Day 86 The Kindness of Strangers 

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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.

Dave and Callie provided me with a nice coffee and food as i passed through a campground. thank you

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

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About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

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6 thoughts on “Day 86 The Kindness of Strangers ”

  1. 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

    Reply

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