August 25, 2005

• Sorry, the Xanga stuff is just stacked right now. So first, backpacking trip, then Kelly&Pat.
  
  
  
  To prepare for the trip, or just to have fun, Aly and I went up Big Cottenwood Canyon for a day hike w/ friends Spencer and John. We then hiked near Solitude ski resort. The amazing thing is the pic is taken a 15 min drive from metropolitan Salt Lake (check far background).
  
  
  
  So, to preface, I had never been real backpacking, and while in Mongolia, Aly and I talked about going backpacking in the Unitas (and E-W trending mtn range 1-2 hrs NE of SLC). So, on Aug 11, we headed out. It was me, Aly, Aly’s bro Andrew, and Aly’s dad, Jeff (more often called paw).
  
  
  
  We had some heavy packs. By my pack was awesome… a brand new Kelty Coyote 4750 Aly got me as an early bday present. I don’t know how much it cost, and I don’t want to know! I am so greatful, I hardly feel I deserve such an extravagant present! Anyways, the packs really were heavy after the 8 mile hike in, and I was never as sore in as many places as the day after. I don’t know if I’m getting old, or am out of shape, or have become a wuss, but the 6 hr hike really wore me out.
  
  
  
  The scenery was great.
  
  
  
  I really enjoied the scenery.
  
  
  
  Did I mention I liked the scenery?
  
  
  
  The main attraction of the area are the cirque-basin lakes that dot the landscape. This is a larger one, Jordan Lake, with a glacial horn in the background. Elevation of the area is all above 10,500 ft.
  
  
  
  We camped next to a small, unnammed lake.
  
  
  
  We did a little fishing… which led to much needed relaxation. Nothing too big, but it was fun.
  
  
  
  
  
  Aly and I went hiking around some of the local waterfalls. I was so romantic… except for the giant bug swarm that the whole mountain was engulfed in. It was certainly worse over here, but I still enjoyed this little waterfall hike most.
  
  
  
  The next day we hiked as far as we could up the cliff. It was not far, but it was worth the effort for the views and the rocks. We were in the Proterozoic Uinta Mtn. Fm., a Q rich shallow marine/lacustrine to fluvial(?) succession of sandstones-mudstones, not that different from the Belt of Montana or the Unkar Group in the Grand Canyon.
  
  
  
  I can see my tent from up here!
  
  
  
  Jeff really got into the geology… though he was very disapointed when I debunked his fossil finds (it’s hard in precambrian rock, you know).
  
  
  
  Of course, a time spent in the wild is not complete without a hike down a talus slope…
  
  
  
  Or wrestling…
  
  
  
  On the hike back, I was so beat, I could hardly see straight. I definately had a reprise of the Mongolia night hike in the feeling of pure despriation and insanity. I started talking about negative backpacks and got fairly delireous. We did the hike in 3 hours. Our packs were lighter, but Jeff and I about craoaked right on the path.
  
  So, stay tuned for Pelly and Kat, right after Dharma and Greg (but you don’t have to watch that).
  
  

  • 7:28 pm
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