12th July
27.9 miles
Highway Camp (1269.7) to Ridgecamp (1297.6)
Frost and ice settled inside and outside my tent. I was freezing overnight. I was zipped tightly into my sleeping bag. Only my nose protruding. It was hard to get out of bed.
I set out late but Lucky was just out of bed. Like a reptile waiting for the warming rays of the sun. More roadwalking. I was happy to be on flat ground. My body and my backpack felt so lightweight.
After several miles I turned off the highway onto trail which led me to a campground.
‘Do you want some coffee’, a friendly voice offered.
It was Dave. He camps here regularly but had no idea the CDT was only 25 yards from his campsite. I talked with him and his wife Callie for maybe 2 hours. During which time I was offered coffee, cake, a beef and chicken sandwich, granola bars a rice dinner and more.
Lucky was several miles back. He called me on my phone to tell me he was getting trail magic in the form of beer and donuts.
I couldn’t wait any longer for Lucky, I set off alone. The trail was busy with freshly showered day hikers. Only a thru hiker can appreciate how nice a person really smells after a shower. The trail followed the high points where possible but the views were mostly of swamps and pine woodlands.
Late in the day I find out that lucky is 6 miles behind me. I keep hiking hoping he will catch me. I stop to talk to a group of 3 hikers coming towards me. They were heading home. They offered me left over food. I gladly accepted.
Several days ago I broached the idea of skipping the next resupply town of Encampment, Wyoming. In favour of marching to the next town of Rawlins, Wyoming. Lucky had enough food. I did not. Until today. This is looking like a long section without resupply.
Next – Day 87 Last day in Colorado
Everything you need to know about hiking the CDT:
Complete Guide to Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
CDT Resupply Guide
CDT Gear List
It cold here too,
https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/bureau-of-meteorology-predicting-rain-and-cold-snap-for-northern-territory/news-story/79d78baa836ce2671886b57af81c3a89
Gotta love the territory. Gets below 18C in Darwin and it’s a cold snap.
Such beautiful photos! Have enjoyed the last few posts. Glad you are slowly levelling out to the warm flat lands!
As I write this I’m looking at the flat plains of the Great Wyoming Basin. Just like the Aussie outback
How far out of Atlantic City are you currently?
About 7days or so