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Published: September 14th 2007
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Smokey
No Fires! Since we began this trip, we have traveled through areas experiencing drought, heat and now fire. The signs in WY read Fire Danger is High. Then, the Fire Danger is Very High. We thought, well, what’s next, Really Super High? Then, outside of Riggins, ID, there was, the Fire Danger is EXTREME. Now that has to be it because outside of Riggens there were actual fires. The only thing left is a burning sign. The smoke was so thick during our drive on ID route 12 that you couldn’t see over ¼ mile. Nevertheless, we are doing great, the road opens before us and the adventure continues. I feel like we are now on to the next major section of the trip: the great northwest, Ranier, Olympic and the coast. As this is all new territory it is exciting just to be on the way.
At Riggins, we went up to the lookout over Hell’s Canyon. There has been a lot of Hell this and Devil that in the west. Given the heat, rattlesnakes and barren land, maybe it makes sense. So here’s some advice. If you follow Hells Creek you’ll end up in Hells Canyon, and you’ll be able
to see Devil’s Tower. If you want to climb Devil’s Tower you might want to start with Little Devil’s Tower first, just for practice. If you climb up high enough you can reach Heaven’s Gate, but if you fall the Seven Devil Mountains will be all over you. And you do not want to mess with He Devil, the Ogre, or especially She Devil. So be careful. You do not want to end up in a Devil’s Dream.
We were on the move for 6 straight days after dropping off squire SilverChin. Path: Grand Tetons--Gardiner, WY--Tower, Yellowstone—Bozeman, MT—Bitterroot NF, MT—Sawtooth Mts, ID—McCall, ID—Yakima, WA. About 700 miles. Doesn’t sound like that much (especially to you Shepherd road rats), but you’re not taking into account the winding narrow “scenic” road factor. Idaho is rivers and canyons. We're taking a wonderful B&B Anniversary break in Yakima, WA, our 10th state. Current Stats: traveled 5000 miles, hiked over 130; camped 17 nights; visited 11 national parks/monuments, 8 state parks/historical sites, 6 national forests and 5 scenic byways (100 miles of gravel road). Now it's back to more hiking, backpacking, camping, or in other words, Grime! Note: beds are really cool.
Moose
Heaven's Gate
Smoke over Hell's Canyon (of course) Squirrel update, and its wordy.
Yep, here we are in the Yakima Valley. Checking out local wines and taking it easy. Not that camping isn’t fun, but it requires a little more work then staying at a B&B requires. Kudos to the Orchard Inn B&B here in Yakima. Wonderful place! And of course we need to celebrate our big 20th anniversary. And some of you said it wouldn’t last. Oh wait, that was my parents. And close friends. And here we are still using our tent, camp stove, and camping cookware that we received at our camping shower. And we still have and use the line that Joe Debrohun made for us. Pretty impressive, huh? Now some of you have been commenting about “living vicariously” through our journey. Here are a few observations that might just make you appreciate your current environment and situation. 1)Ice crystals on the rain fly of your tent. Yep, sure enough, Sunday (09/09) we woke up to 38 degrees in the tent, 30 degrees out of the tent and ice crystals on the rain fly and picnic table. 2)Sleeping in long silk underwear, fleece pants, and a toboggan (yeah, some of you call it a
Jim & Tree
Caught in the act stocking cap, but in the south its something you wear on your head, not something you sled down a hill on). 3)Starting out a hike on 09/10 in fleece, gloves, and toboggan, and being in short sleeves minus all the winter wear and still sweating and getting some “sun” on my arms (temp rising above 80 degrees after a few miles of hiking), 4)Vault toilet (no other comment needed; please see pic if you need more details), 5)Heating water on a backpacker stove for your food which is likely to be instant oatmeal and tea in the AM and soup or quick cooking pasta in the PM; yummy power bars midday for your lunch, 6)Using a hand pump to get your water to cook and clean (this last water pump was a doozy and required over 12 strenuous pumps to get it going; or at least that’s what Jim said; I quit trying at 10 pumps assuming it had been cut off), 7)Dry skin. I’m having a great time, but think that it is likely that I will look about 15 years older when I return. Dirt, dust, and hand sanitizers have taken their toll. Thus far none of the
Vault (pit) toilet
Makes you appreciate flush toilets, huh? campground hosts have provided dramatically different moisturizing lotion. So you get the idea. And some of you (you adrenaline junkies know who you are) would have a difficult time chilling out. Granted, I’m glad we are here and wouldn’t trade it for anything (okay, maybe a few things), but I repeat, its hard work having so much fun. Just want all of you to go give your boss a hug, or chuck on the old shoulder and say, “thanks for the job.” And give that significant other a hug, kiss, or whatever, and say “thanks for sharing a home.” And lets not forget the parental unit or children. Ditto with them. And next time you turn up/down the thermostat or sit on a flush toilet, you might want to think of my cold butt out here in the pacific northwest. Nah, don’t do that. That’s a little too weird.
This weeks trivia question is: we met some people while waiting in line to enter Yellowstone who knew the mother of which friend of ours?
Bonus question: Washington provides 70%!o(MISSING)f the world supply of what agricultural product (no googling the answer!)? Two hints: 1)It was dried potpourri on the breakfast table this AM, 2)It is a necessary ingredient for a common popular beverage. First correct answers win the next prizes, whatever they may be.
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Lori
non-member comment
I dont feel sorry for you---
OK, stop with the whining! We all hate you and our mundane lives back here in the east. Yes, I can go to the ocean but, would love to be in your shoes. Besides, the Vault toilet has nothing on the squatty potties of Thailand, or did you block those from your memory? Have no idea on the trivia questions but will throw out an answer for participation purposes-1) Mary Anne 2)Prunes See ya! PS-Susan, you're looking quite skinny, just how much hate do you want???????