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| Hiking | 11.88 Miles |
2,442 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.88 Miles | 8 Hrs 27 Mns | | 1.80 mph |
| 2,442 ft AEG | 1 Hour 51 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Finally get to tick this one off and we did the whole passage; wasn't sure if we were going to pull it off but we did. Our objective was to backpack 17 to 16 TH over 3 nites, 4 days. We were lucky that the temps really cooperated and gave us highs in the mid 60s and lows in the mid 40s. For most of the time there were clouds lingering here and there which we appreciated both in their assistance in creating better photos and hiking conditions. We wanted to be on the trail by 9 and actually started a little sooner.
The trail is in good shape for the most part and I can see where they had done work on a couple little sections that needed help. However, the horses are sure beating it up until their turnoff for the loop back. The 17b section really could stand with some trimming especially when you traverse to 17a where it's a breeze to hike without something wanting to attach itself to you. I had a terrible time getting my pack comfortable which was frustrating because it did fine for my 3 niter up at Glacier. The pack was a pain for most of this entire hike so needless to say, since I can't get consistency in its ride, I may have to find something else even though I really like this pack.
I was ever so glad to make it to our water stop at FR4 and see Wendy and Gary and the dogs. We sat for a bit with them and had our lunch and then Wendy offered us chocolate candy with hazelnut. That was delish and a great send off as we continued on her part of the trail. Wendy is the section steward for 17a. It was a nice afternoon as we made our way up to Stripey Butte. The views are just so pretty in here with the differing flora and rock outcroppings and mountains. We encountered a few people on this passage including bike riders and 2 thru hikers. We took a break in the wash next to Seep Tank which has plenty of "skanky wet water" per Shawn's description.
We mustered up the will and headed up the hill to finish off this passage. Three of us hadn't done this long of a hike in quite awhile but with the breaks we were able to get 'er done. The grades on the climbs are pretty nice so that helps make it not seem as hard. Shawn found us a camping spot after you go thru the gate and follow the road a little to the left. It had great views and fit all of us very comfortably.
Part 1 Picketpost to Forest Road 4 [ youtube video ]
Part 2 Forest Road 4 to Stripey Butte [ youtube video ]
Part 3 Stripey Butte to Passage 16 Junction [ youtube video ]
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For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled. |
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