Distinctly Montana Magazine

42 D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 BACK ON THE WATER "For Fort Peck to Fort Union, the only option really is to pad- dle or ride that section on a bike. Otherwise, it would be around 200 miles walking on roads and highways. I chose to paddle be- cause the logistics of paddling were easier for me," he says. He shares that this final stretch was a little monotonous, partly due to the scenery so late in the season. At times, low water ex- posed sand bars and slowed the current to a crawl. Not surpris- ingly, wind was often bothersome. "There are also no established campsites along the way, but that was really not a big issue," he says. "It was somewhat chal- lenging to find a campsite that was not exposed to wind, though, but I got lucky a few nights with not much wind." Once it was all said and done, Costanza says, "The trail length was perfect for me. I was surprised when I found out the trail is 1,700 miles, all in Montana. Fourteen hundred-plus miles walk- ing, by my count, and the rest paddling or biking." He believes the trail requires thinking on your feet but is feasible for experi- enced long-distance hikers. UNEXPECTED HOSPITALITY With outstanding scenery and, truthfully, one of the nicest autumns most of us can remember, an unexpected highlight of the trip was the people. While walking into Geyser, a trucker from the nearby gravel pits stopped and asked if he was okay. "Soon after, two hunters stopped, and gave me water, muffins, and homemade elk jerky, which was delicious." "All of those hunters and ranchers were so great," he says. "It was phenomenal." He shares experiences of one ranch owner driving out to meet him on the side-by-side to give him a huge bag of Cheetos and cold water, a welcome treat. "I had those experiences the whole time," Costanza shares. "I can't thank the hunters, ranchers, and everyone else I met along the way enough for their kindness and help. I couldn't have done it without them."

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