Who would’ve thought that one of the toughest sections of the entire CDT would be here up north toward the end of the journey? Clearly, I didn’t. 

This section was tough due to the lack of water, multiple thunderstorms, direct sunlight throughout the burned areas and steep mountains ridge walking. 

From McDonald pass to Deerhorn River, approximately 72 miles, there was only one source of water near the trail but you have to be at least 6 feet tall to reach down to the well. I’m 5’2”. It was not an option for me. I started off carrying 5.5 liters of water- the max amount of water I carried during the entire CDT.

Even though this section was hard, I started off from McDonald pass very supported by my dear friend Ava. “Can you believe it? We can just meet like this?,” said Ava as she got off the car. 

Ava drove from Missoula to be my trail angel at MacDonald Pass, west of Helena. Ava and I have been friends for over a decade. We both worked for NOLS and our career took a similar path in equity and inclusion field. Our interaction was mostly through professional space and I was excited to see Ava just as a friend this time. I trusted her to be an amazing trail angel. Of course, she was!

Not only she brought things that I requested, but also she paid a detail attention to types of food that I would be excited to eat for lunch. While I was working on my blog post at the library in Helena, she brought huge salad with salmon, and avocado toast on gluten-free bread with arugula, tomato, avocado, and fried egg! We sat outside of the library and enjoyed our food and caught up on our lives. Her presence and warmth in a foreign town was such a blessing and comfort to me. With Ava, I didn’t have to worry about anything. She gets things done. By late afternoon, my resupply day’s needs were all met and Ava drove me back to the trailhead. As we were saying goodbye, She said, “I’ll see you in two weeks!” 

That’s right! Two weeks! That’s all I have left to reach Canada. It’s so soon! Then I started walking. I walked as much as I could into the evening until the thunderstorm came. It rained for a while and cleared up with a beautiful sunset.

The next day, the weather was challenging. I experienced three thunderstorms, the most I had in a day! I had to hunker down under a tree and it slowed me down quite a bit. The third storm was short and intense. After that, I saw a rainbow! 

And again, even if the weather was challenging, there were angels who helped me. I met Pat and Leroy who were driving to check on a well on the land that they are leasing to a rancher. They gave me a ride to the well and gave me some more water and gave me a  ride back to the CDT.

The next morning as I climbed up the mountain, I saw a person sitting under the observation tower on top of the mountain called Granite Overlook. When I made it to the top, I asked him if he had any extra water to spare with me. 

It turned out that the tower is a rental place. Dan and Molly with their kids from Missoula were staying there. Dan gave me a gallon of water! They also gave me snacks and fresh fruits- peaches and apples! They even gave me their number to reach out when I come to Missoula. 

After eating fresh fruit and drank enough water, I felt energized and easy to go up and down the mountains. I kept moving and around 7 o’clock, there was a thunderstorm again. After it passed, the evening golden light was beautiful with a rainbow.

When I saw the running water, I was so relieved. From there, it became a little easier. Once I made it to Deerhorn River the next evening, I didn’t have to worry about the water anymore. 

Water is life. Water dictates my trail life. Where it is, how far the next source is, the quality of water, etc., are always on my mind. I plan my day around water.

When there’s such a lack of water, I know it’s an opportunity to recognize that we are all bounded to the water. I’m a water being, meaning this planet. I’m the Earth. Every living creature on this planet is a reflection of the Earth. Sylvia Earl said why did we name our planet Earth? It’s more appropriate if we named it Water. 

I made it to Benchmark Wilderness Ranch for resupply the next day. My box was there but no one was there. About half a hour later, Steve and Julie, the caretakers of the ranch came. They gave me an apple and gave me a ride back to the trailhead. Again, amazing trail angels saved my feet from walking on the dirt road! I entered the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the area that I’ve heard so beautiful. As I was losing daylight, I walked across the river full of water, feeling comforted and relieved that I don’t have to worry about water anymore. As I settled with tinted delight, I took a sip of water- what makes this planet full of life feeling deep connection and appreciation to our mother earth, the mother water.