And here, we, go.
Four days of long driving, one day of driving along the trail to fill up boxes with supplies, and were officially ready to start the trail!
It was actually quite an experience driving along the 150 mile route we’ll will be walking. Two weeks of walking. 9 hours of driving.
This trail has water caches every 10 miles or so as water sources aren’t ideal, so we wanted to make sure we would have ample water.
The badlands are green rolling hills with mini grand canyon like features scattered through the lands. Mini Mesa like peaks also dot the terrain which are reminiscent of stalagmites with textured and multicolored striations in the sediment. I’m sure a geologist would be cringing at my description, but you get the idea.
we had planned to be on trail tonight, so we could start hiking at first light, however the lengthy off-road routes that brought us to the water boxes ended up taking longer than anticipated, and we were forced to spend one more night off trail. By hell or high water, we will be on our feet tomorrow morning by 10am. Enterprise was closed by the time we got into town, so it was not a decision we wanted to make. We’re looking forward to getting out into the wild!
Speaking of wild. We saw coyotes, bison, roe deer with cute fluffy white butts, and many many (crushed) snakes on the roads. We were fortunate to find grizzly no longer reside in the badlands, so don’t have to worry about them (although we have our bear spray handy, just in case). The only thing to be conscious of is that animals haven’t been exposed to humans much this spring, and have been roaming more free than usual. A woman actually got attacked by a bison somewhat near the trail we will be on (but don’t worry, mom, won’t be bothering us).
Excited to finally get out in the wild. Our bodies are fatigued with lack of movement over the last two months, and these two weeks will give us the kick in the butt we need to get in shape for the real journey ahead on the CDT.
Here we go, Maah Daah Hey. Looking forward to seeing what you have to offer.