The Hike That Wasn't

The 50 Mile Hike for Aaronic Priesthood Scout Camp was organized this year by one our High Councilors. He did a great job of preparing, but could do nothing about the weather. It has snowed heavily all winter, and when we got up to 6500' elevation we were slogging over 6' -12' of snow. With the help of my GPS we were able to track the trail under the snow, but it was difficult going for hours before reaching our destination.

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Above is a creek crossing over a log (which we made more than once, backtracking due to the snow) - the other photo is of the lake we camped at the first night, completely frozen over. This was to 6800' and the planned route would take us up above 7200' for the next three days. With the steep switchbacks and trails on the eastern aspect being even deeper under the snow, we had nothing to do but turn round and head back.

Our camp the first night. No bare ground to lie on except this flat rock outcropping. My accommodations are the black backpack and blue tarp to the left of the tent.

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The photo on the left is the ridge we had planned to cross on the second day, just before sunrise. The photo on the right was taken just as the sun peeked over the ridge. (You also see one young man still in his sleeping bag, with his head and shoulders uncovered even though the temperature had dipped to freezing.) It was a beautiful morning. And I really enjoyed the oatmeal, hot cocoa and beef-stick bites I had for breakfast.

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On the left is a view of the scenery from the trail (at a lower elevation) and on the right is the ever picturesque Blue Lake. We stayed here the second night while considered our options.

This is the crew that made the hike. We covered 27 miles with the backtracking and explorations of different routes - and promised to let them try again next year.

As for me. I had the same trouble I've had in recent years adapting to the elevation. I just don't process oxygen like I used to. After a couple days at altitude I do a lot better. Some of the trip was no fun at all -other parts were as enjoyable as always.