David Holland's Trail Diary from his continuous run of the Maah-Daah-Hey Trail
The following diary is an account of my experience running the 97-mile
Maah Daah Hey Trail in western North Dakota in one continuous run.
Please e-mail me if you have any questions or comments at daveholland26@hotmail.com
Dave's Maah Daah Hey Trail Diary
Thursday, April 10, 2003
I arrived in Dickinson at 9:30 P.M. (all times MST) and stayed the
night at a friend's house. Went to sleep at 10:15 P.M.
Friday, April 11, 2003
Awoke at 6:30 A.M. Spent the day creating a file of GPS coordinates of
the trail and obtaining last minute supplies. I had Raisin Bran for
breakfast, a Subway sandwich for lunch and a ham and cheese sandwich
for dinner. Also I ate a lot of fresh fruit between meals and a
dinner salad. I made a stop at the Dickinson State University
training room to get taping supplies to prevent blisters. Trainer Tim
set me up with some flex tape and dry pads. They later proved to be
lifesavers, as I did not get a single blister on the run.
I tapped my resources in the area to get someone to run some of the
latter stages of the trail with me. Jake Harris, a former athlete I
had coached agreed to accompany the support crew and run with me when
necessary. At 5:00 P.M. we departed for Watford City where we would
spend the night. On the way we stopped at the CCC trailhead and ran
the first two miles of the trail and back. I felt great but almost
like I was in hibernation, like my body knew what was coming.
We met my parents, Terry and Genadean at the Roosevelt Inn in Watford
City, a nice clean place. When I asked the receptionist for our room
number, she recalled it off the top of her head. That's the first time
that has ever happened to me, but that's small town ND for you.
Jake and I ate dinner at a little café, TJ's south of town. It didn't
have the spaghetti dinner I was looking for but had variety enough.
My dad and I spent the evening reviewing the map and the checkpoints
he would have to find the next day. We decided to skip the Devil's
Pass checkpoint to ensure that he would make it to the Little Missouri
crossing to give me dry footwear. Also I downloaded the GPS
coordinates into my GPS. I explained to the crew a few expectations I
had to warn them not to be alarmed when they happened the next day.
First that I expect to get delirious, dizzy and want to quit. It is
their job to keep my spirits up and force me to eat, especially if I
say I'm not hungry. We were sleeping be 10:00 P.M.
Saturday, April 12, 2003
Awoke at 5:00 A.M. I actually woke up about 5 minutes before the alarm
went off and feeling fully rested. I couldn't believe the day was
finally here. For the last 3 months I had been waiting in agonizing
anticipation for this day. Now I almost feel a little scared. Each
time I think of running a hundred miles I get scared that it isn't
possible, that I can't do it. For this reason I have decided to break
the distance up into three 20-mile sections and four 10-mile sections.
The first 20 will be a warm-up, like before I was 10 years old. The
next 20 my teens, next 20 my 20's, the next 10 my 30's, then 40's,
50's and finally I get to retire in my 60's. This way I only think
about running 20 or 10 miles, which I've done many times before.
This morning I ate a large caramel roll from Dakota Farms, a bowl of
Raisin Bran and milk, a banana and a glass of orange juice. I
organized the trunk of my car with the food and clothes I would need
on the trail. We then drove the 15 or so miles to the CCC trailhead.
After posing for a few pictures I was off on the trail by 6:35 A.M.
The weather: 45 Deg. F., clear and 15mph wind out of the southeast, today's
high reached 80oF
My wardrobe: North Face trail shoes, shorts, long sleeve poly-pro
zipper crew and dry fit t-shirt, cap and 70 oz. Camelback. I started
with 50 oz. Gatorade diluted with 10 oz. water, 2 granola bars, a
power bar, GU packet, map, compass and toilet paper. I applied
Vaseline to my toes at the recommendation of trainer Tim. I also
began with Vaseline and Corona on other rub areas I'd identified in
training.
MP 97 to 83, CCC to Bennett Creek
The first couple miles climbed gradually to a steep climb for a ¼ mile
at MP 94. I walked all of the steep climbs here and for the rest of
the trail. I checked my pace here at 10 to 11 minutes per mile, right
on. I met the support crew briefly at MP 95 where they gave me a
banana and encouragement.
A long windy plateau ended as the trail dropped down a beautiful draw
into the North Unit of the Teddy Roosevelt N.P. The Corral Creek
crossing confused me for a bit as it consisted of a ramp down on one
side, a 4-foot wide, 6-inch deep creek and a 12-foot high shear wall
on the other side. I went up and downstream and noticed a slight
ledge had been carved into the wall at one time but had since been
much eroded. I jumped the creek and tiptoed the ledge to the other
side. I pitty anyone on a bike here.
The park entrance gate was locked so I climbed the 8-foot high fence.
I had been to this gate before, on horseback when I was 17 years old.
There were few trail markers in the N.P. I climbed the fence on the
opposite side and was off up another draw. The 15 to 20 mph wind on
the plateaus is a pleasant 5 mph headwind in the draws. I arrived at
the Bennett Creek checkpoint at 9:10 A.M. a little ahead of schedule.
The crew had oatmeal and an orange ready for me. I left my long
sleeved shirt and gloves with them and headed out, eating the oatmeal
on the run. It tasted great and really filled me up.
MP 83 to 73, Bennett Creek to County Road 50
Jake biked this section with me. Bennett Creek was flowing about 8
feet wide and 6 inches deep. I was able to jump it but Jake got
pretty wet and muddy. This leg rolled up and down for the first
couple miles, including beautiful views of stock ponds and wetlands.
I often kicked up a few grouse and mule deer. Ducks were ever present
in the ponds. Then the trail climbed steadily to a long, exposed
plateau, which headed directly into the wind. I lost Jake as it takes
him a while to navigate the creek bottoms. Here, into the wind I
began having a few doubts about finishing. I began to feel the first
signs of tiredness. But I told myself its 25 miles of running; I
wouldn't be human if I didn't feel a little tired. Also I had
completed the first 20 - now shoot for MP 56. I ate a power bar in
this stretch and it nearly made me puke. My stomach also hurt a
little. I took a dump right before the next checkpoint, hoping that
would help, it did alleviate some pressure.
I arrived at county road 50 at 11:00 A.M., a little ahead of schedule.
The crew had boiled some small potatoes for me. They really hit the
spot. I changed socks here and applied more Vaseline to my toes. My
mom asked how I was doing; I replied, "I've had a few doubts." "Why,"
she asked. "Well it's a little daunting knowing I still have 80 miles
to go," I answered. I had a couple strawberries, refilled the pack
and left with a turkey sandwich, which ended up tasting a lot like
Vaseline - which on any other day I would have thrown it away but
today it filled an empty tank.
MP 73 to 68, County Road 50 to Beicegel Creek
Although only 5 miles long this section really hit me. The day began
to heat up. It was 80oF on the plateaus but felt like 95oF in the
valleys. I was continuously tired these first few miles and continued
eating everything in my pack to try and get my body to stop aching.
Finally I ate an orange and that did it. I had low blood sugar. I
was off and running again. I arrived at the Beicegal Creek checkpoint
at 12:15, still ahead of schedule. This checkpoint was a lifesaver.
The heat of the valleys had really drained my reserves. I had a salt
tablet dissolved in a glass of water and drank it all. I ate some
pineapple, a couple of potatoes and strawberries and hit the trail
with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a mainstay in my training and
proved here to boost my blood sugar.
MP 68 to 58, Beicegel Creek to Magpie Creek
During my training I received a bit of advice to be prepared to walk
sections for as long as 1 to 2 hours. Now I'm a "go hard all the time
or go home" type of runner so this was hard to accept. But with this
devastating heat my dad suggested I walk until the sun goes down. I
did just that, until the Little Missouri River Crossing. It was a
tough realization for me to accept but I decided not finishing was
much worse. So I walked much of this section, jogging a little on the
downhills. I don't remember much of this section. About MP 60 the
balls of my feet began to ache like blisters were beginning to form.
I knew from experience that I couldn't afford to let this happen so I
quit running and radioed my dad to bring dry socks up the trail. He
met me with socks and Vaseline, which helped a little but was remedied
at the next checkpoint with tape and blister pads. I actually feel
pretty good here, like I've got a lot of energy left deep down. But
every time I try to run in this heat I feel heat stroke symptoms come
on, so I continue to walk.
I arrived at the Magpie Creek checkpoint at 3:15 P.M., now 45 minutes
behind schedule. I have developed a sore right foot so from here on
out I'm taking an ibuprofrin about every two hours. I believe these
pills upset my stomach, which proved pretty annoying. Also, I changed
shoes here to give my feet a break from the trail shoes. I changed to
an old pair of running shoes and new socks. I had to open up the
laces quite a bit, as my feet were a little swollen. During this leg
I noticed my body was not absorbing much of the fluids I was drinking.
As a result, my dad made up a solution of salt water that I also drank
from at every checkpoint from here on.
MP 58 to 46, Magpie Creek to Little Missouri River
Wow, this stretch was beautiful, the most spectacular scenery I've
seen so far (and over the entire trail). It rolled up and down
beautiful valleys. There was an aspen forest that would be quite a
site in the fall. And then there was Devil's Pass. It was like
something out of a storybook. As the sun was setting and casting
shadows I crossed this narrow pass, about 8 feet wide with cliffs on
both sides. Wood posts long ago driven in to act as guard rails had
eroded away and were falling off into the ravines below. Even after I
passed over it, I looked back a couple times to admire its beauty.
After rolling up and down in the high country the trail passed an
aluminum 49-mile marker post and dropped down to the Little Missouri
River. Just before the little Missouri crossing I had to cross
Whitetail Creek. It was flowing about 12 feet wide and 6 inches deep.
I gave it the old college try but there wasn't quite enough hop left
in my legs to make it. Outside the Little Missouri this was the only
place I got my feet wet. But within a mile I had walked across the
Little Missouri and trekked the switchbacks up to the next checkpoint.
MP 46 to 38, Little Missouri River to Road FH2
I arrived at the checkpoint above the Little Missouri at 7:15 P.M., a
full 2 hours behind schedule. I changed socks, back to the trail
shoes, and re-taped my feet. Here I ate a couple potatoes, some fruit
and a snickers. It was near dusk and I didn't take the GPS or my
headlamp as I thought moonlight would be enough, this proved to be a
big mistake.
From here the trail crossed a plateau and dropped into a long narrow
canyon. With darkness coming on I knew I was adding an obstacle that
could end this journey, either by tripping on the trail and injuring
myself, wildlife deciding to mess with me or getting lost. I looked
to the sky and asked the Lord to watch over me, and he surely did.
This is real cattle country. At one point I was unintentionally
chasing a herd of cattle down the canyon until the trail turned up a
small side canyon. One small calf was curious about this intruder to
his home. When all the other cattle including his mother ran away, he
followed me down the trail getting within 20 feet at one point. His
foray ended when his mom came bellering down the trail and scolded
him.
Cattle country means lots of extra trails, trails running everywhere.
This combined with darkness resulted in my first experiences of being
lost. The trail dropped down near the Elkhorn ranch site into a large
open area. I searched for about a half hour before I found the next
trail marker. The next mile was as if I was blindfolded. The markers
were near impossible to find in the darkness. I radioed the support
crew to start hiking back down the trail to give me a light to hike
to. Only Jake went the wrong way from the car. He went south while I
was coming in from the north. Finally I stumbled in to the car where
a cup of rammen noodles awaited me. I re-supplied the pack with the
usual and picked up my headlamp and GPS.
MP 38 to 29, Road FH2 to 722
I left road FH2 at 9:30 P.M., 2 hours 45 minutes behind schedule but
in good spirits. The GPS was a lifesaver in locating the trail but
even with its services this leg was a nightmare lesson in getting
lost. I was running strong again, a few miles in 12 minute per mile
pace. I learned to trust my GPS for finding the trail as if it were
my eyes in the daylight. It told me to make turns down side canyons
where a much better trail existed in the canyon I was in. At one
point (before I learned to trust the GPS) I was searching for the
trail for nearly 45 minutes. Finally I made it to MP 31 and continued
south where the GPS pointed. I quit seeing trail markers so I
backtracked twice to the last one I had seen. It turned out the trail
went down a road not on my map. Road construction had taken out
markers along this section. Finally after much frustration over the
radio with my dad and an hour and a half of wandering lost from
midnight to 1:30 A.M. I was back on the trail, still running and
feeling good. I thought I would never make it to road 722 but at
2A.M. I finally rolled in, having spent nearly 2 ½ hours of this leg
lost I was now 5 ½ hours behind schedule. I think a lot of people
would have thought of giving up here but I remember thinking one word
over and over, perseverance. I also passed the third 20-mile section
marker during this leg.
I remember my dad expressing doubt about me finishing at this point.
That took me over the edge and I scolded him saying: "dad, I've got a
4, 5 and 3 mile section to do and that's it. Jake's going to do the 12
through the park with me and the last 5 will be easy knowing the
finish is right there, I've done it dad, I'm done, I can do it." From
then on the support crew was amazing. They did their business filling
my pack, cooking me meals and cheering me on. They were awesome, real
professionals I told them.
MP 29 to 25, Rd 722 to 725
The night was growing cooler, some 15 to 20oF cooler in the bottom of
the canyons. I added another shirt and my hat and gloves for warmth.
The crew had also replaced the batteries in my headlamp. I don't
remember much of this leg. Only that I began to feel really sick and
my digestive system was slowing down. This leg is where I lost the
energy to run. From here on, I walked the rest. This leg should have
taken 45 minutes but instead took 2 hours. I arrived at road 725 at
4:00 A.M.
MP 25 to 20, Road 725 to 728
At the Road 725 checkpoint I forced down a cup of vegetable soup, took
the usual pulls of orange juice and salt water, a few snickers and was
off. The salt water was really going down hard at this point, really
making me pucker up. By the way my body had been feeling during the
last leg I didn't think I would make it to the next checkpoint so Jake
accompanied me. Of all the legs, this one was the most difficult. I
don't remember anything about the scenery, only that it was less
populated cattle country and there were fewer trails to choose from.
One time we startled a large animal in a bush near the trail into
getting up. We never got a look at it as we gave it some space and
went around it. Around MP 27 my digestive system had quit working
completely. I had the shakes pretty bad and was feeling very dizzy
and tired. Finally I laid down on the side of the trail and slept.
Jake let me sleep for 15 minutes and woke me up. The next 2 miles to
road 728 took every bit of concentration I had to focus on putting one
foot in front of the other. I remember focusing so hard that my head
just ached.
Also during this stretch I turned to Jake and said: "Jake, I've come
80 miles and that's an accomplishment in itself. I think I'm going to
call it a run at the next checkpoint." Now I had coached Jake for a
year and he knew exactly what to tell me. He said, "Dave, you know if
you quit now you won't be able to live with yourself until you come
back up here and finish the entire 100 miles. You've already gone
through he pain of the first 80 miles do you really want to do it
again? You've only got 20 miles to go, just put your nose down and
finish it." He was exactly right. I had been thinking just that in
the back of my mind. From then on there was never a question of if I
was going to finish, only when. At 6:15 A.M. I arrived at road 728
and laid in the car to sleep. I told my dad to wake me after a half
hour. He let me sleep for an hour and woke me up. As soon as I was
up he handed me my pack and told me to get going.
MP 20 to 17, Road 728 to Wannagon Creek
I left the Road 728 checkpoint at 7:15 A.M. The sleep had revitalized
me. The stomachaches and headaches I had before had subsided. The
sun was now up and it was another beautiful clear day. The wind had
shifted overnight. It was now about 10 mph out of the north, a
tailwind. This made traveling much hotter without a breeze in my
face. It was only three miles to the next station where Jake would
again accompany me. The trail descended down a multitude of
switchbacks into the Wannagon Creek checkpoint. My quads and feet
ached with the pounding of the downhill. The crew again had oatmeal
ready for me at this checkpoint. I had to force it down. It was hard
to eat anything. My guts had had about enough, but I knew if I was
going to finish I would need the energy it gave me.
MP 17 to 5, Wannagon Creek to Andrews Creek
We departed Wannagon Creek by 9:00 A.M. The trail wound up and down a
few valleys before finally entering the south unit of Teddy Roosevelt
N.P. The rest of the day was brutally hot with a high at 84oF. The
next 4 miles were especially difficult. It was a long exposed plateau
that I had hiked before. We had to circumvent a few buffalo here and
there but finally made it off the plateau. Crossing this plateau was
like crossing the desert. All you can see is a trail marker way off
on the horizon. Once you finally make it to that one there are two
more just like it. Again the N.P. proved to be the least marked
section of the trail. There was scarcely more than one marker per
mile. The trail then dropped down to Knutson Creek, which required a
significant leap to cross. We finally crossed thorough a small pass
and descended down to parallel the Little Missouri River for the final
3 miles to Andrews Creek. I reflected to Jake during this section
that if it weren't for him I would probably still be passed out at MP
27 and I wouldn't be traveling nearly as fast during this section. It
was great to have someone to talk to; at least to keep my mind off the
pain my body was in. We arrived at Andrews Creek just outside Medora
at 1:00 P.M.
MP 5 to 0, Andrews Creek to Sully Creek S.P.
My mom was at the Andrews Creek checkpoint. She seemed well rested
and told me she was thinking of me out on the trail all night, every
time the train went through Medora and woke her up. She stayed the
night at the Americ Inn. Here I finished the strawberries, had a
couple potatoes and a cookie. My mom asked me if I was delusional
yet. I chuckled and said "I'm way past that." I remember feeling like
I had to be losing brain cells or something for the last 20 miles and
9 hours.
My dad had stopped for a shower and changed into shorts to accompany
me for the final 5 miles. I just looked at his white legs and
chuckled. I was pretty burnt, even though I was vigilant about
reapplying sunscreen. I had a layer of mud, sweat and salt that
darkened my skin.
Finally I was off for the final 5 miles. It was great to see single
digits on the mileposts. No more tricking myself into thinking I had
to just finish this 10 or 20 mile leg, this was it. The trail began
by crossing Andrews Creek three times and then climbing to the top of
a plateau. I chuckled when my dad kept pointing out the pretty
flowers (he called them some fancy name, crocuses or something) and
the beautiful views. I hadn't looked much beyond the trail and the
ever-relentless search for the next marker post for some 20 hours. I
kept my nose to the trail, maintaining the quickest walk I could. I
even mustered a jog or two here and there. Finally the trail dropped
down off the plateau (again very painful going downhill) and meandered
out to and along the Little Missouri River. We passed the one mile
remaining marker and the radio blared, "where are you guys, we're
waiting to take a picture." My mom and dad were playing with their
radios like little kids with a new Nintendo game.
Then I saw my mom and Jake on the opposite bank. A rush came over me,
I've done it, I persevered. My dad took his shoes off and walked
gingerly across. I wet my feet a little, told the cameras to ready
themselves and ran across. The cold water felt great on my aching
feet and legs. As is my instinct at the end of each of my runs I
reached down and stopped my watch. It read 32 hours 23 minutes.
On our way home I stopped in at the Teddy Roosevelt N.P. visitor's
center and thanked Vicky for her reports of trail conditions in the
weeks leading up to the run. There were so many people that supported
this effort, my training partners, Tim, Stan and Ben; Rob for his
words of encouragement and confidence that I carried with me
throughout the run "do it for the ladies"; fellow ultra runners Jason
and Pablo; Tim the DSU trainer and Phil for allowing me to stay at his
house in Dickinson. But above all my support crew: Jake Harris and my
parents Terry and Genadean Holland for their support, encouragement
and drive to get me to the end. They were ever professionals at
feeding and caring for me at the many checkpoints. I will be ever
indebted to them.
The trail diet:
11 GU packets
6 bananas
12 oranges
8 small potatoes
3 granola bars
8 32 oz. Gatorades
6 32 oz. Bottles of water
3 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
1 package rammen noodles
3 bagels
1 large caramel roll
1 power bar
4 instant oatmeal packets
1 turkey sandwich
1 mixed fruit with strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew and pineapple
20 oz. Orange juice
50 oz. Salt water
1 bowl of raisin bran and milk
1 can vegetable soup
David Holland is a 25-year-old Environmental Engineering graduate
student at Colorado State University. He grew up in Washburn, ND and
ran cross country with the Montana State University Bobcats. He
coached in the Dickinson State University track and cross-country
programs for three years. He enjoys running 5 and 10k races as well
as trail runs. He has recently run the Ed Anacker Bridger Ridge Run
in 4 hours and the Boston Marathon in 3:31.
Excerpts from Ma's diary:
Sat. 6:45-David Holland left the trailhead on a beautiful, clear
morning. The sun had just come up with no wind yet. His goal is 97
miles away.
The cars arrive at the first checkpoint. Comments," At least I'm done
with the hill and the wind sucks!"
On the way to the next point we passed a ranch that had about a mile
of fence line with deer and antelope antlers attached to the fence.
We arrived at Bennett Creek Crossing at 8:00 AM. We passed many no
trespassing signs and 8 mule deer at a beautiful meadow with a dammed
up watering hole. Green grass for the grazing of deer was plentiful.
Dave arrives at 9:10. He took an orange and oatmeal in a cup. While
we were waiting, we boiled potatoes for future meals. We discovered
they cook much faster when covered. Comment, "The wind feels good."
He looks good. 15 miles completed
The cars arrive at 10:30 at a roadside stop. Jake is riding his bike
with Dave. It's rough terrain for a bike. Dave and Jake came in at
11:00. We gave him a turkey sandwich and a banana. He changed socks
and applied Vaseline to his toes. He took his food and was off! His
only comment was, "The thought of the miles ahead of him was
daunting." 24 miles completed.
Road to Beicegel Creek was terrible! Scoria was put on the roads and
not smoothed out. We had to ride the ridge or scrape the bottom of
the car. Huge craters were also a problem. The car arrived at 11:50
after passing numerous no trespassing signs. Many of them with large
shot gun holes. Dave arrived at 12:15PM. We gave him fruit to take
along. He ate pineapple and took a salt tablet dissolved in a glass of
water. A whole herd of antelope raced ahead of him. With the echoes
it seemed like they were behind him but were actually racing ahead of
him. Comment-"Hard stretch- out in the open and the wind hard on
him." Terry and I took a hike and the meadowlarks were singing.
Going out was easier as we had made a path on the center of road. We
plan to ride our bikes in Medora while David sleeps in. (What a dream
we later found out) 39 Miles completed
Magpie Creek, we arrived at 1:45. The road is good and the scenery
beautiful. Encountered cattle crossings every ½ mile. Dave came in
at 3:15. He called for Terry to bring extra socks, Ibuprofen, and a
PB&J sandwich. Terry took off on his bike but didn't make it but a
mile before he ditched the bike and walked the rest of the way to him.
Dave was feeling low on sugar and the strawberry jam helped revitalize
him. When he arrived we did some major foot upkeep. We packed food
for the next part of the journey. He says he feels great.
Little Missouri Crossing- on the way to this spot we stopped at
Belfield for orange juice, oranges, gas, and ice. We left Mom off at
Medora, where she enjoyed the rest of the evening in comfort and
updating the rest of the family on the progress of our runner. The
motel is near the railroad tracks and trains kept her awake and
praying continually the rest of the night. (Grandma said she didn't
get any sleep either and we are under strict instructions that the
next time her grandson gets something like this in his head- she
doesn't want to hear about it until it is over.) Meanwhile the guys
met Dave right after he crossed the Little Missouri. He ate fruit, a
potato and snickers. He took some GU, a banana, an orange, and some
granola bars with him. He left the river crossing at 7:12- 2 hours
behind schedule.
Road FH2- 9:15 PM It's dark and Dave will start using his headlight
and GPS. Hard to see the trail at times. He ate noodles and re-
supplied his pack with the usual.
Road 722 DARK! He arrived at 2AM. Dave had gotten lost because of
road construction. He refilled his pack and added another shirt, hat
and gloves. We changed batteries in his headlamp.
Road 725 DARK! He arrived at 4:00 AM. He had a can of vegetable soup
and refilled his pack. Jake went with him. He lay down in the middle
of the path and went to sleep. Jake woke him up after 15 min. and
encouraged him to get to the car where he could sleep more
comfortably.
Road 728- arrived at 6:15 AM. It's daybreak and it made finding the
trail much easier. Dave wants to take a 15 min nap here. We let him
nap until an hour passed. He left at 7:30 AM.
Road 726 Wannagon Creek- cooked oatmeal for all. We refilled his
pack. Jake started with David again for the section through the park.
Jake and Dave encountered 3 buffalo and had to go off the path to go
around them. They arrived at 8:45 AM. Terry went into town and got
Genadean and checked out of the hotel room after taking a shower. We
met them under the I-94 bridge.
It's 1:00 PM. Dave is in a joking mood. I asked him if he was
delusional yet. He said the he was way past that. He ate some
strawberries, a potato and a cookie. He's anxious to finish but
disappointed on the time. Terry joined him for the last stretch of 5
miles to Sully Creek. We were there to record the crossing of the
Little Missouri. Terry brought his wife a souvenir walking stick with
a pink ribbon attached to it. She appreciated his thoughtfulness. But
Dave said it is an unwritten rule of the trail that all walking sticks
are to be left for the next traveler. Terry took off his shoes and
cautiously tip toed across but Dave crossed with shoes and all on. He
wore a big smile and didn't appear to be too tired.
It was 3:00 MDT when David completed the 97-mile trail. (He said it
was more like 105 miles with the wandering around at night looking for
the trail) Dave's body seems to have held up pretty well. He did say
that his feet hurt the most.
Mom's reflections: If it weren't for the GPS at night he wouldn't
have made it. We came up with ideas for seeing the marker posts.
Dave's was a glow in the dark strip. Mine was a reflector on all 4
sides of the posts.
Mom's bird sighting list: western kingbird, eastern kingbird,
meadowlark, robin, bald eagle, goose, ducks, quail, blackbird, gray
hawk, seagull, killdeer, turkey, doves and pheasant.
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