Adventures 2019

ADVENTURES

2019

WINTER

Looking East at The Pioneers

Death Hollow

INTO THE

DESERT

4.30.19 - 5.1.19

O w y h e e Ca n yo n l a n d s

WANDERING THROUGH THE DESOLATE OWYHEE CANYONLANDS...

I started my trip near the Three Forks area, using the canyon as my guide. I traveled south until I could go no further. Water was too high to stay on the original route through the canyon. Do I swim through the frigid water, turn around and go back, or climb the steep walls and search for another route?

The weather was still cold and water temps were unbearable, I won’t go through. It is gorgeous and there is still so much to explore, I can’t go back. So up and over I go to search for a new route.

Out of the canyon I see a way around to the east and head in that direction. That night I slept at the bottom of a small valley. I bet no one has been here since last year. No sign of human impact; no trash, no evidence of campsites, no roads, no trails. The night was cold, woke up to frost on my tent and a frozen water bottle. Cold mornings means extra coffee and a slow start. I climbed out of this spectacular canyon once the sun began to warm my morning. Reconnected with my original route.

Up, Down, Up, and out to the road where I reconnect with my car and spend the night in ‘luxury’.

5.15.19 - 5.17.19

M oa b A DIFFERENT WORLD OF RIDING...

With the mountain closed and ski season coming to an end, it was time to head south and enjoy spring time biking in the desert.

This was my first time in Moab, it offered a different kind of riding. Rocky drops and big feathers caught me off guard and gave me a new challenges in my world of mountain biking.

My days were typically spent waking up early to get a ride in before the heat became too much. A big breakfast upon return to camp and then some down time or exploring the small hikes around Moab. As the sun began to sink again and the temperatures dropped, its time to get back on the bike.

The landscape down here is so different and foreign to me. I feel very out of my element in the red dirt and rocky pillars. It is amazing how different our land can look, just a few hours away and it seems like an alien land. I get overwhelmed at how much is out there to explore, so many things to see and experience.

5.18.19 - 5.19.19

W h i te R i m Tra i l 100 MILES, 2 DAYS, AND A SHITTY BIKE...

I will admit to you, one thing in life that really gives me joy is passing up people on top of the line equipment, while I cruise on ‘shitty gear’. One can spend thousands and thousands of dollars on shiny new gear, but as I pass by on a shitty bike with bags strapped to it I get a great chuckle and a sense of pride.

As I passed up groups of people kitted out I got some very strange looks. “What is this girl thinking?” was the expression on most faces. Not only was I some may say, illequipt for the trip, I also planned on doing it in just two days. This is a ride that is suggested to take 3 or 4. But with the daylight lasting longer and nice riding temps I chugged along, taking few breaks and make it. Averaging 75 miles day one and 25 day two I crawled out of the canyon with little juice left in my legs. The bike is a great way to travel.

THE SET UP

My ‘shitty hard tail’, 6-speed hard tail, equipt with drybags ski strapped to the handle bars and saddle, along with all the water I would need for the next two days. It is not the most luxurious or delux set up but It worked just fine.

LET’S GET RAD ON SHITTY GEAR!

5.23.19 - 5.28.19

De a t h H o l l o w 4 DAYS IN THE DEPTHS OF THE CANYON...

After spending 3 days in Escalante waiting on the weather to clear, I finally saw my window in the forecast. It had snowed all night but the sun was now shining so I double checked my pack and headed out.

DAY 1:

“It was a day! Most I’ve ever scared myself in the wilderness. Packed my stuff as it was snowing. Hiked the day without seeing anyone. Turned at the confluence, water was gushing. Out of my element in the canyon. Fell into hole, twisted ankle, and got drenched. Cold, getting dark, wet, river is high, cant find a good place to sleep...”

DAY 2:

“River dropped about 6” much easier to navigate .

Amazing canyon! Huge towering walls. One Pinch point that took a bit of thinking/ manoeuvering to get through. That was fun, glad I didn’t turn around. In and out of the water all day. Cold in the canyon. Saw many fish, Trout & suckers.”

DAY 3:

“Left pack and hiked up canyon. Warmer, being in the water was actually enjoyable. No people in the upper part of Death Hallow. Got deep in a few places. Xander is now a water dog.”

DAY 4:

“Down and out. Things look so different going the opposite direction, it is like an entirely new landscape. Feet are compromised 40+ miles in Chocos is not good. Saw people on my way out. The sun is now shining and the thought of a storm is gone.”

IN THE END

The desert and canyons are gorgeous, mysterious and intriguing. It is strange not being able to see where you are going or where you came from. The meandering corners hide many small pockets of gorgeous landscape, and secret hideaways. Light is a sacred anomaly, it comes and goes quickly as you move through the steep walls. Overall the canyon is a nice place to visit, but home is in the mountains among the tall peaks.

THE WINDS

6.22.19 - 6.27.19

Pa r t O n e

YOU CAN ONLY PLAN SO MUCH, THEN NATURE WILL DECIDE IT FOR YOU...

Cameron and I started scheming of this trip in early January. All the planning turned out to be fairly useless, a big winter and lingering snow pack made our original route impassible. Not really knowing how far we would make it or what the conditions would be like, we decided to just go.

The first couple days brought cold wet conditions. Days full of snow and soggy feet really slowed the pace. Off trail travel was slow, we were covering about half the distance we had originally planned.

It was tough physically and mentally, but there were many perks. The snowy peaks and lack of people really made it feel like this area was all ours.

The original route took us across the entire range in 14 days. We quickly realized there was no way this would happen. Day four, Cameron and I had a conversation about were we were headed. He decide he was done, we would go just a bit further and turn around. It was the end of Camerson’s trip.

“Every step I take all I can think of is having to come back”

6.29.19 - 7.2.19

Pa r t Two AND THEN THERE WAS ONE AND A DOG...

Dropped Cameron back at his car and headed to the South Western side of the range to keep exploring. This time I decided to go in with less of a plan. I had my maps and a general idea of where I wanted to go, the rest I would figure out when I got in there.

The first day was smooth moving, on trail travel brought me deeper into the Big Sandy region of the Winds. I could see the big peaks rising ahead of me and decided to head in as deep as I could.

Then came the next day, it rained, and rained and rained. That night the winds were so fierce that my tent folded in half and broke a pole. When I woke in the morning after a half attempt at sleep I peered out and saw a clear sky, time to get moving and take advantage of the weather.

The next few days brought me into some of the most spectacular peaks I have ever seen. Being so immersed in such big terrain with no one else around was quite amazing.

I decided to camp near E. Temple peak in hopes of climbing it the next few days. After a few attempts the weather finally cooperated and I got to the top with a clear sky and the most amazing views in all directions. Till next time...

Looking North From E. Temple Peak

THE SAWTOOTHS

The ‘Rakers’

7.5.19 - 7.10.19

Th e R a k e r s INTO MY BACKYARD...

Drive north of town up and over Galena pass and you will see the jagged Sawtooth Mountains in the distance.

These mountains are named for their jagged peaks which resemble the blade of a saw, the center two notches on a saw are know as the rakers. As are the two peaks which are nestled deep in the Sawtooth Mountains, ‘The Rakers’ that is where this trip will lead us.

The Culinary Tour begins. 6 Days and 50 Miles deep into the Sawtooth Wilderness with a bag of wine and a food menu that could be mistaken for a restaurant buffet.

After passing Imogine Lake on day two we did not see another human until returning to that same lake 5 days later.

Despite being the middle of summer there was still plenty of snow on the upper passes.

Our leisurely journey had us typically waking mid morning, enjoying a few hours of coffee and breakfast, starting to hike mid day, wine breaks, ice cold lake swims, followed by a gourmet meal and a great sleep.

Day 5 we adventured further off trail getting a little ‘off route’, the best part of being off trail is your never officially lost. The last day was a long haul out, about 20 miles ending the trip in the dark at 1:00 a.m.

Annie up and over Imogine Pass

Preparing pizza dough at ‘The Rakers’

A storm brewing day 2: Solitude

THE RIVER

7.25.19 - 7.29.19

Th e Lo we r S a l m o n BACK ON THE LOWER SALMON AND BACK IN THE RIVER...

Two years ago I did this stretch with Hali and some friends. That was my first river trip, and since I have been hooked.

It was exciting going down a stretch that I have done before. I wondered if I would recognize beaches, rapids, elements of the river from before. Some things were familiar, but in some way everything seemed different. My perception of rivers and my place in them has changed. I still have far to go before feeling the same connection I do with the ocean, but the feelings are starting to spark.

China was the rapid of the trip before, and this was the redemption trip. Our crew this year had some experienced people behind the oars, it was cool to see them move through the water so smoothly.

My first time down this stretch I went in with so much ignorance not really knowing what was going on. I feel like now I see things differently. I can see how quickly situations can turn very bad, but I also feel like I can help in turning these bad situations around.

My time on the river is still very limited, but I know there will be more in the future.

CAPTAIN BOB

The first night of a trip is typically a lot of organizing, moving gear, people very excited and the process of transforming from the real life to river life.

On the ramp I was moving things around unloading Hali’s car and in rolls Captain Bob! Out of this man’s car comes a pile of metal and two big rubber tubes. ‘The Bob Cat’ from the 60’s it was a steel framed catamaran that had some mix matching pieces and a home-made modgepodged wooden floor. I instantly knew this was the boat I wanted to be on.

So I grabbed a rubber mallet and hovered around Captain Bob awaiting my orders. He had less of a clue than I did how the thing went together, but I knew he had an abundance of river knowledged and seemed like he would be willing to share and teach.

We cracked a few beers and started puzzling the thing together. The sun went down and time crept on, I was already learning so much. I pried for info about why and what a catamaran did, and he shared. Hours went by and it was finally together. I was so excited for the trip to begin.

The next day I hopped on Captain Bobs boat and the training began. He rowed an hour or so, then I timidly asked...

‘Do you mind if I row?” “Of Course Not, Get in here”.

I learned how to read the water, was taught where I should be to line up, and most of all learned why the river was so important. What it was about to share knowledge and enjoy the moment, he pointed out little changes in the terrain and how that would change the wind on the water.

As the river days carried on Bob began to trust me with the Bob Cat and encouraged me to row more and more.

The Lower Salmon

8.12.19 - 8.18.19

Th e M i d d l e Fo r k INTO THE WILDERNESS ON THE RIVER OF NO RETURN...

The bright yellow Community School boat was loaded with beer, some eager people and was unknowingly about to become the rock magnate of the trip.

It was good to be back on the water. Knowing that for the next week the only worry is to keep the boat afloat. This is a mix of terrifying and calming emotions. Your typical daily concerns are replaced with the here and now of where we are on the river and the next rapid around the corner.

This is my first time down the middle fork and it is definitely a different experience. The terrain is wooded and mountainous compared to the Lower. Water is cooler and beaches are complex creations of rocks, hideaways, and forests. The river itself is more technical, a lot of manoeuvering is needed to avoid the rocks pertruding form the water.

Velvet Falls

As we continued down the days start to blend together, and river time takes over. Wake up, breakfast, load the boats, float, ore, rapid, chill, river drinks, beach time, dinner, fire, sleep, and repeat. Every day is different, but in some way the same. We get into a routine and the flow carries on with the water.

It’s hard to decide what I enjoy the most. The intensity of the rowing and successfully pulling off a line. Or the adrenaline when you don’t quite pull it off, but somehow make it through. Or knowing that sometimes not everyone does make it through. The aftermath of a big rapid, the crack of the beers and knowing that the rest of the day is mellow and its time to relax, I think this is my favorite part.

As the days left on the river become less than the days behind us, thoughts begin to change. Time goes by so fast out here. It’s such a special thing, a special time and a special place.

Oops...

Not me, But I almost did the same thing

THE PIONEERS

9.5.19 - 9.8.19

C i rc u m n a v i g a t i o n AROUND THE PIOS IN 4 DAYS...

I have been scheming this trip for a few years now. The Pioneers are my backyard, the mountains I look at from the top of Baldy. It only feels right that I go deep into them and try to uncover their secrets.

The plan, start in Cooper Basin and circumnavigate the entire range in 4 days about 20 miles per day. Lack of connecting trails in the area means that a majority of my travel will be off trail.

I would pack light and travel quick, hoping that some of my planned passes are actually passable. I created this route by looking at maps and taking into account my general knowledge of the area. Whether or not this route would actually be possible is unknown.

As most of my adventures start out, day one did not take me as far as I thought it would. Day two got detered by a thunder storm, where I ran down a canyon to find cover and wait it out for an hour. Day three picked up Annie and continued on, resupplied by a night of wine, cheese, and smoked trout. We set up camp in the dark and were awaken by some rain. The final day our map failed us, we were supposed to pick up a trail for an easy finish to the trip however the trail was no where to be found. A long day of wacking through willows in the rain made us that much more excited when we finally got to the car.

Devils Beadstead

IT NEVER REALLY ENDS...