Saturday, September 5, 2009

The mountains called, and we answered.


In mid-August we went backpacking with Dad Treasure and Jordan in the Tetons. The timing was a little crazy because we closed on our home literally hours before we left on the trip. It was odd spending those few days with just the barest essentials, all the while thinking we had our first home waiting for us in Draper! It was unreal. We hiked into this incredible alpine area called the Alaska Basin. We stayed for three days and two nights. We expected a lot of rain on the trip from the forecast we got before we left. Every afternoon and evening there would be a big thunderhead on the horizon and we would all think today we are going to get soaked. Then at the last minute the storm seemed to shift and pass us by. We never really saw any big game wildlife but everywhere we looked we saw marmots and pikas. These little mascots of the alpine kept us entertained the entire time with their calls and antics. One brave marmot sneaked into camp and was caught dragging a day pack full of trail mix to its den.

From base camp we day-hiked up to Hurricane Pass at about 10,000 ft elevation. From the pass you got an entirely different view of the Grand Teton peaks. Even at 10,000 feet the peaks towered above us. Below the pass was schoolroom glacier and a small glacial lake. It was an amazing sight to take in. It was also the only place on our trip with cell phone service. We set up our utilities for our new home from the top of the pass!

On day three we broke camp and hit the trail. Eight miles later we were at the trail head and a few minutes after that we were eating monster hamburgers at O'Rourkes in Driggs, ID. The transition back to modern living was so fast it almost made or trip seem dream like. It was great to spend time with my dad and little brother in the back country. I wouldn't trade these memories for anything.