Goodbye easy and pristine trails of Yellowstone. Hello Teton National Forest with all the down trees and mountains you can climb! We made it back up to 10,000’ today and it was a lesson in breath control!

I somewhat underestimated the fact that we have been hiking fairly flat trails for the past four days. We left camp and started our Forestill march out of Yellowstone NP. I had forgotten how much climbing we did prior to entering the park, but was reminded as soon as we left our tents. Oh boy, oh boy, as my dear old Dad would say. Let the games begin.

We left the park within the first few miles. The biggest expansive views returned and the Snake River was snaking below us. It’s a perfect name for it. It truly meanders all over the valley, in between the willows and low lying flatlands. We had many creek crossings and poor Atsuko has several blistering toes. So wet shoes mixed with wet socks are a recipe for blisters. Even Fearless started getting more of those pesty oozing skin bubbles. My feet are too calloused so I tend to not get that wrath, but my hiking partners are in pain!

Once the water crossings ceased, the big climb commensurates. On the profile, it was hideous. And once we actually started, my recollection of the past months came back tenfold! This is what I have been missing! I was thankfully surprised that there was a knoll, actually a meadow with snow filled lakes about halfway up the climb. If I was a bear, this is where I would live. There were berries, lots of rocks to overturn and look for nubs, water in the lakes for bathing and it was downright gorgeous. Atsuko and I sat for a bit, caught our breath then finished up our climb for the day.

Once on top at over 10,000’ we could see the Tetons and all the peaks in the distance. The two lakes that Fearless had planned to swim in, were empty. Basically nothing but a mud puddle which didn’t fare well with Atsuko and I. We were plum dry of water. To our surprise and astonishment, Fearless had left us a rock monument with a liter of water! I could’ve cried but that would’ve depleted me of more water so I just yelled “thank you!” She was well ahead of us, cruising up and over the final stretch.

Trail Magic is defined as something unexpected and unique when you need it most. This liter of water was exactly what Atsuko and I needed and would’ve never expected! As we frequently say, the trail provides but in this instance, it was a dear friend who knew we were short on water and the lakes were dry! Talk about the hands and feet of Jesus!

The trail down was steep and long. And it took a bit longer than usual due to the rocks disguised as marbles, that were scattered on the trail. These things are slick and can ruin your day if you aren’t careful. I had a few acrobatic accounts trekking down the trail but luckily landed them all upright.

Hogged Up was waiting at camp, as usual. She had scoped out a site for us. Now that we had left the park, we are back to our own resources to find a suitable place to lay our heads for the night. Once again, minus the horse manure, Hogged Up found us a place. We all arrived shortly after 4pm and got settled.

Around dinner time, we saw three gals walking with their dog. That’s odd. No backpacks, how did they get here? Ends up they work for Wyoming Game & Fish and are collecting data on the type of fish in the local streams, rivers and lakes. Cutthroat is the main trout in these parts but they also saw a few golden trout too. Then they asked if there was anything they can do for us? Hmm, what about taking out trash? They are on horseback so they were more than happy to oblige. That lightened my pack by at least wo pounds. Thank you ladies!

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬