Wilderness Trekking III ~ October 2007

Photo documentary of Backpacking Light's Wilderness Trekking III Course, October 9-15, 2007 Montana & Wyoming.

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Mike and Jorgen take first steps out of camp on the last day of our trek along the shore of Russell Lake.
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Now in full frontal view of our Navigation Nemesis, Pilot Peak. Had we had the foresight to place this peak on the map early in the trek, we would had an important key to fixing our location almost any point along the route.
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By now, we were convinced that the other trekking group was exiting the Beartooths via the same drainage - as evidenced by a conspicuous set of fresh tracks on the trail.
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Four days later, we leave the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. L to R: Brian Doble, Don Wilson, Jorgen Johannsen, and Mike Clelland.
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With precious little time left to enjoy the experience, we prolong our trek in a forest-rimmed meadow, enjoying the view of the plateau from which we just descended.
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A more physical adaptation of Rock-Paper-Scissors, Bear-Ninja-Cowboy can be a valuable tool for maintaining group welfare in expedition decision-making. Here, we decide which way to go - left or right - upon reaching the road.
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Mike Clelland leads the group into the hamlet of Cooke City, Montana, 7,800 feet.
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Walking into a town provides absolute finality to an expedition that is not always realized when arriving at a trailhead. It completes the transition from wilderness engagement, and I enjoy it immensely.
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L to R, Standing: Kevin Sawchuk, Mike Martin, Jim Bailey, Darin Banner, and Don Wilson. L to R, Kneeling: Jorgen Johannsen, Brian Doble, Ryan Jordan (instructor), Ryan Connelly (instructor), and Mike Clelland.
Photos: Ryan Jordan / Olympus E-400 / Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5