3 Highlights:
1. Spanish Peaks
2. Hot food in Big Sky and friendly locals
3. Great hitchhiking
Daily Summary:
– Distance hiked: 40 km (+30 km hitchhiked)
– Starting point: N45.38…/W 111.44…
– Ending point: Just by Monument Mountain
– Weather conditions: Hot
Daily Reflections (challenges, insights, musings):
Woke up before 5 AM, and I was on my way with a walking breakfast, ascending the highest pass so far at almost 3000 meters. Mirror Lake was a charming spot to camp, and the views from the pass were stunning in both directions. As I descended, I bid farewell to the Spanish Peaks, admiring the valley filled with wildflowers.
The last four kilometers were on asphalt, and the final 2 km was a busy road, making hitchhiking tricky and my hunger more acute. Reaching Big Sky was a relief. I stood in the restaurant, overwhelmed by the menu, and eventually overindulged, but it was worth it. Cleaned up with wet wipes in the bathroom and changed shirts to improve my hitchhiking chances.
Resupplied at Roxies, where they were very kind. Bought some eggs and a HUGE sandwich, which I devoured on the way to Monument Mountain. I spent a lot on food, but I deserved it. This hiking machine needs fuel. While at a gas station, I was invited for coffee and charged my phone and battery. A retired couple from Alaska, who had spent their childhoods canoeing and kayaking, gave me a ride. We discussed politics, a risky move, but they were wonderful people.
Set up camp despite pollen allergies and a tent full of crickets jumping around. The uneven ground made my inflatable mattress essential.
In West Yellowstone, I need to clean my water filter. Good night.
