The sunrise on the Tetons was gorgeous though, so, bonus, but the temperature was bitterly cold (25° F).
The coffee I brewed was weak, so extra cranky. And needing to find a new camp site (we were in an ADA site that is open to all for one night after 5PM if no handicapped person claims it) was a chore – I think Jenny Lake filled up by 10 today. But, we found a new site, got set up, and then loaded our backpacks for a training run for Glacier.
Our packs were probably about 30 to 40lbs, which should be more than when we camp. We chose a route similar to the one we’re looking at in Glacier – 9 miles round trip with a 2600ft elevation gain (mostly coming in a 2 mile stretch). The Garnet Canyon trail is great and beautiful, if you aren’t weighed down. You get spectacular views of Taggert and Bradley lakes, Middle Teton, a huge bouldering field, and the general Jackson area.
On our hike up, we were warned of a bear eating some berries along the trail, but never saw it. I also made two contacts on 146.52 (K0NR and k7AVL) so, there’s that. Otherwise the day was the hike. The way up sucked.
We had a GPS so we knew our elevation, and every time we looked at the map – more up to go. It took us 3.5 hours to go up, with an hour of that spend just resting/taking pictures. Every switchback sucked more that the last because it meant more up. Lara was absolutely miserable and cranky for part of it – snacks helped. We were passed by many people that went further than us to climb and boulder – those folks is crazy.
When we finally made it, it was a great feeling (though there was much pain and no energy).
The views were great and the lunch fantastic. We had some great bison salami. The hike down was stupidly quick (comparatively) and was filled with “fond” memories of the upwards pain. I think we’ll be OK in Glacier & North Cascades.
Tomorrow’s goal is light hiking in Cascade Canyon, then on to Yellowstone, ending in or near Helena, MT.
Trip Odometer: Hiking: 9.5 miles in 1 hike, waaay too little sleep.