Return to Expedition 2000 homeDanae
May 4, 2000
Trail Miles 33
11T0435261at 1700ft
5214824
The temperature is about 50 degrees.
No good campsites for last night - that's where this marker is our campsite. It was hilly and rocky and not comfortable at all. I got my first blister and popped it out and cut as much as I could off (it hurt like a bitch). I still have a lot that needs to be cut off.
The hills here are naturally exposing their basalt layers. The hills aren't any good for crops anymore. So, the crops are all in the flat areas. There are some cows grazing 1/4th of a mile up.
Last night I heard an owl and also heard a coyote come into the campsite. They are usually really skittish about people so, it was fine. Pete found moose pellets in his bowl this morning and Scott saw one last night. There are also tons of sparrows around in the hills that were really active around sunset.
Walked approximately 37 trail miles.
11T0426486
5212694
The temperature is about 67 degrees at 1600 feet.
Large cumulous clouds stretch as far as I can see. This is one of the most beautiful places I've seen. I would call it very American - it's the picture perfect settlers' paradise. There is a stream right below us. Surrounding it are rich grasses, poplar trees, and those large yellow daisies (balsam root). The daisies are scattered all over these old flood plains. The basalt is exposed creating square cliffs around light rolling hills. All of this in this part of the trail stretches as far as I can see.
It's so amazing the changes we've walked through in such a little time. It trips me out the fact that there is sooo much more ahead to learn physically and emotionally (dealing with the group) and in general. I've never done anything that could describe this (and it's only been four days!)
One amazingly cool thing about this part of the trail is that for the first time in my life I haven't had to worry about danger from other people because there isn't anyone out here. There's no place to hide. It's just open. It's soooo refreshing to walk alone on a trail and not have to worry about anything. I've never known it, and it's very liberating.
There is always so much to write about. It's so frustrating. Doing the Grinnell Method is important but lacks the ability to describe the meaning and sensation of stumbling across a coyote in your path. Oh by the way - there were four white-tailed deer that crossed the path today.
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