Day 15, June 11

Indian Trails campground, east of Sula to Jackson, Mt
53 miles

Today started late (9 :15 or so). I swear there was velcro on me and in the sleeping bag.  I started climbing the pass short on water and worried I was going to have to make my one bottle last the 30 miles to Wisdom.

Most of the climb was through a wonderful pine forrest. I didn't get any pictures since I was busy climbing and internally debating whether or not I should break out my water filter and fill up at the nearest stream.

Thankfully I found a rest stop at the top of the pass and refilled all my bottles. Below is a shot taken at the top of the pass; the first of 9 times the route crosses the continental divide.

The back side was only slightly downhill and went through one of the most beautiful areas I have ever seen.  The landscape was incredibly lush, with assorted critters and flowers everywhere.  I got on a bit of a flower kick as you can see from the pictures below.

A bit lower I also passed Big Hole National Battlefield Monument and the view changed to farmland as I approached the town of Wisdom.

Stream just outside a a Wisdom

Downtown Wisdom (pop. 119) where I stopped for lunch.

Along the way I ran into a 62 yr old named Ben who was doing the cross country trek in the opposite direction, and Christian,  who has one of the coolest jobs on Earth.  He was getting paid to go on a bicycle tour in order to test equipment for various manufacturers.

After lunch I headed on toward Jackson through more wonderful scenery.

In Jackson I ran into Christian and a nice campground and hostel for cyclists

View of Jackson (pop. 38)

Welcome signs

Christian and all his new equipment to test

Cyclists hostel

This place is really neat and I was able to get a camping spot, shower, my laundry done and all my devices charged back up for just over $20. The hostel/hotel is in a 100 plus year old building with many original touches.  I will take some additional pictures in the morning when there is some light.

My plan had been to continue on another 30 miles to Bannack State Park but it was clear that I would have needed to ride for an hour or so after dark and I could see some ominous looking storm clouds gathering over the next pass about 10 miles off, so I decided to stay here, in the campground, for the night.