Lolomiina: 07.09.2021
21.8. After a long drive, we arrive in Pinedale. Pinedale has a similar charm to Custer but feels less artificial. It is conservative, but in a tolerable way. While shopping at the outdoor shop, we realize that our credit card is not working. This means we have to call Switzerland, and that means we have to find a phone since we are only reachable via WiFi. The store owner is kind enough to let us use their phone. Unfortunately, we never seem to reach the credit card company. Instead, we end up calling directory assistance and 911 (the number combination is in the number...). The owner suspects that the payphone may be blocked for international calls. We thank them for their help and move on to a café. The very old lady is not initially thrilled that we want to use her phone, along with the coffee we ordered. But after several attempts, we eventually succeed. The problem can be resolved - luckily! By now, it is raining again and getting dark. So, we go in search of a place for the night. We drive to a nearby lake, but all the spots are taken. So we continue on to Half Moon Lake Camping. Again, no luck, all the spots are taken, and it is pouring rain, and we are tired. After driving to the trailhead (camping prohibited), we drive through the campsite again, hoping to find a spot where we can fit our car and convince the others to share the camping fees. In the end, I knock on the window of an old VW bus. The sliding door opens, and I see the friendly faces of a small family. I quickly explain the situation, and for John and Jessica, it is no problem at all if we park our car in front of or behind theirs. Phew! Relieved, we rearrange our things (a bit more complicated when you don't want to get wet in the rain) and soon fall asleep.