SEPTEMBR 2

BLAIR LAKE TO SAWTELL MOUNTAIN & BUFFALO CAMP AT ISLAND LAKE

On Mel time we have another relaxing morning. After breakfast we help close down camp. I get to help bring in the mules and brush them in preparation for packing. While I have always liked horses I find that I really now have a soft spot for mules. They have such definite and interesting personalities and are really characters. Our first stop on the trail is Lillian Lake named after Lillian Culver who traveled with the Brower Expedition (1895-96) to find the headwaters of the Missouri River. This is Mel’s favorite spot and it really is a lovely little lake. After filling our water bottles from the small spring feeding the lake we follow the canyon up along Hellroaring Creek with Mel’s instructions to always stay to the left of the Creek. He will follow shortly with the mules. The creek eventually dries up but we continue to follow the creek bed - some of us scrambling over the rocks others up on the hillside. At the top of a black lava fall Mike finds the rock cairn with the glass jar holding the names and notes of those who have come to the headwaters. We all gather at the fall and are actually able to look into the crevice where the water normally gushes. This is so exciting to think that we are actually at the source of the Missouri River, the longest river in the world! Evidenced by wet mud and pools down the creek bed the water is still flowing from the source but just further underground due to the drought.

Mel and Chris also finally find the “B” rock (as the sun is just right) that Brower carved his initial in when he discovered the headwaters. We take LOTS of pictures, share a toast with Mel & Chris (one of their traditions when they come to the site), write a page regarding American Frontiers, all sign, we place it in the cairn jar, and finish our hike out to Sawtell Mountain to meet the Support Team. We have to say a quick good-by to Mel, Chris and Kimberly, as they will be retracing the days trail almost back to Lillian Lake and the trailhead where their trailer is parked. Another bittersweet good-by as we have really enjoyed our time with Mel but are proceeding forward with the Journey.

Mel and Chris can be reached at: Centout@3rivers.net or at www.recworld.com/centennial

We meet up with Support and start down to the Buffalo campground in Island Park. But, of course, must make two brief bushwhacks on the way. However, these are not the normal bushwhacks - the first is a RIVER. Rob, Charlotte, and Mike change into their sandals but I have to go with my more substantial camp shoes. We’re told the river is about thigh high and it’s very muddy on the entry side. Just thinking the heck with it I step in. And, luckily it’s an easy crossing, the bottom rocks aren’t slippery (that’s a first), it’s only mid-thigh high, and the far side is firm. On bushwhack down we climb back in the Hondas and proceed to the next, and easy 100 yards down a dirt road. Ah, but I wish all of our bushwhacks could be so easy.

Finally at camp at 7:30 p.m. we sit down to a fantastic dinner that Cheryl and Michelle have prepared for us (we really do have the most wonderful Support Team imaginable!) But, it has to be a quick dinner as then we need to shower, wash clothes, pack for the next two days of backpacking (yikes, back to those 35 pound plus backpacks), and try to get some sleep. From the Journey, dana