Well, we did it. The actual mileage for our roadwalk turned out to be closer to 80 miles, which was definitely long enough. Since the CDT doesn’t normally follow this route, we got a lot of curious stares from passing motorists, as well as friendly waves. Some wanted to know what was going on. While walking through Wisdom, one man pulled over to ask “Are you like a part of something? We’re seeing all these hikers…”

We explained, and the man drove off with his curiosity satisfied. Britta, however, declared, “The next person who asks, I’m just going to tell them it’s National Hike the Highway Day.”

The temperature, while warm during the day, dropped during the night. We “cowboy camped” (no tent) one night, only to wake up to frost crusting our sleeping bags. My contact solution had frozen inside my contact case, and I had to thaw it in order to get my contacts out.

Road walking is a bit monotonous, but Britta discovered that we were able to pick up a radio station on our mp3 players: classic hits of the 50s and 60s. So we cruised down the highway at 3 mph, listening to songs such as Hot Rod Lincoln, Downtown, and King of the Road.

Pavement is hard on feet, so we arrived in Anaconda with aching feet and joints. But at least we made it! I’m anxious to get back on trail again.