As requested by my dad, here is a new post.
This year, instead of just my dad and I going backpacking together, we took all the guys. My brother and my 2 brothers-in-law also came. This meant that we had to tame it down a little because apparently only my dad and I find it interest to climb up a mountain just to come back down again. What a bunch of pansies...Just joking.
In all seriousness, this was the first real backpacking trip that I have gone on with my dad that the focus was not on getting to the top of a specific 14,000+ ft. mountain. This year we went to the Wind Rivers in Wyoming. It was absolutely beautiful country. Tuesday, we all flew into Jackson Hole and went to go pick up the rental car. After chatting with the employee that, in a subtle way, was trying to see if we were interested in buying any marijuana from him, we grabbed a bite to eat and went out way to a campground just outside of the town. We spent a good hour or two sitting in a small amphitheater by our campsite just looking at the stars. We saw some shooting stars and traveling satellites, and had some fun conversations. The next morning, we packed up and made the drive to Pinedale, which was the last point at which we were able to say goodbye to families at home. At one point I think we had 4 out of 5 of us on the phone driving in a suburban saying goodbye to our spouses. It was quite comical.
After an hour or so on a dirt road (with Dad hitting every pothole going at least 20-30 mph), we were ready to head out from the Big Sandy trail head.
After backpacking in about 6 miles, we came to a critical decision. Should we set up camp around somewhat crowded Big Sandy Lake (if anything can be crowded in the middle of the wilderness), or should we hike on in another mile or so up Lost Creek to the exclusive Blue Lake. The forest service stopped maintaining the trail to Blue Lake so it wouldn't be easy going. Luckily, we were all in agreement and hiked, more like bushwhacked, the extra mile. The hike was well worth it. Here is where we camped.
View Larger Map
And here was our view from camp...
We set up camp and explored around for a while. I took charge in setting up the bear bags, which was eventful. There were 5 guys and probably 3-4 different opinions on how they should be hung. I had researched a new cool way to do them so my way finally won out, despite plenty of razzing while I was working out the kinks.
I know earlier I said that this was the first trip where the focus wasn't on climbing a mountain, but Thursday we had the option of hiking or staying in camp and fishing. Brian, Jeremy and Jared all were up for staying in camp and doing some fishing. Anyone who knows my dad knows that he would never be content to go fishing all day so he was going to go hiking. I didn't care if I stayed in camp and did some fishing or went hiking. However, after going on the trip last year where my dad broke his nose while mountain climbing, I wasn't going to let him hike around by himself. Also, I didn't have much of a choice because all the women in the family pretty much put me on the hook for Dad's safety! I guess I had make up for last year...So, my dad and I went off on a hike while Brian, Jeremy and Jared stayed at camp and did some fishing.
I had a fun time climbing with my dad. There was one point at the top where, all of the sudden, there is a hole in the rock and you see the 1000+ foot drop to the rocks below. It's a little daunting to keep climbing after that. But you can see, I got over it pretty quick and had to let Laura know that I wasn't doing anything stupid...I'm sure she appreciates the video.
The next day, we all hiked up over Jackass Pass, to the Cirque of the Towers. The hike up to the pass itself was interesting. We passed boulder fields, deep secluded alpine lakes, and amazing scenery all the way there.
Once we got into the valley of the Towers, it was serene.
It was a spectacular valley and well worth the hike. It's always an amazing feeling to the city boy in me that I could be just one of handful of people to stand in any given spot. Just a small percentage of people will ever see, or would even care to see some of these sights that are just amazing. I think I really do take after my dad. In his words, going on trips like this really "recharges his batteries." I feel the same way.
Saturday we packed up camp and hiked back out the car. I was a little disappointed that we didn't see a bear the whole time. I really wanted to see Jeremy blow his bear whistle that he kept on him at all times...
I have to say, it was a lot of fun just being able to hang around with all the guys. No offense to the wives, but we were all grateful to have 5-6 days with no drama (inserting foot in mouth). Luckily we got along great. And now for a joke...If a guy backpacks deep into the woods and no one is around to hear him, is he still wrong? (inserting foot deeper) Well, I guess I should stop while I'm only a little bit in trouble with all the women in my family...
Anyway, I feel lucky to have my best friends just happen to be my family as well. Thanks for the fun time. And thanks Laura, Mom, Laura, Emily, and Tay for letting us all go. We owe you a trip now.
This year, instead of just my dad and I going backpacking together, we took all the guys. My brother and my 2 brothers-in-law also came. This meant that we had to tame it down a little because apparently only my dad and I find it interest to climb up a mountain just to come back down again. What a bunch of pansies...Just joking.
In all seriousness, this was the first real backpacking trip that I have gone on with my dad that the focus was not on getting to the top of a specific 14,000+ ft. mountain. This year we went to the Wind Rivers in Wyoming. It was absolutely beautiful country. Tuesday, we all flew into Jackson Hole and went to go pick up the rental car. After chatting with the employee that, in a subtle way, was trying to see if we were interested in buying any marijuana from him, we grabbed a bite to eat and went out way to a campground just outside of the town. We spent a good hour or two sitting in a small amphitheater by our campsite just looking at the stars. We saw some shooting stars and traveling satellites, and had some fun conversations. The next morning, we packed up and made the drive to Pinedale, which was the last point at which we were able to say goodbye to families at home. At one point I think we had 4 out of 5 of us on the phone driving in a suburban saying goodbye to our spouses. It was quite comical.
After an hour or so on a dirt road (with Dad hitting every pothole going at least 20-30 mph), we were ready to head out from the Big Sandy trail head.
After backpacking in about 6 miles, we came to a critical decision. Should we set up camp around somewhat crowded Big Sandy Lake (if anything can be crowded in the middle of the wilderness), or should we hike on in another mile or so up Lost Creek to the exclusive Blue Lake. The forest service stopped maintaining the trail to Blue Lake so it wouldn't be easy going. Luckily, we were all in agreement and hiked, more like bushwhacked, the extra mile. The hike was well worth it. Here is where we camped.
View Larger Map
And here was our view from camp...
We set up camp and explored around for a while. I took charge in setting up the bear bags, which was eventful. There were 5 guys and probably 3-4 different opinions on how they should be hung. I had researched a new cool way to do them so my way finally won out, despite plenty of razzing while I was working out the kinks.
I know earlier I said that this was the first trip where the focus wasn't on climbing a mountain, but Thursday we had the option of hiking or staying in camp and fishing. Brian, Jeremy and Jared all were up for staying in camp and doing some fishing. Anyone who knows my dad knows that he would never be content to go fishing all day so he was going to go hiking. I didn't care if I stayed in camp and did some fishing or went hiking. However, after going on the trip last year where my dad broke his nose while mountain climbing, I wasn't going to let him hike around by himself. Also, I didn't have much of a choice because all the women in the family pretty much put me on the hook for Dad's safety! I guess I had make up for last year...So, my dad and I went off on a hike while Brian, Jeremy and Jared stayed at camp and did some fishing.
I had a fun time climbing with my dad. There was one point at the top where, all of the sudden, there is a hole in the rock and you see the 1000+ foot drop to the rocks below. It's a little daunting to keep climbing after that. But you can see, I got over it pretty quick and had to let Laura know that I wasn't doing anything stupid...I'm sure she appreciates the video.
The next day, we all hiked up over Jackass Pass, to the Cirque of the Towers. The hike up to the pass itself was interesting. We passed boulder fields, deep secluded alpine lakes, and amazing scenery all the way there.
Once we got into the valley of the Towers, it was serene.
It was a spectacular valley and well worth the hike. It's always an amazing feeling to the city boy in me that I could be just one of handful of people to stand in any given spot. Just a small percentage of people will ever see, or would even care to see some of these sights that are just amazing. I think I really do take after my dad. In his words, going on trips like this really "recharges his batteries." I feel the same way.
Saturday we packed up camp and hiked back out the car. I was a little disappointed that we didn't see a bear the whole time. I really wanted to see Jeremy blow his bear whistle that he kept on him at all times...
I have to say, it was a lot of fun just being able to hang around with all the guys. No offense to the wives, but we were all grateful to have 5-6 days with no drama (inserting foot in mouth). Luckily we got along great. And now for a joke...If a guy backpacks deep into the woods and no one is around to hear him, is he still wrong? (inserting foot deeper) Well, I guess I should stop while I'm only a little bit in trouble with all the women in my family...
Anyway, I feel lucky to have my best friends just happen to be my family as well. Thanks for the fun time. And thanks Laura, Mom, Laura, Emily, and Tay for letting us all go. We owe you a trip now.
