Long-haul trekkers of the Continental Divide Trail deliver dollars and scents

DUNCAN ADAMS

Six through-hikers on the Continental Divide Trail stopped in one August morning at the Anaconda Outdoor store.

Their purchases included durable socks designed for hiking and other odds and ends.

The mood was upbeat as the trekkers left the store. They headed east on Park Street. They had spent the night in the city once known primarily for its copper smelter and now celebrated for ready access to outdoors recreation and its friendly tolerance of hikers and their sometimes ripe aroma.

Bovi, followed by Trash then Lightfoot, leads the way as the group treks toward the Continental Divide Trail on July 19. The three were hoping to make it to Storm Lake at the end of the day.

Lukas Prinos

Anaconda Outdoor, a comparatively new addition to the city’s retail options, did not have every esoteric item the hikers wanted. The staff has been taking notes all summer to stock up for next year.

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition has named Anaconda, Butte, Lincoln and Helena among its Gateway Communities, places recognized for their hospitality to hikers who

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