Is it time yet?–Continental Divide Trail SOBO

The days until June 20 and my start on the Continental Divide Trail are crawling by despite being crushed with finishing work related responsibilities and the myriad of last month planning details. I’ve jealously watched the blog posts flow by on The Trek while packing my maps, fine-tuning my gear, and getting maildrops ready to go. Reading posts by Stubbs and watching Rhys star in trail video has kept me sane, but I’m absolutely ready to go myself.

Closing Time

The Walkerville Class of 2017 walks across the stage tomorrow night, so when I’ve finished reading their names and introduced them as graduates to the community, I’ll be one step closer to completing my closing tasks as the superintendent/principal. Just final exams and teacher evaluations to finish out the school year.

Preparing to leave a place where I’ve worked for 21 years has been difficult. Ticking off the final times I have to do something has kept me moving forward, but it still has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I am glad I wrote my lists because as I’ve hit the low spots reviewing the WHY has helped to steady the ship.

Time for the Continental Divide

My countdown app says it’s only 20 days till departure for Montana. Word from the trail is the grizzlies are awake and hungry with significant snow impeding their ability to feed efficiently. SAY WHAT?!!!       I guess we’ll just take our time driving from Michigan to Chief Mountain, Montana. I’d prefer the bears to have full bellies by the time I start down the trail.

My wife and daughter are dropping me off at the Canadian border and semi-slackpacking me through Glacier National Park. The trail crosses a road or hits a small park town every couple of days. They’ll be able to see me several times before I make it to East Glacier and wave good-bye for the last time. Both of them completed the John Muir Trail with me in 2015 which re-ignited my past thru-hiking experiences. I’m looking forward to spending a nice chunk of time with them slowly acclimating to the elevation before taking off into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Next Time

My next post will be from the trail, and I’ll be answering to “Tree” again. It’s been 26 years since I went by a trail name. It makes me smile just to think of it. I’m sure the green envy I’ve been feeling all spring will quickly wash away once my trail runners touch the border! Can’t wait to be out there like the rest of you.

Truckin’ on.

Tree

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Comments 3

  • Al Dembeck : Aug 4th

    Hi Tree, I just saw you at the gas station in Mack’s inn. Sat down to eat my sandwich and found your post. What a great story you have! My best to you, enjoy the time with your family in Yellowstone. Trail yeah, Governor

    Reply
  • Jaymes Conklin : Sep 29th

    Dear Mr.Sweet,
    We miss you very dear at this school. I thought you would be my principal till I graduated , but I understand why you left. Your friend would be very happy for you, and is right now up in heaven clapping with, God. I want you to know that I will never call you not in 1,000,000 years. Guess What! Were getting the original bell from the first school I guess. I really miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Jaymes Conklin : Sep 29th

      Sinceraly your Jaymes i wrote the coment above

      Reply

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