Day 1
8/16/17
7.5 miles
I first heard of the 2017 eclipse and it’s path through the Wind River Range in Wyoming from LoveNote back in 2013 as we finished the CDT. It’s been a solid plan to hike the high route for over a year.
Although in the time since the failed SHR attempt I’ve struggled to rehab my back, I couldn’t give up this Winds trip! So I threw a therapy cocktail at my back: stretching, exercises, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, massage therapy, and prednisone from a sports medicine doctor. Still doesn’t feel 100%. Fingers crossed I hold up well enough to make I through this trip!
Sadly, Marmot ended up unable to join on this hike due to being a responsible adult, leaving it to be just me and Bubs. I’m sad we are losing not only Marmot’s company, but also our camp reading material for this trip: “Cowboys of the Wind River Range”, which she had purchased just for this occasion. I had high hopes it would be up there with “[Sex This Good Is] Only With A Cowboy” from the Hayduke.
Bookless, Bubs and I drove out from Oregon over 2 days, and made it to the Big Sandy trailhead, which was overflowing with cars, by late afternoon. We felt very confused to see a CDT blaze at the trailhead. This was not the route either of us took through the Winds…but maybe it’s the official route?
In any case, we got on our way about 3:50pm and put in some easy miles, stopping to camp in a nice sheltered spot just south of Jackass Pass. Here we go!
Beautiful pictures! Love the wild flowers.
Beautiful start even tho you questioned it. Nice pictures.
Yes, loved the wildflowers myself.
I guess this will have some climbing since Bubs has a helmet on her pack.
May I be #4 to say, yes, I ALWAYS appreciate your ‘eye’, and especially that bottom photograph is a money shot, for sure!
I hope you’re feeling well 🙂
Thank you for sharing.
Now THAT is how to do a total eclipse. I cannot think of a better spot. Thanks!
Fun to see Big Sandy Lake where we camped just two days ago! And the log which crosses the Lonesome Lake outlet, where we stood three days ago. We did the Cirque of the Towers loop clockwise via Shadow Lake, starting Monday evening (8:30 pm) after watching the eclipse in Idaho Falls (and avoiding the insane parking crush at Big Sandy and Elkhart trailheads). We heard that the Forest Service had to close Big Sandy parking lot on Sunday because it was overwhelmed by eclipsites. Fortunately, by the time we arrived Monday night, enough people had departed that we were able to park just a few feet from the trailhead. 🙂 I guess your car was one of those in the lot. We wondered if we’d run into you.
Looking forward to your eclipse photos.