The Final DIVIDE
“Watch out for the grizzly bear”, they warn me at the lodge “We have had a late winter the bear was roaming around the cabins early this morning. She must be hungry” I know I have a steep climb to 8900 feet. I secure my bear spray, water bottle and camera while unabashedly plodding up the steep mountain. In an hour I am there. This time big sign, suitable for framing, provides a good photo opportunity; only my camera is out of digital storage space.
My trek completed, at least for this month, I walk back down from the summit to my support vehicle. I search out a marker so I can make a sign denoting that I have walked 3350 mile from Alaska to this wonderful spot north of Old Faithful. As I carefully craft the numbers I get into a pleasant conversation with a couple from Cody, Wyoming. David Koch is a distinguished Wyoming radio commentator. “I listen to your show every day”, the store clerk proudly tells him. David on hearing about my quest, on the spot conducts a thoughtful interview. I am appreciative. As he drives away he casually remarks “We are on our way to a Wyoming radio announcer’s award ceremony”. I know then our fortuitous meeting was meant to be.