I’m new to this whole blogging thing, so we’ll see how this
goes…
This last week I had a little backpacking adventure, 40
miles over three days and boy was it great! There is just something about being
outside for extended periods of time that just relaxes me and helps me think
about life’s problems that need solving. Just me, my gear and the wildlife all
around! Does it get much better than that? Day one was great, my brother
dropped me off at my starting point and the walking, climbing and hiking began.
I was able to knock out about 11 miles the first day, getting up to about 9,000
feet. I made camp, ate some and went to sleep. In the morning I was woken up by
something hitting my head repeatedly, so I shifted to get out of my bivy and
heard some little critter scamper off! I looked around the camp and there were
coyote prints all over the place. I guess he was curious as to what I was and
was pawing at my bivy, that tricky trickster! I started off on day two, low on
water but keeping my eyes open for some. About five miles in I noticed a change
in greenery on the hillside, grass-to moss-to grass, that’s when I found the
water seep and what a blessing it was! Day two was pretty exhausting, I covered
just over 20 miles and saw a lot of cool scenery and animals including multiple
deer, elk, various rodents, tons of birds and even some moose and bear tracks!
About halfway through the day I stopped by a little stream for a quick bite and
snooze, it’s always easier to doze off with the sound of running water nearby.
Once the sun was a little lower in the sky I continued on for a few more miles
and set up camp for night numero dos. I didn’t wake up from any wily coyote the
next morning, too bad. Starting off again I was able to finish the trip pretty
early in the morning, snacking on some dehydrated oatmeal bars I had previously
made. Mmm… Overall it was a great trip, and I’m ready for my next adventure
(hopefully this weekend!).
Well, let's get started
Leaving the comfort of home.
Red Creek
Looking back
Base camp night #1
Rude coyote awakening leads to beautiful sunrise
Looking forward
Water seep, almost missed it...
Wanted to try some spear fishing, but after 20 so miles it just doesn't sound as fun
Base camp night #2
I was even able make my own dehydrated foods before leaving, camping with good food!
42 miles later, and all done
Moral of the story: Always be prepared for the worst case senario, even in the snow covered mountains you can become dehydrated and run out of water. Watch for any sudden changes in the landscape and watch for animals, those are two huge indicators that there may be water nearby.
