Walter Jr

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Walter is a gray wolf, the first non-human member of the posse. His life with me effectively began when, on a lark, I bought him at the gift shop at Aspen’s Sundeck Restaurant, a few days before leaving on my 2024 trip. He was going to be a prop in photos along the way, and it worked out great. Until it didn’t.

Walter sat just behind me, on top of my pack as I rode. One day in 40-mile-an-hour crosswinds near Browning, Montana, he blew off — never to be seen again. He’s hopefully found a home somewhere in Montana’s wilderness.

Less than an hour later, I was in the gift store at Glacier National Park’s east entrance, near St. Mary, Montana. There, I stumbled across Walter Jr, another gray wolf, looking forlorn, in a bin with other creatures you’d find in the park, like marmots, moose, bears, and beavers. Walter Jr was crying out to be rescued, and I obliged him, plunking down $22 for the privilege of bringing him along for the rest of the ride.

Turns out he was the star of the show. Over the next two weeks, Walter Jr made appearances in national parks (Rocky Mountain and Badlands), at Devils Tower National Monument, at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and in restaurants, accompanying me to dinner.

He’s very even tempered, and seldom changes expression.

Walter Jr was with me on my 2024 ride, and he joined me again in 2025.

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