I didn’t have the pace as I did earlier so wished Cash well and slowed to my normal pace .
May see tomorrow or in town. I said
I plodded on stopping to film interesting sites I was miles away when cross creek appeared. We both laughed at each other.
Cash was looking for you she said
How I said he’s in front.
No she said he was waiting for you.
Oh I said as she passed me. I shouted The next flat spot is mine .
She laughed.
After about another 2 miles there was another creek to cross luckily there was a fallen tree so I was able to kept my feet dry.
Once over I could see cross creek getting water. We looked at each other and just laughed at each other again.
A few more yards ahead was my camp spot..
I soon had my tent up when Cash came by . We exchanged phone number and said see you in town.