Return of the Cocoa Bean
3 Highlights:
1. Family hugs.
2. Lena reunion and chat about lightning.
3. Nice salad in Whitehall.
Daily Summary:
– Distance hiked: 11 km (+10 in airports)
– Starting point: Raleigh to Bozeman via air, Bozeman to Pipe via car
– Ending point: Whitehall
– Weather conditions: Sunny
Daily Reflections (challenges, insights, musings):
Belen sleeping is the cutest thing ever. Had a heartfelt goodbye with the whole family and kissed Lanski goodbye. Did the security check twice just to keep my trusty smart water bottle and cap. They’ve been around and I’ve grown fond of them.
Baltimore’s airport had few breakfast options, and the coffee was awful. Chicago’s was a little better, but not by much—settled for a Dunkin’ Donuts cappuccino. Arrived in Bozeman and Lena screamed my name, introducing me to Sharon. They were off to hike after dropping me at the Pipestone trailhead. Lena’s life is filled with fun activities—admirable.
Currently on painkillers, hoping to sleep most of it off. Unfortunately, I’m sleeping 2 meters from the main street, so peace and quiet are not on the menu.
Started hiking and realized it would be road hiking to Whitehall. Saw some big birds, deer, and lots of cows. In Whitehall, I stocked up on food at a nice store and had a steak salad followed by sour cream banana and a chocolate protein shake bar. Consumed far more calories than I burned over 2.5 hours and now feel stuffed. Ate out of nervousness—being back on trail, not knowing where to sleep tonight, and finally feeling the virus that hit Lanski’s family over the weekend.
