CDT update

Email received from Andy 'Wild' West.


Hey all,

Have just arrived in East Glacier after a fantastic, and steady trip through GNP. Have hiked through for 6 1/2 days, and covered some 4 high passes approx 7000 ft+. A good learning curve what with having to use ice axe and crampons on many occasions. Totally mind blowing park, with the towering peaks of the divide forming the route from the border. Took me 4 days to get here, I think, what with a flight cancelled and a 9hr wait at Denver airport, fun! What with not much sleep and jet lag and being sick the week before I was happy to delay the start for a few days. Had to wait to get permits and then got dropped by the border for a picture. Apparently another CDT hiker Richard, had 2 adult grisslies walk 20 yards past him in this location, just 10 minutes into his hike. Needless to say I was bricking it. Anyhow all has gone well, including getting over a river on a tree, and scaling a 1000 ft snow slope, don't worry it was safe to do! Yesterday ran out of a valley with thunderstorms chasing me - it beats watching Eastenders. Haven't seen a bear yet but have heard them whooping, singing and yupping like lunatics at every corner. Loads of scat, paw prints, and tree scratches and big smells like a zoo (not me!)

Have met some great people too along the way so haven't felt lonely. All round top trip so far and about to enter the Bob Marshall wilderness on Monday.

Its going to be interesting for sure.

Andy