Will hold packages 30 days.

Hours: M-F   0900 - 1700
          Sat   1030 - 1430

Subject: 8/6, day 102, 15 mi
Today is town day with showers and Laundry at Old Faithful. The geyser spewed forth at high noon and was the highest and fullest that we have ever seen. We'll try for another view as we leave on the walk behind Old Faithful on our way to our camp at Summit Lake later today.

A new, extra chore included a stop at the clinic. Five days ago an insect flew in my ear (I know you're laughing) and we were unable to get it out with light, water or olive oil. The Dr was successful and I gladly paid $159. I kept telling Ken afterwards that my ear feels so good now. Besides, cookies and candy from Jane are helping greatly.

The hike from Old Faithful To Biscuit Basin past the geysers was action packed with both geysers and people. When we left Biscuit Basin we also left all the people behind. The hike to Summit Lake was through the burn area with the new trees from a few inches tall to six feet tall. No one uses the trail we were on except CDT hikers so the trail was sketchy. We followed a ravine with great rocks and boulders and it opened occasionally into pretty meadows.

As we were eating supper at Summit Lake Marcia kept hearing noises. Finally I picked up a can of bear spray and headed into the forest by the lake. The lake was almost black as it reflected the forest on the other side under turquoise skies. The lake has a golden ring of reflected sunlight where something had broken the smooth surface. Just then 2 ducks quacked and took flight from the lake. They looked like they were running over the lake to gain speed and elevation. Each step was a golden crescent on the lake. Really a beautiful picture that couldn't be captured on film.

Then the ducks lit on the lake with a splash. They were right back where they started. A few seconds later the ducks took of again.

Just then Marcia called, "Hot chocolate is ready." What a perfect evening.

K&M

... Gottawalk

Subject: 8/7, day 103, 8550', 27 mi.
Summit Lake was beautiful when we got up and Ken took pictures as he filtered water. We set out across the flat Madison Plateau and somewhere, without a sign, left WY and entered Idaho. The YNP border was about 2 miles later. The Plateau was barren in places, burned and sprouting young trees in other places and had patches of mature trees that escaped the 1988 fire.

The day turned out to have 2 unsuccessful water chases. That meant extra miles (more than the 27 miles we expected) and no water until evening. We came down to another Moose Creek. The last 12 miles we averaged 3.3 mi/hr into Macks Inn so we're here early. Just as we approached town we saw a big moose crossing the road ahead. I tried to get a picture but a pickup passed by and frightened him into the woods. We ate pizza and camped at FS Flatrock Camp Ground. Post Office this morning opens at 9 and we'll be on our way a day early to Lima. We may take a 0 day in Lima and sit in a motel and eat cookies! Actually, I want to make phone calls without standing at a pay phone.

We are on schedule to meet my sister Becki at Bannock Pass for a ride and time with her in Leadore.

... Gottawalk

Subject: 8/8, day 104, 2 mi., 6370'
We got to the PO [Macks Inn] when it opened, got our packing and mailing done and were on the way by 10:30. We saw a hiker on the other side of the street, asked what he was hiking and it was CDT hiker Troubadour (we know his web site). We stood by the street and talked, decided on an early lunch together and sat and talked. Turtle, his hiking partner, got into town and joined us so the party was extended. Then the hail started outside so we talked and ate some more.

We finally started out of town by late afternoon walked to the library and stopped to look at Becki's additions to the web site. We ended up staying in town at the bottom of Sawtell Mtn, our start in the morning. Several local people have told us how beautiful the Centennials Mountains, including Sawtell, are. We 're looking forward to them.