Walking in Between Montana and Idaho

The trail continues to toe the line between Idaho and Montana, the state border coinciding with the Continental Divide.  Meanwhile, the weather toes the line between seasons.  During the exposed sections of trail, summer sunshine pours down on me. Autumn is in the evening air as the sun sets.  Each gust of wind seemingly more bitter than the last. 

State border markers lined this section of trail.

Along the ridges the cool breeze dries the sweat glistening on my face, my back remaining perma-damp.  Under the shade, I put my jacket on and pull long johns over my legs.  In the sun the breeze feels like a natural air conditioner.  A nearby stream can be heard rushing and it will continue to do so, long after I walk out of earshot. 

Walking towards the next set of mountains.

On my second day out of town, I met a couple of south-bounders doing a long section.  We converse for some time and I tell them to tighten their shoelaces because the worst of this section is ahead of them; a steep up and down roller coaster trail before descending towards Lima.  They retort back with some fear mongering of their own as to what lies ahead for me.  This playful banter leads me to realize the worst is truly behind us, no matter what direction you’re headed. 

Sunsets have been spectacular.

Soft brown mountains look as if they were dripped out of sand, rising gradually out of shallow land.  When walking the divide, you get a feeling of being on top of the world, looking out for miles on either side.  The separation between oceans, between the east and the west.  A natural border of the land and occasional markers line the ups and downs in the space between the states. 

Straight from the ground, 38sec/Liter

Thanks for reading! Peace and Love

knots