Red Rock Lake

Red Rock Lake proved to be an inspirational last campspot in Montana. A wild, remote upland wetland refuge with nature all around. When I pitched up I feared a windy night so secured my tent firmly. However, the wind died down overnight and there was a clear cold night. In the morning my tent had a thin veneer of frost and the top of my water butyl had iced up. Chilly!

The refuge was originally set up to protect the threatened trumpeter swan (in the background). Alongside this there were sandhill cranes, hunting owls and northern harriers, yipping coyotes and a morning flyby from a bald eagle.

Incredible company too. I had great conversations with Tom and Nancy about the wildlife and management of the refuge. They took pity on my dishevelled state and provided me with a beer in the evening, tea in the morning and some cake for the road! Such kindness has become a common theme in the trail.

Bikers Tom and Steve also camped at the lake and we talked about travelling on two wheels, the learning that happens on the road and looked ahead to how my journey may change as I head south into Mexico and Central/South America.

It's taken some time but I have now finally crossed a state border and am in Idaho. Il leave the Great Divide for a couple of days to explore Yellowstone National Park. A geography teacher's pilgrimage!