Day 13

The wind keeps the bugs away but also blows through the tent so the night was on the chillier side. I even pulled the quilt tight and put my windbreaker on. Quilts are so versatile compared to sleeping bags …. I’ll never go back! Usually I just drape it over myself wide open during the summer. Anyway … good sleep but some noise from the winds.

A previous camper at that spot had commented that the rabbits chewed through his guy lines but I didn’t have any issues.

Got up and started packing up after my standard breakfast (one pack Via instant coffee and one package Carnation Vanilla breakfast drink mixed with hot water). It was about 7:30am when I started the uphill to Copper Butte, and I just wanted to get the 14 miles done!

No cows at the campsite or for another 5 miles into the day. Then they were back … pooping and pulverizing the trail. But the last 5 miles again were fine. Met Tim and his dog Sadie on trail – he’s doing the crest in sections.

Mainly I was just focused on getting to the highway. The top of Copper Butte after the first climb was lovely, even though views are impacted by smoke. I rationed my water to have enough to get to the highway.

2800ft ascent and 3500 descent overall, in 14 miles. The last few miles were lovely but the sunny stretches were already baking in the sun and the body tired.

Eventually I reached the highway. Just above was a pullout so I positioned myself accordingly and after a few minutes found a young guy from Montana who was visiting his dad in Republic.

As always, good chatting (he was getting out of painting houses due to the fumes and into health supplements!) during the short drive into town. Again we have been to Republic before so it’s very familiar.

Dropped off across the street from the Prospector Motel, I had no distance to cover. Varindar (who has been mentioned in our trail comments) was outside and welcomed me to his place. He was accommodating and friendly, offering cold water, a good rate and the hiker box.

From then on I just settled into the room … started cleaning myself and my gear, got some groceries and caught up on the Olympics. Yes I had soda but also fresh fruit and vegetables! Friends warned me of a big storm approaching (lots of rain in Winthrop and Stehekin which is great for their fire situation!) and I was so glad to be off the ridge – it came with plenty of lightning. Hopefully Jared and the Kiwis are safe – I later heard they got to Neff Spring late like me but camped on the trail there; they saw snags falling down so not a good situation in a storm on a ridge in a burn zone. All good now.

Tomorrow I will try the coffee shop and the eatery that has great vegan options. There might be ice cream. And lots of rest I hope.

I always love seeing comments below so don’t be shy! Let me know what you think!