28 2133.7 7/12/2021 Smokey, sunny, hot hot. I got on trail a bit later at 5:40, the sun rise is taking longer and the smoke is making it darker. I immediately had a 1000’ climb which was straight up. Also I had my full backpack today having had my daypack the past few days. I started in forest but at the summit it was grassy with sage. I accidentally went the wrong way, but realized it after about 0.25 miles and turned around. Then it was a long road walk to Justin in the heat. I tried to conserve water and my lips and tongue were dry. Although it was only 11.6 miles today I was tired when I reached him. He plied me with a Squirt and off we drove to Lima MT. Justin got us an AirBnB with two beds. To wait while it was available we had a late breakfast at a Cafe. It was filling and good. After breakfast he told me that there is a 35 miles trail closure in about 200 miles. We have two options hike around it or skip it. Since it’s only 35 miles we’re thinking about skipping it. The AirBnB is especially important because it has a shower. It’s been 9 days since I had one and I stink. Now dear Justin is out doing laundry. He is such a sweetheart. While out doing laundry he met two CDT hikers and when he mentioned “Tartan” they remembered me from last year. He invited them over for hamburgers and brats. We had dinner and chatted with Grace and Mike and had a lovely time. Afterward I did my chores and went to bed.
