Final Thoughts

The Lake Plateau near Columbine Pass.

While I don't believe I hiked the best the A-B had to offer, it was definitely enough to whet my appetite for the area. In the future I'd like to get up on the high plateaus which are, as the wise "hikerjer" says, the essence of the Beartooth's.

As was the case with our Wind River trip, much time and effort was expended just to get to the more scenic areas of the Wilderness. Next time I'll find a trailhead at or above 9,000' insttead of starting in a valley at less than 7000'.

I proved to myself that I could exist in the wilderness for 4 days and not go a little stir-crazy for lack of companionship, though I made up for that the day I left for home.

Though this trip was a couple of nights shorter than I wanted I made up for it by spending a wonderful morning with some retired folks which was, in a way, the best part of the trip.

As usual, the Wyoming residents were as friendly as ever.

As usual, thanks to mother/grandma for watching over the boys in my absence.

Great trip. Can't wait to get back---probably the summer of 2008.