DAY 161 To the Finish….Canada

/ snailtrainers Adventures / 2 Comments

Sep 20th

Oh my god what a storm last night it started at  4pm I  took extra ibuprofen PM  to knock me out as I didn’t want to see my tent destroyed…. I also switched off my alarm to save battery. The storm raged  for hours until I fell asleep.

Hello Hello are you okay in there came a voice.
It took me a while to register what was happening.
We saw your tent but didn’t see you last night are you okay ?
Yes I am okay,what’s the time?
It’s  just gone 8.30!!
F*CK, F*CK,  I said to my self.
It can not be that late as its still dark outside !
It was dark as my tent had been covered in SNOW…Deep snow.
F*CK  ITS SNOW….LOTS OF SNOW.

When I opened up.my tent…………….
Wow I hadn’t expected this  I quickly got dressed and ventured out  omg  it’s snow..my brain was struggling to comprehend  the situation.
I went to get my bear bag and it was frozen on the pole so took me a while to get it down.
I packed up in a sort of daze.. I wasn’t ready for this my brain was panicking.
The wind was freezing so I didn’t bother with tea I  just knew I needed to get out of here.
and by now my hands were freezing so doing anything with them wasn’t going to happen.
I had all my layers before forcing my hands into my gloves, it was so far too cold without them on.
Okay I am out of here.
The trail was easy to  follow…as I just followed the footsteps.
I pushed on trying to keep warm as the wind was cutting and I was out in the open, after several hours I began to drop down into a forest. I saw other hikers coming south so stood aside then I noticed it was Mud bath and another female hiker but couldnt remeber her name

Hiya snail 
Hey man congratulations. 
He suggested that i push onto the finish. 
Okay I will (depending on terrain)
The I met another finisher  heading back  he warned me of  the overgrown trail ahead. 
I thanked him and pushed on 
As I continued  heading down the sun appeared and the snow vanished so I need to stop  and  remove my puffy but not yet.
I began to hear  some weird  sounds, I wasn’t sure if it was a bear growl until I realised it was an engine.  It was actually a Brush cutter and there were 4 guys cutting back the trail.
Wow great job guys I said and carried  on  but  soon had to stop to take off my puffy.
My pack seemed heavier today but its got a wet tent and wet bear bag in side and maybe its thee way I packed this morning (In a hurry)

The day was now gorgeous. Clear blue skies but the trail was overgrown and so I was having to push through the foliage. Grrr.
Some was easy other parts just sap my strength and there is always a hidden rock to throw you to the ground .
But I was getting nearer and nearer omg  I’m almost finished.

I pushed on the trail suddenly becoming wide and clear… a tell tale sign of civilisation.. and I could see buildings and a huge lake. I had arrived at Waterton lake and  there was a trash can. So I dumped my  trash, I was just checking on what direction I was to head when Gargoyle  appeared 

Hi I haven’t seen you  since Leadore
God when did I last see you?
Think it was in the  helia.. no Leadore
Wow that long ago…
He was waiting for friends to catch up..
I just had  4 miles to go…

I sped off,  typically as you approach the finish line the trail is awful, overgrown  and with roots to trip you up and make you fail. But I was near.. and getting more and more excited…
3 Miles to go, 2 Miles to go , 1Mile  to  go 

Omg  I’m here The monument..

. Its done.

Gargoyles wife and mum were here also two day hikers who were amazed at my journey.
Gargoyles wife Space pants  took photos and  watched me celebrate with a bottle of champagne that I had carried since Helena. 

Omg  it’s  done..

I waited for Gargoyle and  his team to arrive then celebrated with them .
Okay I’m done  now off to Canada.. 

It’s another 4 miles but god I’m so so happy  ..as I climbed my last hill I could see Waterton in the distance my destination.
I began to descend, and then I’m.in the parking lot.
The two guys who had witnessed my finish were here and so offered to drive me to the local hotel.
They offered to wait but I waved them away (mistake)
There was no vacancies..F*ck that  wasn’t  the plan
They suggested a hotel up the street, so I plodded on..
Yes they had room so I booked in for two nights. I’m in the “Romantic” suite  looks really nice …expensive but  I deserve  it.

Once settled in washed  and brushed I headed out for dinner for my celebratory meal.
I had a margarita to start , A great margarita 
I had Crab cakes to start followed by Prawn and lobster linguine 

Shall I have desert hell yeah lol oh and maybe a Drambuie?

Okay  that’s me  done

I am going to chill tomorrow then hitch to Calgary  for a few days before flying home to the 🇬🇧 

Mileage 18 whoop finished.

DAY 160 Glacier Park day 6

/ snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

SEP 19TH

I woke up to rain …perfect I thought. So snoozed the alarm and again. Around 7 am the rain seemed to have stopped so I made a break for the bathroom and then collected my food bag on the way back.
I quickly began to pack up as water boiled. Hot chocolate this morning.
Okay I was ready and its not quite 8 am, not  bad. I hoisted up my pack and  headed back to the trail which was almost a 1/2 mile
Okay  I’m back on trail  and in full wet gear as the rain is continuing to fall so not much filming today and as the clouds are so low you can’t see anything either. 
I pushed on as the trail seemed fairly level  but it wasn’t long until I was climbing. The plants on the climbs were covering the trail and so my feet were soon soggy ..arrrrrhhhh. 

I was to spent the afternoon climbing along the sides of mountains. I really like this  type of  section as normally you get to see so much , but not today although I hoped that the sun might break through so i could at least dry my tent , as its soaked making my pack heavier.

There looked little chance of that happening as I  crawled up one side of  a mountain crossed over to another and crawled up that one too. Again nothing to see  as I crossed the saddle and then headed straight down, although this time through thick woods.
Once through I was back to climbing again, climbing up the next mountain side.
I was busy  singing * when i ran into a group of  day hikers headed in  the opposite direction.
I apologised for my singing and they laughed as I passed by.
I was then back to climbing, then from nowhere another CDT hiker appeared he must be shifting if  he had come from “Many Glacier”  . He was soon past me and out of sight…wow  he is shifting…..impressed.

As I climbed yet another mountain I was beginning to tire, so began to look for a decent spot to take a break. I dropped my pack and made soup hopefully that will warm me up as I was freezing. Well my hands are.
As I sat, two more hikers came by “Mutant and Dragon who I hadn’t seen before,both were pushing on to Waterton ,my stop for tomorrow.
Then the group of day hikers appeared who had camped at the same spot as me yesterday. They were fairly chatty and impressed with my hike.

Okay miles to do although I didn’t have a lot further to go today , maybe 3 miles ?
Once again I was climbing up long sections across the face of mountains and the sun was desperately trying to come out.

A long way ahead in the distance I could see the day hikers. I always like a target to chase, so increased my pace.
I eventually caught them as they had stopped for dinner. I think they were doing 20 miles and so were also heading to Waterton.

I wished them well before I started the long decent down into the valley, not far to camp now I thought. 
As I headed down the sun did indeed appear  and I was soon over heating…but not too far to go. I soon spotted the food hang  Great  I’m here. I checked out several of the tent spots and choose one.
I undid my tent roll and took out the soaking  fly and laid it open on some grass. Sun do you job  I said and assembled the rest of my tent. Inflated my pad then went for water.
The sun soon dried my tent and i was able to put my fly over my tent ,Okay food.
Lunch time..I grabbed my food sack  water and stove and headed for the food prep area. I threw up my rope then began to cook..tea  first then a double ramen with chicken and bacon

I was just finishing up when a hiker came past  that I recognised , It  was one of the Canadian French boys. 

Hey  I shouted.
Snail he replied….and came over.
God I can’t remember when we last saw each other.then his hiking partner appeared.
God  great to see you guys.
We chatted for a few minutes then they  headed out
Okay  dinner eaten I packed up hoisted up my bag and headed to the pit toilet oh my this just made me smile.It didn’t have a surround so I guess you just sing .Sing loud

I just got inside my tent when the rain returned followed by very loud  claps of thunder….VERY LOUD. 
Then the wind arrived a very scary brutal wind. I was concerned that my tent may get ripped. So I did the only thing i could and that was to take 4 Ibuprofen PM. Hopefully these will knock me out ..I also foolishly canceled my alarm *

MILEAGE  12  

DAY 159 Glacier Park day 5

/ snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

Sep 18th

I was in no hurry to get up as I only had 8 miles to do .
My alarm sounded at 7am and I silenced it and dozed.
I began to hear the heard of other hikers  packing up,chatting, wishing every one well and good luck begore heading out.
At 8am I heard the distinctive roar of Gourmets stove and decided to get up as I needed the loo.
Gourmet  and Swiss Chris were packing up as i returned from the bathroom .
Those two are going to do a 30 miler today  mad  people!!.

I’d like to do more than my 8 miles or do I??
I sat at the picnic bench and boiled water for tea. Franzia came over to dump her spare food so I took a few  meals as I was low also Detour  gave me some spare food also, so I probably have too much but better than too little. 
After breakfast I was just about to start packing up when one of the Park Rangers strolled over  to our campsite there was a noise complaint  last night and she thought it may be us.
I pointed out that as hikers we were all in bed by10 am  then pointed to my left and said well there was at lot of noise coming  from over there somewhere and until quite late.
OKAY  she said and headed that way.

I continued with my packing as other CDT hikers came over to say good buy and wish  me and the others good luck and congratulations 
Wow its only 30 miles to go. Whoop.
Okay I am ready. I headed out but wanted to put my used gas canister in the recycling bin.
The ranger was standing nearby so I asked if she had found the noisy ones ??
Yes Sir, they had been found and finned !! Youngsters under18 and drinking …….Oh Dear.
I headed out through the campsite and rejoined the trail. It was a lovely morning so I would be stopping soon to remove a layer.
I pushed on down the trail  until I heard Snailtrainer  it was Ojay & Switch, who had climbed up on a ledge to watch a Moose.
Laters guys I shouted and pushed on as I knew I had a huge climb to do and I so love climbing.
The trail passed by several great waterfalls followed by several amazing lakes that mirrored the huge mountains behind them.

Then the climb started, gently at first then long, long switchbacks .
It was difficult to see where I was going .First I thought i was heading  up to the right  then the left. As I climbed  I was soon caught by Ojay.
Good luck snail,
We fist bumped then he was gone as he’s fast.
looking up I could now see the route that he was taking OMG…are we going up  there!!.

The trail now climbed steeply up the side of a steep  mountain F**k that looks  steep and it was up and up and up.

Then it switched mountains and headed up the other side.

Again it was so steep very narrow  and slippery.  My 3 favourite  things…higher and higher and wow the views were amazing  you could see for miles and I was still not done.i walked around the next  mountain and began the climb up the other side.

Still I climbed higher I will stop for a break when I reach the top I promised myself.
At last  I reached a plateau ,quickly dropped my back. and then sat down on the grass.
I ate  an apple and  a satsuma that I had carried  out.
A day hiker then appeared , he was fairly chatty and amazed at us mad hikers completing or rather almost completing this trail.
He was just heading up to the pass and then would return so would see him on the way back. 
I was just about to get water when Switch appeared we had a hug and wished each other well.

Switch

I returned with water even thou it was only 1.5 miles to camp and this was good water.
I hoisted up my pack and began the rest of the climb. A few yards up I stopped to admire the views and a grizzly walked by, just where I had been sitting.
I desperately tried to video him but my camera is so scratched it wouldn’t bloody record arrhhhh. 
Oh well it’s my second Grizz  so I’m fairly chuffed.
Then the day hiker  came back he had been spooked by back bear and Switch  had chased him off  well done Switch
Okay Snail , I will soon be at camp..

I must have missed the first turning as I ended up coming in from the other entrance. 
As I sat there a mum and baby deer came through, mum wasn’t the least bothered but her young baby was more skittish

I soon found the camp and choose a tent spot. I quickly put up my tent  then grabbed my food and headed for the food prep area. It had great seating and of course hanging rail

I drank two beers that I had hiked out with then made several burritos with the extra food that I was given . I was just chilling when two other day hikers arrived. We chatted a while before I headed back to my tent

Mileage  8 

DAY 158 Glacier Park day 4

/ snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

Sep 17th

I woke around 6.30 then dozed until 7 once up I was amazed on how many hikers had arrived in the night or rather late.
There must have been 14 hikers on a site meant for 4 tents .. although it was great to see so many faces all eating their breakfast and drinking coffee.
I used the loo retrieved my food bag and packed up, managing to leaving camp at just gone 8 am.
I re-crossed the wobbly  bridge then I was back on trail.
The next section was going to be uphill for over 6 miles I was really looking forward to that. (NOT)
I hadn’t gone far  when the climbing started.  Up and up and it was fairly over grown in places. So I went into chug mode.
After  3  hours I began to get glimpses of the amazing scenery, at last I exited out of the forest and omg  the views were stunning  I stared for several minutes before walking on .

I was now climbing up the side of the mountain  again with amazing views, soon I was at the top  and stopped again to just look at the amazing views . I sat there detour and Cheeks arrived. 
We chatted for several  minutes before I left to cross the saddle and head down..Once again the views on this side were just stunning .
I began to head down following the switch backs, down and down and down. 

When I got to the bottom where it leveled out I decided to stop for lunch  well it was now 1pm
I made soup and ate snacks..I wanted to eat more but I’m a little low…Bad planning
I was just chilling when Swiss Chris arrived..we chatted a while

Eventually I emerged by the lake and the huge lodge which was sadly  closed so no beer, soda or snacks sob sob.

Okay 5 miles to go I pushed on but had to keep stopping to stare at the amazing Vistas.
I carried on around the lodge and  headed along the road ,the campsite is ahead. I asked the Ranger just to be sure I was at the right place as it was a huge campsite. I walked in and found the hiker spot and quickly put up my tent. Oh fresh water so no filtering  bonus. 
As I sat  at the picnic table several more hikers appeared some stopped at this site other went across the road

I cooked tea  and relaxed…
The girls were going out to dinner..and promised to bring back beer. (they have a car!!) I sat at the picnic table with gourmet and Swiss Chris until I began to get cold, so headed to my bed.
Later there girls came back with beer so i rejoined the party.

There was Swiss Chris, Ojay, Yeti, Dollar general, Detour, Sledge, Cheeks, Gourmet and myself.
We chatted until about 9pm then all headed to our tents night all

Mileage 15      36 miles to go!!

DAY 157 Glacier Park Day 3

/ snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

Sep 16th 2022

I had cancelled all my early alarms except 6.30.
It was still dark when I emerged from my tent ..as I head towards Canada the sun is becoming lazy at getting  up
It used to light at 5.30 now it’s 7. 30. 

I retrieved my food bag then checked out the  new pit toilet. Very nice lol.
As I was walking back to my tent  I passed Anvil. 
I warmed the seat up for you
THANKS brother he replied.
As I began to pack up  there was a sprinkle of rain. Thankfully  it  only latest a few minutes as I really didn’t want a wet tent again
Okay all done. I hoisted up my pack and set off. 
As i passed the food prep area Anvil ,Detour and Cheeks were having breakfast.
Good luck to all of you if we don’t meet again I said.
Detour said it will be later as we are at the same camp
I had to laugh. 
I set off down the trail, it was fairly cool so I had two layers on  but after less than mile in I had to stop to remove  it  as i was soon overheating .
The first part was through dead trees and after two miles I was supposed to take the short cut, but as I had such  good pace i must have missed it.  F*ck,   Oh well onwards.  I began to follow the river until I came to another large suspension bridge .
This one was really bouncy…but I was safely across.  I then had a short climb before following the river. The trail now turned sharply right and  climbed up the mountain via switchbacks before levelling out.
I pushed on down the trail  until I met a forest ranger . 
Not far to go he said to me and I had  to agree. He had canoed across the huge lake to get to the trail…impressed and was heading  to my previous camp to give it a tidy.
Soon I arrived at the lake with such amazing views. WOW. Its just so breathtakingly beautiful. 

I was to spend the rest of the day walking around this massive lake. But it was amazing!!.
As I walked I came across two fuel bottles. I would of carried them but they looked as if they had been left for a reason. 
The next corner had the answer, two forest  men were trying to remove a huge stump using a block and tackle. 

I thanked them for their effort and carried on. I began to pass numerous blowdowns but all had been cut. Wow that must have been a nightmare I thought.
After the blowdowns  the trail became a little overgrown ,passable but bloody annoying
Then I had a couple of trees to clamber over. Such fun.
It  was nearing 12pm So when a nice spot appeared  I stopped for lunch. I made soup and ate a few snacks .
Okay I haven’t got big miles to do today , 3 more and I should be at my camp for today which is Reynolds.
As I pushed on down  the trail I began to see numerous waterfalls  some  just  magical looking.  After about another  hour  I emerged  at a huge waterfall  and began to meet  numerous  people. It must be a big tourist  spot  as I pased dozens of people as I headed down. Clean smelling people

Sat by the side of some Rocks were Shotgun and Sledge. They had both been swimming 
Its great in snailtrainer shotgun said..
I’m sure it is i said but I’ll pass.
I continued heading down passing more and more people. Wow its so busy and everyone smells so clean. 
At the bottom was a bridge where the two rivers meet. 
Omg  it was wow the left fork dropped down a gorge and was a swirling mess of white water  that looked totally amazing.

Someone offered to take my photo which was rather cool..
I crossed over the bridge and mingled with the “Tourists”  eventually my trail branched off  and it was only me and nature again  until Sledge came by we wished each other well. .
He was quickly followed by Shotgun
We laughed as I’ve only  a mile to go  she’s heading to many glacier another 12 miles  (6hrs) but she may only  take 4.5 as she’s fast.
It wasn’t long until I arrived at the signpost for my camp.but to get there I had to cross yet another suspension bridge. 
But this one was okay. 

Okay. I checked the camp map  then went looking for a tent spot.
The first one was really gravely so I went to look at an other.
This will do  you could possible get in two tents  but it was really uneven . So I  moved my tent to the front of he plot.
Soon my tent was up and I was settled. 

I took my food bag and headed for the kitchen area. Dropped my gear then went and got water.
I put my stove together and got water on the go before throwing  my bear line over the hang.
When I returned to the kitchen area  I was annoyed at the amount of flies that  were buzzing around. 
Arrrrrhhhh..but its what it is. 
I made tea  then cooked dinner followed by several more cups of tea. 
Then the girls arrived.,Cheeks and Detour they went in search of a spot as Detour’s boyfriend is coming to stay .
I finished up, hung my bag.checked out  the pit toilet then headed for  my tent.
No animals to report today ,just amazing scenery.. WOW

Mileage 15.

DAY 156 glacier Park Killer goats day 2

/ snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

SEP 15TH

I seemed to have slept well through the storm waking refreshed.  I was in no  hurry so dozed  until 7am as I only needed 15 miles.
I went to  use the loo and was surprised to see several other tents, they must have arrived late as I didn’t hear anyone.
I went to retrieve  my food bag and once again was surprised to  see  5 other bags hanging  there..

I headed back to my tent and began to pack up as my water came to the boil. 
I ate two breakfast  bars downed my tea  and I was ready to go.
I pulled on my pack god it seems heavier today but then I have a wet tent and Ursack.
I marched out of camp and rejoined the trail, It was fairly cool so I had on a second layer but my hands were freezing..  come on out sun.
Due to all the rain the plants were soaking and as I walked through them my feet and shorts soon became wet through
As I walked, I called out HI bear  just to be safe.  It wasn’t long until.i reached the second camp 4 miles away. 
Good I thought, I’m making good time as I began to head down…
Make the most of it snail as the big big climb is coming up I said to myself.
The sun was  now beginning to take control  so soon had to stop to remove my second layer.
I looked up at the trail ,it went on spiralling up the mountain and beyond..
Here  we go, I said to myself  and set off  climbing, climbing, climbing..
The time ticked by as I completed headland after  headland.
The in front I saw something white…  it was a small heard of mountain goats about 8 of them. I watched them heading
towards me, when they saw me , they decided to head vertically up.
Theses animals amaze me ,they have no fear and  jump from rock to rock with vertical drops

I filmed them climbing then had to run as they dislodged  a pile of rocks that clattered down around me luckily  missing  me OMG  that was close. 
When i looked back down the trail I could see two hikers closing in on me. At first I thought it was Anvil and Special-K  but  it was two American guys just out hiking.  At the pass l stopped for a breather  and then Legs  arrived he told me the story of a bear charge and having to disperse his bear spray  but  somehow got more on himself .

LEGS

At the saddle the views were amazing and as there appeared less smoke ahead much better views.
Better still it was now downhill all the way to the camp whoop.
I followed the others down the hill until it leveled out 
Sat here was legs drying his tent, which was exactly what I had planned to do and so did the two Americans.
while my tent dried I decided to have dinner  as enjoy the amazing views. 
Okay onwards snail..7 miles to go so and it is5 pm
It was a lovely afternoon  and I had to keep stopping to take photos and videos of the amazing landscapes and breathtaking views as I’ve said so many times my phone/ camera does not do it justice.
The scenery was constantly changing, wide open meadows  then pushing through overgrown foliage then clear wide trails again. Soon I came to a suspension bridge  it was very bouncy and swayed as I crossed quite unnerving ,but I was soon safely across   only to cross another where both creeks met. Once again a very bouncy and swingy bridge. 

I was getting nearer and would soon be at camp.
As I came to brow of the hill I could see the huge lake beneath  and towards the top was a animal standing in the water ,it was a moose, standing in the lake where I would be camping!!!.
I circled down and was soon at the first camp ( where the 2 Americans  were staying)
As I got nearer I could see them both. Can you see the moose I asked?

Yes he’s still there. 
Great I think that’s where I’m staying .
I said goodbye to them and safe hikes and headed out.
I began to get nearer and nearer to the moose. I slowed  ready to hide behind a tree if he decided to  charge. As they can be unpredictable . He didn’t seem bothered by my presence  but  I didn’t  loiter…just in case, when past I took more photos.

What an amazing beast with full horns or  racks  or whatever they are called. I was amazed how long he could keep his head under water.
Okay campsite Snail.
I soon arrived at the campsite and chose a tent spot dumped my stuff and soon had my tent up. I then grabbed my food and smellies and went to the food area. 
I had  just finished cooking when 7lb hammer and Shotgun appeared. While they set up their  tents I began to play with a chipmunk  feeding him a raison. 

But then he looked at shotguns crushed beer can and ran off with it , I couldn’t help but laugh
The two returned to cook dinner closely followed by Special-K and Anvil. Then the two girls arrived Cheeks and detour
I packed up, hung my food and headed for my tent. I heard another hiker arrive but  couldn’t see who it was

That’s me done good night

Mileage  15  cool.

DAY 155 glacier Park day 1 It’s a GRIZZ!!

/ snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

Sept 14 

I was awake before six and could see a flurry of activity  in the dark as hikers  got dressed ready to head to the permit office to wait for it to open. As they were getting scarce. It soon went quite and I dozed  but really should be making a move.
Once it was light  I let out the air from my mattress  and begun to pack up .
Omg  I have far too much stuff. can I carry it all?
Somehow I managed to squeeze it was all inside my pack  I weighted it out of curiosity  65lb…bloody  hell…
Most of the other hikers were going for the  breakfast buffet at the lodge. But I thought if I was to do that I would  be ill before I had completed a mile. 
I grabbed some spare fruit which I woofed  and a soda  then I was ready. I hoisted my pack and  groaned. although it really didn’t feel that bad. 
I headed off down the road and rejoined the trail. It was cool but not cold  and the smoke  appeared to have lifted  and so I could see the mountains. 
I headed off down the trail music on I’m heading to Canada whoop..
The trail was a little up and down  but  it always is  ha ha. It was 5  miles to Two medicine, after this it was going to be climbing….such fun but with a heavy pack  it could be a nightmare. 
I pushed on singing away, well if my voice doesn’t scare the bears then nothing will ,oh and I have been reunited with my bear spray so I’m now invincible haha in my dreams.
It wasn’t long until I was approaching  Two Medicine, I walked  past the rangers hut.(where I had got my permits the day before)
There were about a dozen people mingling around outside, I ignored them and walked down though the park and towards  the river.  I stopped at a map  before the bridge to check  my campsite but I couldn’t see it on this map..I  was just pondering when a couple came along  and commented on my huge pack. Well I was able to make them laugh. 
Okay  Snail onwards. I crossed over the bridge and began my first climb . It wasn’t long until two medicine was far below. 

Being a park the paths are kept fairly neat and tidy and the elevations  not too steep Thank god lol.
I was soon at the top and  was flanked either side by huge masses of rock. .I pushed on through several meadows and then laughed  there was a pretty neat bridge but  there was no water…..
I was once again checking my map when a  local elderly man came by  he pointed me in the right direction and headed off, he was going to do a loop.
I pushed on up the valley and was amazed at the breathtaking Vistas in front of me. Sadly the smoke had returned so you couldn’t see further than the mountains in front of you.
I pushed on down the trail as it meandered in and out of  forests. Then I  could see a person up ahead,I called out  hiker  approaching but she still jumped. Sorry I said as I passed her in front was her partner enjoy your hike I said as I past him by.
Several more yards ahead I met the man coming  back.
He motioned to me, so I stopped and removed my ear buds
There a rather large grizzly up ahead he said. It’s about a 100 yards when you see a log in the trail.I would take the safety off of your bear spray and approach with caution. 

OMG….A GRIZZ.

I removed my earbuds and stowed them . Then began walking forward slowly calling  out HI Bear every few yards..
Eventually I came to the  log , my senses  were now on high alert, bears  are normally skittish around humans and so if they hear you coning  they are normally off. Grizzly’s are  not afraid  and generally will ignore you unless they have cubs, a carcass or if you scare or threaten them..
Even so I was nervous well actually scared shitless…  I edged  on up the trail continuing to call out  HI Bear…
There he was, straight in front of me. Bloody huge.
He lumbered up the trail so I hung  back  still calling Hi Bear  so that he knew I was there. 
I have to say this Grizz was beautiful, his coat a silvery  grey with a white band under his huge head.
I continued  walking after him , slowly as this was the way I needed  to go.
He didn’t seem bothered  by  me and kept stopping to gorge on huckleberries.
I was getting a little braver so began to ask the bear  if I could pass…and slowly  I walked passed him my heart was going like the clappers as I carried on up the trail still talking to the bear..

Phew ! I felt that I was now safe but kept calling  HI bear as I continued along the trail.

THEN…..OMG!!

A huge black bear ,the biggest that I had even seen lunged at me then stood up and roared at me .
I guessed that somehow I had startled him. But omg I thought I was going to die..The bear  retreated and I waked on rather quickly my  heart almost bursting through my chest. 
I had been shouting HI bear so maybe he was asleep and I woke him ? BUT! omg  he scared the crap out of me.
So for the rest of the afternoon I kept calling Hi bear.
I hiked on and soon exited the forest, wow .. I was amazed at sights in front of me, a huge lake surrounded  by huge cliffs. Wow..my camera doesn’t do it justice. But  it’s just WOW.
But now I had to climb up and out of the valley and it was steep. I thought I can stop calling Hi Bear now,  until I saw  several huge mounds of bear scat 
Once at the top the views were simply breathtaking  most 360 views, such a shame about the smoke as you could normally be able to see for miles. 

Looking down there were another section of lakes .I think that’s where I’m.heading I thought.
A few yards on was a signpost confirming my thoughts.
I began to head down, it was steep even with the switchbacks .
Back and fourth getting lower and lower, I eventually emerged by one of the lakes. I decided to take 5 minutes and grab water although there was water at my designated campsite.
I was booked in at Morning star which was about 3 miles away.
I was still heading down , but was nervous about slipping due to the steepness and surface so needed to concentrate.
I’m here great. I can see a sign announcing the campsite and there is a map. 

Drop toilet, camping,food prep area and hanging pole.
I find a suitable spot and soon have my tent up. I grab all my food items and then explore. 
I find the food prep area and  pole. Firstly I throw my rope over ,done. Now I can cook.
I’m just about to eat dinner when it begins to rain. 
Bugger I say grabbing my food and putting them in my Ursack.
I hoist them up and tie  it off. My tea and dinner I  grab and head back to my tent.
I’m usually comfortable eating in my tent, but  not today.. so I eat in the vestibule. 
The rains  now gets  much heavier. When it stops I clean my pot and then put it a few yards from my tent with a large  rock on top of it… fingers crossed.

Okay so no late cups of tea or hot chocolate in my tent until I’m out of glacier

Night all

DAY 154 ZERO in East Glacier

/ snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

Sep 13th

I woke late  and listened to the world around me. Once up the hostel was buzzing 
We all headed to the lodge on mass for the all you can eat buffet $22
We had to wait several minutes until they could accommodate  us.

Once seated  coffee arrived then i headed for the buffet.
Grabbed a plate and dug in. scrambled egg, country potatoes and bacon. Although I wish they wouldn’t cook the bacon so much. This was followed by pancakes smothered in huckleberry sauce,  divine. 
I devoured several bowls of fresh fruit salad  before going for more bacon and eggs. 
All this was washed down with several vats of orange juice and coffee.

Once I  could eat no more I headed to the hostel

Next job:- Permits!!!
I can’t hike any further until I obtain these I managed to catch a lift to “Two medicine” with Legs.
I wasn’t bothered about doing big miles though legs wanted 28’s.
I left most of the planning to the Ranger as I  didn’t want to do big mileage .I wanted to make the most of the “End”
So I have a mix of 18 and 15 miles to the border so about 7 days. sorted.
Others are doing 28’s  that’s too much especially as the finish line is in sight
Okay laundry time, I rounded up my stinky gear and headed to the laundrette . An hour later I’m done and headed back.
Next chore was the post office, there was a ride organised so I tagged on.
The postoffice lady thought I was moving in with the  amount of boxes I had here. Far  too many…… 

I grabbed my gear and headed back omg can I carry all of this stuff in my pack ……
I went through my gear and  filled my pack. As I’m chilling there  is a steady stream of hikers arriving and leaving so  many faces  new and old  to wish well  and  safe travels too.

.Next job shower as I stink.  Omg  that’s so good I’m clean…for a while.
Once my chores are done it’s just chilling time. Beer and veg  out…..

mileage zero!

DAY 153 Heading to East Glacier day 5

/ snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

SEP  12th

I was up early determined to  push on to Glacier .It was still dark as I packed up .
I made my cupppa and then I was ready . I headed out down the trail in the dark. I like this time of the morning  and was surprised how warm it was compared to the last  few days. The trail seemed fairly flat  and  so I was able  to push
It wasn’t long until I began to descend  and was soon in a big camp site  with water spigot  and toilets. As I walked through the park I could see a large obelisk. So went to have a closer look.

It was dedicated to the pioneer who pushed through the railway. 
I walked back to the trail crossed over the road then railway  and entered the forest. 
At the entrance there were several warning signs about  the danger of bears  and to carry bear spray which was a little unsettling. considering that I had lost mine by foolishly  leaving on a rock.

I headed on trying to just look ahead, the forest was fairly cool as I pushed on 
After  3hrs I stopped for a break and ate a few snacks although  my food bag didn’t have much left in it. Mid afternoon I seemed  to be climbing  more but  nothing  too scary . Okay I will take lunch soon, as I crossed another creek  by bridge I decided to water  up and  stop for  food a little later.

I seemed to be a on a role  so didn’t want to stop. Eventually I  am out of the forest and on a wide broad path.
so I decided to take 5 minutes.
I switched on my phone and immediately had service  and OMG a text from shotgun she had found my bear spray and my note and wasn’t far behind me fantastic Bloody fantastic.
Whoop Whoop I  also had a text from Cash saying where I should stay in town which was about 2 miles away. 
I pushed on with  a little more speed  and  I’m here I am in Glacier…
I walked up the road and found the hostel.
$15a night inside or out , bargain I found a spot on the floor and spread out my gear.
The boys where going for lunch so I joined then .I ordered BBQ ribs that were excellent ,washed down with a few beers.
As I made my way back I could see other hikers heading in and one was Shotgun ..omg thank you so so much
She was also pleased to see me and was pleased with my note that she had kept. I was just happy to get my bear spray back

Later on there were about 8 hikers who needed ice cream so we all ended up walking to town  1 mile away 
I ordered the huckleberry ice-cream which is amazing  I just love the stuff. Plus a six pack for later a tub of strawberry ice cream and chips for later too

Huckleberry ice-cream

It was a fun walk back.

SHOTGUN

Back at the hostel  the atmosphere was buzzing  as there were hikers heading out and hikers coming back from finishing.
I stayed up to about 10 when my bed began to call me 

Milage  18 

DAY 152 Heading to East Glacier day 4

/ snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

Sep 11th

It was another cold morning and so I decided to have a lay in and cancelled all the alarms except 7am.
And even then I was slow to emerge from my bag. 
Once up i quickly put on water for tea and began the strip down.
I checked on my note still there.
Although I did hear several hikers come through but they were extremely late.
I hit the trail at 9. so it will not be big miles today but I think I can do 20. 
I headed off down the trail and once again it was really pleasant to walk on and so I was able to get a great pace as it meandered through the forests. I crossed several meadows before re-entering more forests. As I crossed the meadows I got great views of the mountains on both sides but once again they were spoilt by smoke.

Not sure which fire this smoke is from. I carried on , soon crossing my first creek I was able to safely ford so dry feet.
The morning was still early but was heating up fast so I soon needed to stop to remove a layer.
Oh that’s much better… I pushed on climbing small  hills then descending  but  I was feeling great . Still buzzing from yesterday’s  mountain lion just need to see a Grizz now  but not too close !!!. As I walked I began to notice a lot more bear scat but they all seem to be hiding… not a bad thing unlike the stupid grouse who follow the trail as you walk behind  them .

I began to cross  several more creeks and decided at the next one I would stop for lunch. 

Then a group of young hikers came the other way they all said congratulations and we’ll done which made me feel great  and then around the corner  four more.
Okay lunch. I found a spot and dropped my pack .although my food bag is a little poor as I didn’t buy enough in town. A miscalculation..it happens and means my pack is lighter ha ha.

Wow I must of been pushing as I have  completed 12 miles and with a late start. So another 10 would be good, but it all depends on the terrain .
I hoisted my pack crossed another creek and was soon in a burn . the trail was fairly flat so the going was good but for some reason the trail kept climbing up and then descending. There seemed no reason for this apart to bloody annoy me. I was now entering blowdown city. There were literally hundreds but the trail crews had dealt with them .

Thank you so much guys your job is not enviable .
But I was still heading up and down I’m sure the trail could go just straight.
Once up another climb I checked my phone for service and yes. 
It was then that I learnt the sad news that our Queen  had sadly died. What a beacon. What an amazing lady
Rest in peace mam. she will be missed.

I believe Charles will be King.
When I have better  service I will find out more but very very sad.
I think the next few miles passed in a daze  as I was deep in thought about our Queen.
Okay I want to do 4  more miles +/- it’s now  4pm. 
But  after my next silly climb I had to force my way through a very over grown trail. This really pleased me ….@#£%…
This saps my energy and then the blowdowns were back  and  omg  it was 2 miles of absolute hell.. some were easy others  needed several attempts to climb  and a lot I had to crawl under. I was soon exhausted and my legs torn up with the sharp broken branches. I was done. But needed water which was near then a suitable spot. 

I filled up my water at the next creek then staggered on as I had no juice left in my tank. 
Come on please a spot  I was feeling dizzy as I headed down a slope  and had to muster  more energy to climb up the other side and once up. A SPOT  thank  you

I had to sit down for five minutes  to settle my self.then I put up my tent and cook dinner. 

Miles  22