Idaho

As seen from the bus.

Lions Ridge to the Winds

A detour around SW corner of Yellowstone NP. One bus, nine people, $15
per person park entry fee just to pass through. I guess I'll have to
come back with my anual pass.

Dawn in Bozeman

After two weather delays, one in DC and one in Denver I arrived in Bozeman. The wheels touched down at about 1:00 am. I made my way along N7th Ave to Comfort Suites. The business center is nice. Internet access and the smell of a free continental breakfast wafting through the central air system, I can't wait to be away from the trappings of the everyday. First thing on the agenda is to locate a place to store my stuff for a while. I have my computer with me and I don't really feel like lugging it into the mountains. I wonder if I can trick the front desk into holding a bag for me... Probably not. Well, not until the morning shift change anyway. Oh, right. I'm not paying for a room. I've been awake for about 22 hours. It’s about 5:10 am now and I don't see any reason to sleep (edit- upon finishing this entry I am spent. I'm going to have to find somewhere to sleep).
Nevertheless, I need to acclimate. Not that half a day is enough, but some is better than nothing. So, I'll hike out along the Bridger Range later... today. Wow I'm tired.

I won't do the full route tomorrow, but maybe before I leave I'll spend a night at Ross Pass and on up to Blacktail Mountain. WT2 ends on the 5th and I leave on the 9th. I have time to do the whole range and back before my flight. This is going to be a great trip. I am looking forward to learning and increasing my backcountry skill set.

In no time the sun should be creeping up over the mountains and I will have to figure out where I can nap in the sun for a few hours.

Here's a look at the Bridger Range in part, up to Ross Pass

View Bridger Range Traverse in a larger map

AT Thru-hike Video Update 1

Greetings everyone. This is my first video update on my Thru attempt. I am considering this research and will be changing the format depending on the feed back I get. I have come off trail to prepare for Backpacking Light's Wilderness Trekking School. Travel and logistics have all been arranged and I am happy to say that I am very excited to be attending. Much thanks to Mike Clelland, Addie Bedford, and Mom and Dad for helping me get into the class. I will post a full report of the trip as soon as I have time. Enjoy.