returned from a week of backpacking in Wyoming (many pics)

18 years ago

Hi,

We made it. I and my brother, Joel(in our 50's) went hiking for a week with our friends Roy (age 68) and Bill (age 78) in the Bighorn Mts. of Wyoming.The old guys did pretty good. Only twice in some very rough terrain did I have to go back and carry Bills' pack for him. The mountains have a lot of snow in them yet and therefore are very wet. This means high lake levels, spectacular waterfalls, an abundance of wildflowers, and no shortage of mosquitoes.

The crew. l to r Joel, Roy and Bill.

snow capped peaks.

Dinner!

waterfalls in abundance.

and another

Lake Solitude. (it lives up to its' name)

Our only visitors.

unidentified wildflower.

Joel and me taking a breather.

Elk.

On the way out we met some people going in on horseback. We stopped and chatted. They asked Bill his age. He replied 78 and their jaws dropped. Then, they asked how much his pack weighed. He said about 40 pounds and they almost fell off their horses. One guy replied "My dad is 70 and I can't even get him to walk down to the mailbox."

Way to go Bill. I want to age like him.

Thanks for looking.

Ron

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Comments (33)

glenda_al
18 years ago
Love your pictures!
Thanks for sharing!
Remembering camping days, way back when, and the smell of campfire brings back lots of memories.
maryanntx
18 years ago
Awesome pics!!! What an experience! I would love to do something like that with Jammer. How many days were you out? Kudos to Bill, I want to age like him too!!!

Thanks for sharing and I hope we hear more stories about the trip.
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foggyj
18 years ago
That was interesting. Beautiful place.
I would love to age like Bill, but I'd better start now. (62)Too late??

It looks like it was a lot of fun. You're a good photographer.
susanjf_gw
18 years ago
thanks for the arm chair vacation!
clubm
18 years ago
Great pics!!! Thanks for sharing.
okwriter
18 years ago
What a great trip, Ron!
Thanks for the photos ~
lydia1959
18 years ago
Looks like an enjoyable trip!! Thanks for sharing your photos.
Linda Wayman
18 years ago
Great pictures Ron. The surroundings are beautiful. It looks like a good time was had by all. We're glad you're back though.

Linda
sharon_fl
18 years ago
WOW!! Postcard perfect photos! How nice of you to let us view pics of your 'man trip'!! I only have one question tho...was that big ole' fish enough to fill the tummies for all 4 of you "mountain men"?? tee hee
Lake Solitude speaks volumes, in the belief that America is Beautiful!!
sue_va
18 years ago
I've been thinking it was about time to be hearing about your vacation.

Whatever ages. . I think you all did well to make that trip, but especially Bill.

Great pics.

Sue
vicki_lv_nv
18 years ago
Great pictures Ron. And I am amazed at Bill and Roy! I hope I am able to get around as well as them. Bless you for helping Bill out. Seems he paid you well with a fish dinner!

I loved the pictures. Wyoming is another beautiful state and you proved it well. Thanks for sharing.
minnie_tx
18 years ago
Great photos

Way to go Bill show those youngsters how it's done!!
Kathsgrdn
18 years ago
Beautiful pictures. I want to know how Bill's (and the rest of your) back faired on that hard ground, though-lol! I have a feeling Bill's never been a couch potato and that's why he's in such good shape.
mcmann
18 years ago
What a wonderful trip. I hope you have many more years of Wyoming backpacking ahead of you. Thanks for sharing the photos so all of us can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
casey_nfld
18 years ago
Very nice! And good for you for taking the adventure. I think your wildflower might be chickweed.
gardenspice
18 years ago
Thanks for the pics! Now THAT is a get away from it all vacation.
I can see what draws you back each year.
donna37
18 years ago
Loved the pictures and glad all of you had a great time. So nice to know there are still men like Bill and Roy that are able to get out and enjoy the great outdoors and not be couch 'taters.

Lake Solitude is beautiful and thanks for the mini vacation thru your wonderful pictures.
patti43
18 years ago
Your pictures are beautiful. You have to love this country's magnificence. I'd think a week of hiking carrying 40 pounds would be taxing on even a 20-year old. You guys did great!!!

What did you eat (besides the fish)? When you have time I'd love to hear more details if you're willing to share.
nodakgal
18 years ago
Great pics Ron!

Sounds like a fantastic time too!

Thanks for sharing with us!
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
18 years ago
Beautiful pictures. I miss those days of hikes with my kiddos.

I could never wilderness camp, because I can't stand those instant meals. What did you eat? Fish, Fish and more Fish?

Gayle
socks
18 years ago
Wonderful, Ron. Good for the heart, good for the soul. Thanks for sharing.
petaloid
18 years ago
Excellent photos!
jaybird
18 years ago
Wow...beautiful pictures, thank you!
Way to go guys!
molly109
18 years ago
Wow - what a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing and
"way to go" for Bill. Unbelievable.
orie
18 years ago
Your pics are an inspiration and so are all of you. I'm 47 and admire you guys because I've done some major hiking and know it isn't easy at times esp. with the heavy backpack. Years ago, we were in the Grand Canyon and my DH and I hicked down "just a little bit". On our way up, we met up with an 80 yr. old couple hiking up also from having spend the night on the bottom by the river. We chatted and were so in awe of them. We were inspired to hike like they did. The next year, we did it again except we went all the way down to Phantom Ranch with 40 lb. packs each and hiked back up the next day- just like the elderly couple we had met the year. before. Since then, we took up hiking and loved it. I'm sure you'll inspire others to do the same. It's the only way to see the beauty around us....
gwanny2three
18 years ago
Beautiful! My DH always wanted to do that....his bad back wouldn't survive it....and neither would his wife! But I envy your ambition!! Good for all of you! I'm sure it'll be a trip to remember for you. I'l have to show him your pictures...this is wonderful!
kim_okla
18 years ago
Good for you. Great pics.
lindyluwho
18 years ago
Looks like a good time was had by all. Great pictures. I don't dare show these to DH or he will want to head west.

Linda
cathyid
18 years ago
Beautiful pictures. We just came home from a few days in the high country (Sunlight Basin, no of Cody)The mosquitos are the worst we have ever encountered. Casey is right, your flowers are Meadow Chickweed. Never have been to Solitude, and it looked like we missed a good one.
ronf_gw
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you all. It's easy to be a good photographer in such a beautiful place.
To answer a few questions:
Sharonfl...No sharing of the fish. We each had our own for supper that evening.
Kathy...you're right Bill has never been a couch potato. He has been a farmer and the president of our local bank for over 30 years. Both full time jobs. I don't know how he did it. He is also a natural born storyteller. Some of you think I have a sense of humor, but, next to Bill I'm dull and boring. Not only did he keep us in fish but he also kept us in stitches around the campfire.
patti43 and Gayle asked about other details and what we ate besides fish. Weight is critical. Breakfast is 2 packets of instant oatmeal. Lunch is trailmix and/or beef jerky. Supper is fish or instant side dishes. Ex. Lipton sides, usually a rice or pasta dish. If they require milk I add dried milk and then at camp increase the volume of water accordingly. Then we have a cup of hot chocolate in the late evening. Bill did bring along his insomnia medication. It doesn't come from a pharmacy. (Blackberry brandy)
Thanks again.

Ron
sandy_in_ia
18 years ago
Beautiful!
suebdoo
18 years ago
Beautiful pictures Ron!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Glad to hear everyone returned safely.
OklaMoni
18 years ago
I guess, your load feel heavier than mine, when I ride? That's AWESOME, for those older guys to do this.

I keep saying that I want to keep pedaling till I can't, and then I meet older riders still way fit.

What an inspiration your friend must be.

Thanks for the pictures.

Moni

returned from a week of backpacking in Wyoming (many pics)

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returned from a week of backpacking in Wyoming (many pics)

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