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After leaving Grandma’s we began the uphill drive to Powder River Pass. I’d soon find out if the significant amount money put into the trusty Santa Fe would pay dividends. At first it seemed that the old girl was having some problems dealing with the steep climb as I was forced to downshift into 4th, and then to 3rd in an attempt to maintain some semblance of speed. It should be noted that the word “speed” in association with the Santa Fe while in the mountains, is a relative term. In this instance I was just hoping to maintain 40 mph. Much to my surprise, the Santa Fe was able to climb without dipping below the 40 mph mark.
Higher and higher we climbed, the Santa Fe running like the fine-tuned machine it was. Only one time was I passed. Even more amazing was the fact that I actually was able to pass another couple of vehicles myself! The feeling of overwhelming power didn't’ go to my head though I was feeling quite giddy at the prospect of being able to make it back home when the trip was finished. The boys at Satori’s Auto in Manitowoc got a tip of my hat for a job well done as we continued to the trailhead.
We were soon approaching Meadowlark Lake and knew I had to be alert lest I miss my turnoff to the Boulder Park campground and Forest Service Road 27. Naturally, I missed the turnoff and we had to double back. Shortly before 10:00 AM we were on NFS Road 27 heading north avoiding potholes and other potential truck-wrecking obstacles. We managed to cover the 8 miles in about a half hour and we soon at the West Tensleep lake trailhead. Finally.
As expected, the trailhead seemed quite crowded but I knew hikers tended to disperse nicely in the area. Many would undoubtedly be camped near Mistymoon, but an equal number of weekenders would be hiking over to Mirror and Lost Twin Lakes. I was feeling fairly confident that we’d be able to avoid the crowds for the next 5 nights.
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| Dorf trying to get his hiking legs back. I did virtually no conditioning prior to the trip, |
At long last we were packed and ready to begin hiking. After nearly forgetting to lock the truck (thanks Brad) we were off.
So now that all the prep work, gear checklists and countless other details were coming to fruition, I now only had to deal with my pathetic fitness level which was, well, pathetic. But hey, that’s why this was referred to as the “warm up hike” for the last 9 months.
I was truly grateful for the light pack and level trail for the first couple of miles, I knew the trail was flat up to the Wilderness boundary and the scenic meadows would be easy on the eyes. What I didn’t count on was the footbridge about a half hour away over the creek was washed out. I didn’t feel like changing into my Crocs this early in the hike so I made damn sure I checked all options. Luckily, there was a fallen tree a bit down stream which enabled us to get across without having to change shoes and cross without a problem.
I was ready for a break after an hour of hiking and told Canadian Dude that a break every 50 minutes was my typical M.O.---which was pretty much a line of crap but he agreed it was a good idea. We found the large rock outcropping I’d stopped at 3 years earlier and took a break.
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| Permits are required in the Cloud Peak Wilderness but they are free. Note I failed to sign and date ours. Oops. |
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It was a great break---almost too good to the point that I didn’t want to get up and started looking at the meadow in front of us for potential camp sites. We hadn’t yet crossed into the Cloud Peak Wilderness and here I was looking to stop for the night. At this point I was hoping I could make it up to Mistymoon without bonking.
Luckily, I was able to gut it out for another hour when Brad suggested it was time for lunch. We found a nice outcropping overlooking West Tensleep Creek and dug into the last two remaining roast beef sandwiches I’d brought from home.
About halfway through our meal we were visited by the friendly backcountry ranger making his rounds. As soon as I saw him I started pulling our free permit from my pocket and held it up for him without turning from my most tasty sandwich.
We made small talk for a while, made some brownie points by telling him thank you for keeping order in the wilderness, figuring it might gain us a few feet worth of leniency should he find us camped too close to a lake or stream later on.
By 1:30 I was feeling pretty good when we started back up the trail. To this point we’d only climbed about 500’ and had another 700’ to go but figured I’d barely make it. The trail was getting rockier and there were more switchbacks which I was glad for. After a mere 40 minutes of hiking we were both ready for some more water which we’d been drinking regularly in the heat. We’d soon arrive at the foot of Lake Helen where we’d filter water and experience the first of many mosquito attacks.
I figured the skeeters would be troublesome in the Beartooths but had no idea they’d be out in force in the Bighorns as well. I smeared some Ultrathon over dead mosquitoes still clinging to my leg hairs and did the best I could to keep my sanity while pumping as fast as possible.
By this time we’d noticed some weather coming in from the northwest. This was good news as it might force us to set up camp earlier than expected! We were less than 2 miles from Mistymoon but it didn’t look like we were going to make it before the rain hit us. We managed to make it up to t he head of Lake Helen when we felt the first drops of rain. The skies to the north looked nasty so we agreed that we needed to find a place to set up camp quickly.
15 minutes later we found a nice area just south of Lake Marion complete with our own private waterfall and quickly set up camp.
This would be the first night spent in my spankin’ new Contrail so getting the pitch just right took a few more minutes than I would have liked but I eventually got it at 3 PM---or so I thought---just in time for the skies to start clearing to the north.
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| Foul weather north of Lake Helen |
Brad was already inside his new Lunar Solo preparing for a nap so I decided to do the same. The drive out, excitement, elevation and the pitter patter of the light rain all combined to create the perfect storm for a nap and I soon found myself sound asleep.
The 5 hours of sleep were the most I’d get at one time during the entire trip. I was pissed I’d slept the rest of the afternoon and evening away. It was starting to get dark and I hadn’t eaten dinner yet.
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| Our Camp just north of Marion Lake (T13 323493 4911502) |
I decided on making a few burritos but wasn’t crazy about them and had to force myself to finish everything. Once I got cleaned up I took a short walk down to the falls to watch the small trout rise.
Brad was ready to hit the sack by 8:45 so I figured I'd try to sleep myself, but knowing it would be tough to do after my lengthy nap.
I was anxious to see how my new Montbell Super Stretch Hugger #5 (40*) would work out at 10,000'. I had some misgivings about bringing it along on this trip but knew I slept warm so was willing to give it a shot, seduced by its small packed size and 800 power fill. Tonight would be a good test. My fingers were already numb so I knew the temp was already around 50* and getting colder.
Once I took care of a few person hygiene tasks I was ready for bed. I spent a few minutes playing with the GPS and writing in my journal. It appeared the GPS's altimeter was off about 400' and I had forgotten to pack some wet wipes. At least I didn't lose my hat.
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