[Day 86] Mack’s Inn Cutoff

This alternate route was not intended. But, after the incident and closure, my hand was forced. I will not continue to entertain too much more discussion or assumption on the bear killing, at least until more details become relevant. I’m sure, by now, the killing has become more than local talk — it’s probably national news now. After all the thought about the topic, I’ve concluded there is no science, math, or risk analysis that can logic my way through what happened and how I might alter my precaution. I roll the dice every time I enter the backcountry. There’s always a chance of a pair of snakeyes. My practices will remain as they are, which is much better than most hikers I’ve encountered out here.

The thought of further armament crosses my mind. Maybe I double up on bear spray? These cans only have four seconds or so of pepper contents. The thought of a holstered 45 ACP brings some comfort. But, I’d expect a better chance of deterring a bear attack with pepper spray than bullets. A successful shot to the vitals is unlikely under the pressure of a 500-pound mammal in full charge (needless to say, but I’d prefer not to kill a bear under any circumstance), but the wide range of a sensory debilitating spray will certainly have some effectiveness. Think of how pepper spray disables humans. Now, apply that to a creature with sensory organs orders of magnitude more capable and sensitive than ours.

Anyway, I’ll shift back from the imaginary to the actual happenings. Mack’s Inn is an adventure resort in Island Park, Idaho. From the looks of it, they offer everything from ATV tripping to rafting. I woke up late today at the Yellowstone RV Campground. After packing up, I gave Bill and Beth a goodbye. These two generous, gracious people took me in on a whim, and I think they took away more happiness than I got out of my stay. I’m amazed by how my journey can bring so much light to people. I don’t find myself particular interesting, inspiring, or impressive, but my Forest Gump walk of thousands of country miles makes people’s day. What is it about an arguably pointless, long walk that instills those I meet?

After Subway and an ice cream, I started my exit from Island Park. The dirt road climb up around Sawtell Peak provided some great views west and south, along with lots of dust from speeding ATVs.

Trail descended from Sawtell follow down a valley on the other side of the mountain. It was actually very pretty hiking and made up for lots of the dirt road and pavement on the rest of the alternate route. According to my map, I came across the most remote source of the Missouri and Mississippi drainage.

It can’t be a day on the CDT this year without some chance of rain. And, the skies delivered this evening with some showers that wet out my clothes. I hope “Dry-daho” ahead will provide some full days of dry feet and shoes — my skin could use it.

The thoughts of grizzly faded from my mind a few miles out of town today. Yesterday, I felt it, mostly because of proximity and the magnitude of someone dying. I do not mean to discount the seriousness of the situation, but I at least feel comfortable with heading further into grizzly country.

Also, I realized I did not give Idaho a proper introduction. Welcome to the Gem State! Similar to Wyoming and Montana (to come tomorrow), this is my first time in Idaho and I walked my way to it. Idaho has some very remote country — the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness areas comes to mind. I’d love to lay some tracks in these hinterlands some day, but, as their unpopularity might suggest, they are not easily accessible nor are they trafficked regularly.

It was a quick 18 miles. Like I previously mentioned, the Mack’s Inn Cutoff removed some 40 miles of distance off official trail route and bypassed a more astounding part around Targhee Pass. Compromise is part of the journey, and maybe the skip will give me a reason to return if I am so inspired. I made camp at the trail junction with the CDT just above Lillian Lake. After cooking and hanging my food, I pitched my tent in the dark and got some sleep.

Signing off,

Zeppelin / fReaK (ON a leash)