Awesome Backpacking Trip!

Day 1-Getting ready to head out.

It has been awhile since we posted, but we couldn't leave out the High Adventure Hike the boys and Daniel went on this last week with the Scouts from our ward.

 Location was Bechler River in Yellowstone Park. Each boy had to carry his own gear, sleeping bag, and water, as well as a share of the food for the group. They opted to take the 8 man tent for the seven of them, instead of a bunch of smaller tents and split it between a couple of packs. It was affectionately nicknamed the "Taj Mahal", as the boys could stand up in it and enjoyed the room compared to the little one-and-a-half man tents they would have taken, which in aggregate weighed more than the big tent. 

Day2-Huckleberry picking! and more hiking.

 

 Taking a break after lots of hiking.

The walls of Bechlar Canyon.

Colonnade Falls

In some areas the mosquitos were really bad. When not in use as a face guard, mosquito netting makes a fashionable hair net.

 Colonnade Falls meant camp was getting close.

 

Little rapids further up the river.

 River crossings were usually a lot of work and inconvenient. First it required removing the hiking boots, changing into swim shorts, getting wet, carrying gear and shoes, drying off on the other side, and changing back into ones clothes. Whenever possible, other methods of river crossing such as this log, were much preferred! Although this particular was a little scary with spiky branch stubs that you did not want to step on. 

The Bridge of Sketch.

Toads and frog were among the more abundant wildlife. They saw no deer, elk, or bison.

The Fungus grows from the hot water flowing over the rock.

 Another form of Fungus in one of the hotpots.

 

 Some would say you would have to be crazy to be a back country guide, hiking week after week, with groups of scouts, all summer with a 50-60 lb pack. Well, maybe so, but he was a really cool guide. And this was the biggest toad the boys had ever seen.

 

 There were 7 scouts, Dan the guide, and Daniel who was the adult volunteer Dad.

 One of the boiling hot springs, or "hot pots". Obviously, this is one you do not want to sit in!

 Basically you have some hot springs next to the river as well as a couple of them in the river, so there are hot and cold spots in the river. By moving around you can find several different temperatures until you find one that you like.

This spot is called Mr. Bubbly because of the little hot springs bubbling up in the river.

 

A Pika (pronounced Pee-ka).

 Day 3- More Hiking, a little fishing, and Dunanda Falls.

A Grouse hiding off the trail.

They never saw any bears, but there was plenty of bear sign, such as the claw marks on this tree. They did see a huge wolf, a solid black, that at first glance looked like a bear because it was so large. It was affectionately referred to as "Pablo".

Dunanda Falls

 Fishing was good, (mostly catch and release).

 The River was fairly warm from the hot springs that ran into it.

Catching Crawdads

 Standing under the waterfall was the highlight of the trip.

 



Juggling Under the Falls

 Caleb has been learning to juggle and spent a lot of time on the trail perfecting the skill.

 Kasten is the friend teaching Caleb how to Juggle. Here they are enjoying the warmth of the hotpots.

Yellow Belly Marmot

 Day 4- Heading back to Camp Loll.

The "Last" River Crossing--except for the one after it.

A bunch of Tired Boys.

 Back at the parking lot, all safe and sound. It wouldn't be an adventure if there weren't a few mishaps: the food wasn't the favorite, the water filters broke, the butane for heating meals gave out, and there were some physical discomfort of blisters and bites; but overall

there was some Amazing Scenery, and Unforgettable Memories, and They Lived to Tell the Tale!