Trip Report Sept 13 – Dubois
Greetings from Dubois; that’s “Dew-boyzs” unless you want to get sent packing back to Paris by the local cowboys, in which case go ahead and say “Du-bwah”.
We’re closing in on 1,000 miles. But, one lesson the trail teaches is to not get too set on an expected outcome. Surprises are always in store, so it’s best to remain open to all possibilities and let the hike unfold.
During this last week, since leaving Old Faithful, we’ve continued to have cold nights, frosty morning and frozen water bottles. It’s rained, hailed and snowed some, but that’s all to be expected in September at our 7,500 to 10,000 foot elevation playground.
Southeastern Yellowstone is an interesting mix of areas burned by the ’88 fires, in various stages of regeneration, as well as older growth left untouched by recent fires. Backountry thermal areas offer guysers without tourists. Lake basins, streams and the upper Snake River valley are wonderful wildlife habitat. They also mean frequent fords and wet feet. The only thing worse than crossing a cold wet stream in the evening just before camp is waking up to frozen shoes in the morning.
Leaving Yellowstone we hiked for 3 days through the Teton Wilderness, on the edge of the Absaroka Mountains, one of the most remote areas in the “lower 48” states. Rugged glaciated plateaus and peaks; broad, willow lined valleys; and more wildlife were highlights.
In all, in the last week we’ve seen two very large black bears, a meandering moose, quite a few deer and a herd of Elk.
The down side is that I’m still struggling with a sore knee and now have shin splints, particularly bad on the left shin. The last day of this stretch was only made possible by advil, endorphins and the thought of beer in town. It was bad enough that we gave some thought to ending this summer’s trek here at Dubois.
But we are so close (just over 2 weeks and about 250 miles to go) that I’m determined to go on. Besides, the Carrot reminded me that we made her continue on with shin splints during our AT hike when we were less than halfway…..sighhhh….it sounded so much more reasonable then. So, a day of rest and ice, then we’ll hit the trail with an ace bandage, sports tape and extra advil. On to the Wind Rivers and the Great Divide Basin.
Leave a Reply