21 FEB 2001
By Joe Hartney
Our third leg, the shortest and most gentle of the entire journey, also
proved to be the most fun so far. We were looking at traveling only 30
miles, about half of the
previous leg. The Mt. Leidy Highlands
sit just 20 miles northeast of Jackson and are a place I've wanted to
explore for several years. The leg turned out even better than I had
expected, holding many hidden surprises.
Joining us for the excursion was our first guest of the winter, Melanie
Kirol, Product Manager of Cloudveil Mountain Works. Cloudveil's dedication
to its product and our trip became apparent when it was interested in
sending its Product Manager into "the field" to see first hand how well
its clothing was performing. Being a third generation Wyoming native, I
had no doubt that Melanie would be able handle a few nights in the
mountains. When it came to cooking, I was blown away that we were
eating better than I usually fare when in town. A few campfires and some
packed trails eased the way, and we were able to see the abundant wildlife of
the area.
Day 1 — It's as if our luck may never run dry, as we are blessed by another
sunny day for takeoff. Spirits are high as we find our first camp in an
abandoned campground with all the amenities. Melanie is having such a good
time, she says she hopes the trip will take seven days instead of the five
we are anticipating. That could probably be arranged, but I wouldn't want
her boss to get worried and come looking for us. We build a soothing fire
to ease the temperature drop (-20F) on this clear night. Bacon, eggs,
pancakes, and a campfire. It just doesn't get any better than this.
"Melanie and I decided to forego the death march and enjoy a more
relaxing two-day exit...."
Day 2 — Still in awe from the bighorn sheep herd we saw yesterday, today we
nearly run into wolves. Although long gone by the time we happen
upon their tracks, I have to imagine they were jealously watching the bacon
sizzle in our skillet last night. We make our way into Slate Creek, leaving the busy Gros Ventre River Valley to head north towards Mt. Leidy.
After dinner, I sit silently for a moment away from camp to listen for any
howling from wolves, but all I hear is Win singing
Saturday Night
Fever.
Day 3 — Wanting to gain some serious ground, we cover eight-and-a-half miles
up and over a small pass into Spread Creek. The terrain changes from
dry hills covered with sage brush to thick pine trees covered with
significantly more snow. The few mountains that stick out from this rolling
country seem more majestic than the peak-filled crests we've grown used to.
Mt. Leidy, East Leidy Peak, and Grouse Mountain—they all hold amazing ski
terrain, but, with the current snow pack, skiing them would be unquestionably
dangerous. The cheesecake we made tonight rewards our valiant efforts
today.
Day 4 — Excited by his new telemark ski setup and the ambition to push the
limits, Win has decided to ski out the remaining 10 miles to Togwotee Pass
today. Melanie and I decided to forgo the death march and enjoy a more
relaxing two-day exit. We tour up Baldy Mountain and are rewarded with
unique views of the Tetons poking out of the trees to the west. Afterward, our shadows grow 10 feet ahead of us as we continue north in the long afternoon light. The pastel sunset fills the sky and we know another cold
night lies ahead. Without Win's thermometer, we can only guess how far below
zero the temperature has dropped, but the frost already growing around camp
leads me to believe that it's at least 10 to 20 on the negative side.
Day 5 — Six more miles lead us abruptly to the highway where we'll soon reach the car. More importantly, the small resort on the pass has
a restaurant and bar. The Red Fox Saloon is a welcome site for lunch
before re-entering society. We play
Saturday Night Fever on the jukebox in
Win's honor, knowing he is already back in town gearing up for our next
adventure.
[ Top ]
