Saturday, September 6, 2008

Heaven On Earth





Our latest adventure took us to the Black River at Wildcat Crossing. The scenery driving in took our breath away, and it just got better as we backpacked in. The forest is so wild and untouched in this area-----it is incredible!! The trail crossed the river four times before we reached our camping spot where Fish Creek runs into the Black River.

The boys and I tried to outsmart some trout. Brian and Allen ate theirs. Dillon and I put ours back to grow into a monster for next time. Denver kept with his new tradition and ate the brain of Allen's trout. That's my boy!!

When I go to the afterlife, it better look like where we camped or I am getting my money back. Everything was lush and green, wildflowers everywhere, and we even had wild rasberries with our pancakes.

We were expecting the typical afternoon showers of the season, we just did not know they would continue through the night. In the wee morning hours, I was fairly sure that quaint little Fish Creek did not sound so quaint anymore. When I could hear rocks rolling, I knew we were in trouble. The sun rose on a swollen, muddy, and raging pair of waterways with our camp in the middle. We continued to have a great time while keeping our eyes on the water.

When it was time to go, Brian tried crossing the river with two poles and without his backpack. We decided not to tempt fate, but rather circumnavigate a new path over the mountains back to the truck. We went straight up mountains, found unpassable cliffs, roped our backpacks up cliff faces, followed elk trails, and fell deeper in love with why we like to go backpacking after all is said and done. It was amazing!!

My hat goes off to Brian and Allen. Thank you for showing us this beautiful spot and making our adventure memorable. We are ready for the next one already!!!!

1 comment:

DS at the well said...

Thanks for your post! After hearing about your harrowing experience, I believed this trip would be memorable--for the unforseen danger and scary hike out. I'm glad that you put the whole trip into perspective. I'm grateful you guys had a GPS and that you went ahead and hiked (pant-pant, huff-huff) over the mountain and out 'cause you know we were all getting worried when we still couldn't reach any of you at 9pm and probably would have had to call in the helicopters to search for you. Now THAT would have been unforgettable!! Love mom