Halloween Climb

Some of the best climbing at Devils Lake is in the fall and Halloween day is no exception. Gabe and I set a couple of routes on Pseudo's and climbed in the early PM. The weather was dry and the temp was 36 degrees. We only saw 12-15 people on the East Bluff today. The tree canopy had changed dramatically from last week as the bright leaf colors have begun to dull. We had a great time.

Yellowstone National Park

We took a trip to Yellowstone in August and were rewarded with beautiful views and abundant animal life. We hiked to the top of Mt. Washburn in search of a herd of Bighorn's that frequented the mountain top. We did find them and watched them for quite a while. If you want to see animal life, Yellowstone is the place to go. We also saw, two grizzlys, elk, bison and many other smaller species. Pictured is my brother Paul, Gabe and I.

Grand Teton National Park

My brother Paul, Gabe and I went backpacking in Grand Teton National Park in August. Here we are on the trail to Holly Lake (El. 9400 ft.) in the Paintbrush Canyon. Mt. Moran is just to the left in the photo. The Teton's are rugged and beautiful. It took us a day to acclimatize to the altitude. The trail to Holly Lake had an elevation gain of over 2000 ft. We arrived at the lake tired, but in good spirits.

The Needles

Gabe and I on the "Needle" in Custer State Park in South Dakota. The rock quality here has something that Devils Lake has little of...friction. We plan on making another trip back next summer to climb in some of the less traveled areas of the park.

Taylors Falls

Gabe and I taking a break after climbing in Taylors Falls this summer. We had a great day! The weather was good and our campsite was near the St. Croix River.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park

If you want to see majestic beauty complemented by glacier fed streams and waterfalls that peacefully put you to sleep as you camp near them, then Glacier National Park is for you!

This is still the crown jewel of the National Park System as far as we are concerned (although we have yet to visit Yosemite).

Paul, Gabe and I went in at the Jackson Glacier Trailhead and backpacked about 7 miles (after a detour to a waterfall in which we bushwhacked most of the way) to Gunsight Lake where we camped for 2 days. On the second day we went up to the Gunsight Pass and took in the sights including a mountain goat that wanted to race us across the snowfields. Some of the snowfields looked unsafe due to melting so we backtracked back down to Gunsight Lake by late morning and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon exploring other areas.

(Pictured above left are Gabe and I crossing a snowfield near the Gunsight Pass in Glacier National Park.)

Appalachian Trail

Looking for a great test of mind, spirit and stamina? Try some sections of the Appalachian Trail.
The AT:
* Is a unit of the National Park Service.
* Is the nation's longest marked footpath, at approximately 2,178 miles.
* Is the first national scenic trail, designated in 1968.
* Crosses six national parks.
* Traverses eight national forests.
* Touches 14 states.
My brother Paul, Gabe and I hiked some sections in July, 2007. The size and scale of the AT and surrounding area is really quite amazing. I can see how someone can leave the marked trail for a short time and lose their bearings. Thick vegetation and tall trees fill most spaces around the main trail. When openings do occur, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Smoky Mts. We also hiked to Clingmans Dome, Mt. Leconte and biked around Cades Cove.

Gabe and I at the Jump Off Point (which is off a spur trail on the AT). My Dad and his brother went to this point after their service inWWII. This is one of the reasons we wanted to find it.

 

 

 

 

Paul, Gabe and I biking at Cades Cove in the Smoky Mts.

Paul, Gabe and I are pretty drained after hiking up to the LeConte Lodge at over 6500 ft.