Backcountry Fishing

Today I was wanting to post a blog...an update or something like that, but I realized I haven't really pulled out my camera lately.  Sometimes I don't get the desire to take pictures for a while, instead I feel more like looking back at other pictures and reflecting on them.

So, I went looking through my photos and remembered I trip I took in early September with three lovely women from camp.  While the explore students were in the backcountry on the Montana/Idaho State line trail, we decided to spend the weekend out in the same area. 

The trip was to be a hike back to some lakes where we could relax.  Trina, being hardcore (she really is), carried her fishing pole and a two-person raft in along with all of her other gear.  One afternoon I went out with fishing on the lake.  I rowed around while she fished.  It was a beautiful and sunny day on a quiet lake up in the mountains.

My beautiful friend Trina

This is a really fun shot of the fish coming out of the water!

The colors and patterns on the fish were so vibrant and beautiful

Gutted fish waiting to be eaten...

Trina getting the grasshoppers out of the bag

The fish steaming as they cook in the pan

I nearly forgot, it was on this trip that I discovered I have a knack for catching grasshoppers to use for live bait.  I chuckle as I ponder these pictures, you would maybe suppose that with all the fishing pictures I have put up that I would love fish.  But, growing up I hated...I mean despised the days we would eat fish.  Now I have come to think it is all right, but the idea of eating fish and liking it is still relatively new!

Day 5 of Backpacking

Today is our last day on the trail. We have several miles to hike that include hiking back up that mountainside and down a rockslide on the other side. But, there is a bit of excitement to head back to Camp Bighorn.

Day 4 of Backpacking

Today we climbed down the side of a mountain. For the first time in a long time I have to admit that I have a fear of heights in certain contexts. I stood at the top of the mountain looking down the slope that our leader told us was the path. The slope was a steep one that dropped some 600 feet or so and was covered only in bear grass. I decided in my head that it might be safer if I just stayed on the top of the mountain and did not come down...these people must be crazy for wanting to climb down this with a thirty-some pound pack on my back. Finally one of the members of my team realized my fear and grabbed my hand and began directing me down the side of the mountain. I chuckled as I thought how I had to look like a fearful child being led quickly through a haunted house. Upon reaching the bottom, I sighed with relief and jumped into a freezing cold lake.

Day 3 of Backpacking

Last night and today were fun...we experienced sleet, hail, and snow...it made sleeping and hiking super tough. We spent the night in Alpine meadows, a gorgeous view of all the mountains laid out before us. Honestly, indoor bathrooms will never compare to being able to take a rest stop where mountains surround you and the sun sets...chuckle.

Day 2 of Backpacking

Today we backpacked into Bonaza Lake. The total mileage through the mountains was only about four and some miles, but for a first timer with a thirty pound pack on my back that seemed to be plenty. Here are some of the views from our campsite. In the pictures is one of my gold team members, Daniel. The day itself was cold, misty, and very foggy, but the mountains were awe-inspiring.

Backpacking the Idaho State Line Trail

Soon after arriving in Montana, we split into our teams to go on a backpacking trip on the Idaho State Line Trail. I am a part of the gold team that is complete with four of us girls and five guys. We hiked a couple of miles and made a summit on our first day. The picture with all of us girls was my first summit. It was a very foggy day, which made it difficult to see the rest of the mountains surrounding the area.