Whitehall was small, with a population of just more than 1,000. It reminded me of Lordsburg, New Mexico, the first town I passed through on the CDT.
Whitehall's population is about half of Lordsburg's, but I saw some similarities because both were adjacent to major interstate highways. They were both suffering economically and had several closed storefronts. Their populations have been shrinking for decades.
Still, Whitehall seems to be doing better. The median household income here is about $10,000 higher than Lordsburg, and the employment rate is slightly higher.
Our accommodations for tonight were unusual, but they were also agreeable and free. When Whitehall's mayor learned several hikers were following the Big Sky/Super Butte Alternate and walking through the town, she offered the town hall as a place to stay.
Without this kind gesture, the only place to stay would be a motel on the edge of town by the interstate. As I mentioned yesterday, there were no places to camp for several miles outside of town.
We never saw the mayor or any other town employee, but a sign on the door welcomed us. We were allowed to use laundry facilities, and the restroom had a shower. Clean towels were even provided for us. We slept in a large garage which was used to store some of the town's maintenance equipment.
After we had cleaned up and started our laundry, we walked back to K Bar & Grill. It may not have been the only restaurant in town, but it was the closest.
We still had time after dinner for grocery shopping, so then we did that. We only needed to resupply for two days because we knew Polecat could take us into Butte when we arrived at a trailhead near it.
Raven was in the town hall when we returned. She has been traveling with Freebird. Though she sometimes hikes with him, she was choosing to stay in Whitehall for now and would catch up to him later.
This was our last night on the Big Sky/Super Butte Alternate. We will rejoin the official CDT footpath tomorrow. I'm hoping we can continue to increase our daily mileage.