CDT Day 153: Smoky Zero Day at Many Glacier

Daily Miles: 0, Total Miles: 2,693.0

I got up early this morning and turned the fan off in my room because it was pretty chilly. Jumped back in bed and immediately heard a rustling noise near my backpack at the foot of the bed. Got back up and saw a mouse jump off the back of my pack. During the night, it (or they) stole off with a whole bag of almonds and a package of peanut butter crackers in addition to chewing holes through the mesh on the back of my pack.

I complained on checkout – I’ve never paid that much to share a room with mice. The manager says they are aware of the problem, they do everything they can, but their hands are tied by the NPS on methods of trapping, plus the Lodge is so old, blah, blah, blah. I said I’ve stayed at a lot of old places on this long journey, much, much cheaper and no rodents. She took of an unsatisfying $40.

Adding to the Lodge experience, the breakfast buffet was very disappointing for both service and food. You can tell the end of the season is near.

I went by the ranger station to pick up my revised camping permit I arranged with them yesterday and was told to pick up today. Now the same ranger tells me the NPS are not issuing any new backcountry permits because of the current fire/smoke conditions and the threat of “dry lightning”. After I expressed my displeasure, the ranger remembered me from yesterday and basically handwrote a “permission slip” on my old permit.

Limping to the finish line on all fronts as well as gear. Both zippers are now useless on my tent – good thing the skeeters are almost gone. My pack is patchworked, frayed and shredding cuben fiber like crazy. Holes and rips in most of my clothes including my Darn Tough socks. A good life of almost 3,000 miles and can still use the lifetime warranty?

Sorry, I seem to be complaining and critical today. I think I’m getting weary, tired of the smoky haze and ready to finish this thing.

On the bright side, my son Ryan, arrived early in the evening and we had a nice dinner at the Many Glacier Lodge. He is joining me for the last two days.