First Look

Happy to be on the trail again!

We have lived at the base of the impressive Wind River Mountains for more than a year now, and yet, our knowledge of them has been limited to what we can discover from distant views and short, family-friendly hikes.  Ever since moving here last June, Matt and I have been anxious to hike further into the mountains to get a better taste of their beauty and grandeur.  We finally got the chance to do so!  While Nana and Grandpa were in town (photos from their visit coming soon!), they encouraged us to leave the little one with them and get out for an overnight hike.  We said, "Hmm, well, OKAY!"  With a toddler in tow, it's been 3 years since we've been able to backpack, and with another one on the way, we know it might be another few before we get to do it again.  We couldn't pass up this opportunity.  Thank you for making it possible, Nana and Grandpa!!!!

We decided to hike into the Cirque of the Towers, a popular backpacking destination in the Winds.  We knew it was a feasible 2-day hike that would allow us to enjoy awesome peaks and high country lakes.  We were not disappointed!

Big Sandy Lake

Cirque of the Towers peeking out from behind Jackass Pass

How I love grippy granite trail.

Filling up on water before the final push up Jackass Pass.

Granite peaks towering above.

Cirque of the Towers

Doogie was pretty pleased with the weekend's outing.

Awe, such a pretty pup.

Looking back towards Sandy from the Pass.

4-month-old little Yossi on board.

Black Joe Lake, home for the night.

Camp spot.

Clear Lake, the next morning.

Duhgus, always a faithful companion.

How long before we get to do this again?  Next summer might be out since I'll be a nursing Mama . . . Several summers after that will once again require child care . . . Then there will be two young boys with short legs who will prefer shorter hikes (but possibly overnight?!) . . . and finally, maybe, eventually, we'll all backpack for real as a family.  Of course, by then Matt and I might be too feeble.  Good thing we did it while we could!