kathysines
10-20-2008, 10:43 AM
The OAC has another stellar trip to the Russell Fork. Thirteen intrepid club members braved low temps and bears for an absolutely stunning weekend.
Michelle Browning and I headed down on Thursday night to grab campsites. We decided to hike while we were waiting for the rest of the crew. Note to self (and others): if the trail map says the hike is strenuous and moderately difficult - they MEAN it. We hiked/slid down from the Stateline Overlook and nearly made it to the Russell Fork. Five miles and 1,000 vertical feet in just about three hours resulted in three very tired pups and a least one exhausted hiker.
Bob and Gwen had loaded up on firewood and we sat down to enjoy the crisp air, roaring fire and good company. Mary, Jessica, Adam, Jeff, Michael, Mike and Greg weren't far behind. Brian and Sheila rolled in later.
Gary Farhnbach brought his new camper out for a shakedown and provided much appreciated shuttle on Saturday.
Jessica had a great day on her first ever run of the Russell Fork. All the other boaters had a great day too, so no carnage reports.
Saturday evening brought a great campfire and communal dinner. All contributions were yummy. Adam can't wrangle pots of chili so he's gonna bring his mom to the next trip.
Sunday morning - 3:30a.m. Jessica leaves the comfort of her tent for a bio-break and comes face-to-face with the campground bear. Fortunately - the bear was more interested in the trash cans than the campers. He made lots of noise but didn't eat any campers. Even the snack dogs were safe from this guy.
Sunday morning brought low temps and wimpy paddlers. A much smaller group of six paddlers banged out a run on the Upper in two hours. Again, no carnage reports.
Michelle Browning and I headed down on Thursday night to grab campsites. We decided to hike while we were waiting for the rest of the crew. Note to self (and others): if the trail map says the hike is strenuous and moderately difficult - they MEAN it. We hiked/slid down from the Stateline Overlook and nearly made it to the Russell Fork. Five miles and 1,000 vertical feet in just about three hours resulted in three very tired pups and a least one exhausted hiker.
Bob and Gwen had loaded up on firewood and we sat down to enjoy the crisp air, roaring fire and good company. Mary, Jessica, Adam, Jeff, Michael, Mike and Greg weren't far behind. Brian and Sheila rolled in later.
Gary Farhnbach brought his new camper out for a shakedown and provided much appreciated shuttle on Saturday.
Jessica had a great day on her first ever run of the Russell Fork. All the other boaters had a great day too, so no carnage reports.
Saturday evening brought a great campfire and communal dinner. All contributions were yummy. Adam can't wrangle pots of chili so he's gonna bring his mom to the next trip.
Sunday morning - 3:30a.m. Jessica leaves the comfort of her tent for a bio-break and comes face-to-face with the campground bear. Fortunately - the bear was more interested in the trash cans than the campers. He made lots of noise but didn't eat any campers. Even the snack dogs were safe from this guy.
Sunday morning brought low temps and wimpy paddlers. A much smaller group of six paddlers banged out a run on the Upper in two hours. Again, no carnage reports.