In 72 hours the winter journey along the Continental Divide in Montana and Idaho continues. Near Lima Montana, Sawmill Creek Road will take me to the Sawmill Creek Trailhead approximately 12 miles from Interstate 15, if it is still open. Otherwise, I will snowshoe that distance. There is nothing easy here. If I am able to drive to the trailhead, I will immediately have 3 miles to travel in an ascent of 1700 feet, most of it with 114 pounds on board.
Now I know there are supermen out there, particularly in the movies, books and on the Internet. I am not one of them. In my case, a climb like that in powder snow with this load is utterly ridiculous, likely impossible, yet essential, and therefore requiring a substantial amount of extra travel. I will have to break the load down and ferry my gear and food up the mountainside. I am figuring three days—3 miles.
In my opinion, and it is the only one that really counts here, this is one hell of a lousy way to begin a 3 to 5 month journey. Nevertheless…
If successful, besides the daily forward progress generic message updates, at the end of 40 miles I will place another update with photos on my website.
…. And then it was 2022!? WTH!!
An update is coming, right about when the last vestiges of summer are passing. I’ll be back shortly. Hint: A Thousand Miles of Winter has continued throughout the last three winters. RGL
I would also appreciate you posting even if not successful !
Hello Tom, I will continue to post at each exit, even for an unscheduled exit.
We are in again, following your adventurous winter trip from far in a safe and warm place at home 🙂 We wish you the luck which is always, too, part of a successful trip. the Rolf said: „Tell Richard, we pray for him.“
Thank you Ursula and Rolf. I appreciate your loving words of encouragement. I will talk to you again.