Recent walk down the trail

I started a walk down the Cowboy Trail on 5/25/18 leaving from Valentine. The first day was pretty brutal as the weather decided to turn super hot. I had originally planned to camp in Wood Lake but instead caught a ride into Ainsworth and stayed at the Super 8 and ate at Big John's (all you can eat fish on Friday nights). On 5/26 I kept my walking distance shorter due to continued hot weather and made it to Long Pine. This part of the trail was beautiful and the bridge into Long Pine was just as great as the bridge outside of Valentine. I stayed at the Bunkhouse right beside the trail for $35. I was the only person there that night so had the place to myself. The numbers to call are posted on the side of the building and I was able to reach someone quickly who came right over to check me in. I found the people of Long Pine extremely helpful/nice. I wondered around the Long Pine State Rec area, did a load of laundry at the laundry mat (closed on Sunday's), got a few snacks at the grocery store (closed on Sunday's) and ate prime rib at the local bar, Sandhill's Lounge. Long Pine is a beautiful area! On 5/27 I walked to Basset and stayed and ate at the Bassett Lodge and Range Café. Again, the people were extremely nice and the owner's of the lodge let me check in early. Got snacks at the convenience store on the highway as the grocery store was closed on Sunday. 5/27 continued my walk to final destination of Newport. Waited at the famous Newport Pool Hall for my ride to pick me up. Several people stopped to talk with me and provided history of the town. Overall, it was a great trip. Saw lots of wildlife (beavers, birds of all kinds, woodchuck (I think), deer, blue heron, turtles, snakes and the cows were always really interested in what I was doing) and the landscapes were unbelievable. I was walking so did not have to worry about trail conditions that bikers talk about but to me the trail seemed in great shape with the exception of a few places. I would recommend calling the services listed on this sight if you are counting on them. I think several places are closed so better to know ahead of time. So much to see...hope to do another leg of the trail another time.