With over a year in the planning the first annual Idaho hang was a great success. First I want to thank the guys that came for driving and flying so far just to spend a few days hanging out with me in my little back yard. I could not have asked for anything more from this trip and it will stand alone as one of the best I have done with guys that meet as near strangers last week, in in minutes were laughing and sharing a beer like old friends.
Soon after arriving and setting up our hammocks for the night we set to getting some dinner. Old Gringo had venison ready to go on the grill (thanks KSC for bringing that and so many things that made camp so much better) We feasted on tenderloin, corn on the cob, beer and bourbon, and cinnamon rolls.
After dinner we sat around the fire swapping story's for many hours till a light rain began to fall and we each headed off to hang in the trees for the night. The rain continued off and on thought the night and the temps dropped into the mid 30's.
In the morning the four of us hiking packed our gear in hopes that the rain would soon subside and we would head out. Old Gringo planned to keep site 8 secure and keep the coffee on in anticipation of our return. Before setting out we decided to head to a near buy restaurant for a warm breakfast. As we drove the couple miles down the hwy the rain began to get a bit fuzzy and was soon a full blown early season light snow storm. We were greeted warmly with a welcoming fire in the wood stove and hot coffee in at the table near as quick as we sat down. As we looked over the menu the power went out. In short order the wait staff was cracking jokes and making plans to drain the beer fridge before it grew warm. They put on a pot of chili on the wood stove to warm and we decided to stay and enjoy the fun nature of the first snow of the year. http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/...6f3e2a19_z.jpg
After a couple hours we decided we should pay the tab and head back to camp. We asked for the check and we were promptly told there was no charge, even though we had each had our fill of breakfast chili, most of the coffee they had made and taken up a table for hours. We tipped on the heavy side.
We returned to find camp free of snow but the puddles were growing. We decided to hang the night in camp and set to hike the next day rain or shine.
As early evening rolled around our minds soon returned to a warm wood stove, a hot meal and a cold beer. We decided once again to go down to the little hwy side restaurant up the valley. On the way we spotted a small group of antelope grazing on the grass at the road side.
As the sun peaked though the fog and began to warm the morning we felt excited to get ready to hit the trail and packed quickly. We were soon ready to get on the trail and see what the next few days would have in store for us.
After a good days worth of hiking we made it to Toxaway lake, where we had originally planned to spend the second night on the trail. With having lost a day due to the weather we pushed and found a great spot to hang at the upper end of the lake. After getting set up and having a bit of dinner I set out along the lake at dusk to see if I could find any fish in the lake.
I found a number of small Brookies in the lake that were more than happy to chase down a fly as it grew dark. As I fished and light diminished the fish grew larger and fiercer in their hits on my fly, but I began to wonder if I would be able to see to get back to camp in the dark. I gave in and headed back to find the fire going and a warm hammock waiting for me.
Sun up brought frost on the tarp and Joe cooking over his wood stove.
We set out to tackle the 9390 foot pass above the lake that would take us into the Alice lake basin. Switch back after switch back took us steadily up the granite ringed bowl that lead to the pass.
A little more time fishing as darkness rolled in and it was time for sitting by a warm fire, more jokes and more gear talk before another night hanging in the trees.
After some loading and sorting, a bit more chatting about the past few days, Keith, Joe and Scott loaded up and set out on their way home.
To be Continued in part 2.....Old Gringo and I fish the Salmon River for Rainbow trout and hang along the banks in the Sawtooth Valley.
09-16-2010, 12:25
TheWild
Fantastic pictures! Thanks a lot for sharing!
/Wild
09-16-2010, 12:33
Poppabear
Wow fantastic report and pictures.! That sure is some beautiful country side. I am definitely jealous of you guys.
09-16-2010, 12:36
Cannibal
Nice pics!
There were a few shots that I would have sworn were down here in my neck of the woods. :cool:
09-16-2010, 12:37
Shug
Whooooooo Mighty Beautiful country!!!!!
Wish I coulda seen that part of the state this summer.......
Looks like a fantastic gathering of lofty joy.
Woodstove .... mighty good.
Love the snow and ice .....warms my heart.
Shug
09-16-2010, 12:37
Mick
Thanks for sharing Paul. You're lucky to live in such a beautiful place. The pics of the mountains reflecting on the water were fantastic.
Mick
09-16-2010, 12:46
Savage
Great report and pictures. It sounds like you had a blast. Maybe I will have to find my way over there next summer/fall.
I can't wait to go on my hike in two weeks.
John
09-16-2010, 12:54
outkastblast
Excellent report and pics, Paul. Thanks for sharing.
09-16-2010, 13:14
dblhmmck
Great photos! What fun to see some of these familiar lakes and mountains. The Sawtooths and White Clouds are where I backpacked as a teen. I've been wanting to return there some day...
09-16-2010, 13:22
pgibson
Glad you all are liking the pictures and report. I am going to try and put together a slide show of the rest of the pictures with a little of the video I shot on the trip in the next couple days.
And there are only 356 days until next years hang, time to start panning :D Thinking that the same weekend (second week of September--7th till the 11-12th would be good again. After labor day again so crowds should be minimal again. Hope to see you all there :D
