"Too Far to Walk" -- Day 5

Day 5 was more hiking, research, and theories. Yellowstone continues to be one of the prettiest places in the county! We didn't take many (or any) pictures today, and we still didn't find the treasure. In fact, it looks like our treasure hunt is drawing to a close. 

That said, this trip was far from a failure! Yellowstone has been such a wonderful place, and we have learned so much! Thanks to Forrest Fenn we have learned all about trout, what they eat and where they live. We have learned about the history of Yellowstone, of figures like Gary Brown and Oscar Brown and any "Browns" that might have ever been to or worked in Yellowstone. We have learned about bison and bears and the efforts by the government to replenish the populations of both. We have learned about creeks, canyons, and that you should always look for the places were the water is rippling before you cross the Madison River. I leaned how to read a topographical map, and we all learned how to use bear spray (I also learned I have an intense, debilitating fear of bears!). Perhaps more than anything, we learned to appreciate a good riddle and an adventure -- outdoors, across our beautiful country, together.

We haven't given up, but we are taking a self-declared Forrest Fenn Fast. Despite the 8 miles of walking and hiking each day, this trip has been far more mentally than physically exhausting. We have spoken and thought in riddles for the better part of 3 months and our brains are tired! But give us a few poem-less months and a free week next year, and I have a feeling we will be right back into the outdoors searching for the elusive place "where warm waters halt." 

For all of you #fennsfriends out there, we will be posting our theories and searches in detail once we are back to a real computer. Hopefully they will be valuable to at least a few of you. For all of our supporters, for Kate who is watching our house and Marcia who is feeding our stray cat Charlie, thank you for this opportunity! You guys are the best.

Now, onward towards North and South Dakota!