Sunday, August 3, 2008

Sophie and Daddy's Backpacking Trip to the Uintas 8/2/08


This is Wayne the pseudo blogger describing Sophie's first backing trip to the picturesque Uinta Mountains. We hiked the rocky Island Lake Trail to Long Pond. On this hike, we learned how to negotiate large rocks, steep switchbacks and stream crossings! (not to mention going potty with OUT the potty!) We hiked in 3 1/2 miles up the contoured mountain until we reached the most perfect beautiful camp spot near the pond/river. Sophie was such a great hiker, we had a riot. It was especially enjoyable for me to engage upon a downright deep conversation as Sophie taught me the "way to happiness" while eating granola bars and playing with her stuffed animal dangling from her pack. Can we do this again soon???

Here we sit at the trailhead deciding whether or not to hike or wait for the storm to pass. The storm never came, so off we went! You can see the antipcation on Sophie's face as we put on our hiking boots and hoist our packs on our backs. I have never seen my Vortex Pack loaded to it's gizzard like it was on this trip. HEAVY!!!



Here Sophie the Master Hiker stands proudly after conquering her first stream crossing! I was a bit worried she wouldn't be able to get across without taking a dip, and I would have to unhitch my pack to carry her across. She made it across without skipping a beat! It was a wet year so the water was still very present in the meadows and streams. We filtered water a couple times on the way in since we would rather drink fresh cold water from snow melt than hot water that had been on a long car ride!




Here Sophie is strutting her stuff, (stuffed animal and all) as we approach an ascent half way into the journey. The trail was in bedded with roots and rocks as these pics don't quite do the scenery or trail justice. Sophie will attest that it was indeed a rock garden for the majority of the trek!





In this picture Sophie is 1/4 mile from our campsite with Mt. Watson (11,522 ft) keeping watch over Long Lake. It was very quiet here with exception of trout attacking a bug on the surface of the water. I wanted to try my luck with a #20 Adams and see what kind of trout this lake housed. There is a well constructed footbridge spanning the outlet from Long Lake so we didn't need to change footwear at this crossing. As you can see, this is a vast barren land with no indication of human presence other than the footbridge. Sophie was a trooper wearing a permi-grin the entire excursion!



While I was trying to shoehorn all the gear in my backpack, Sophie took the liberty of snapping pictures around our campsite capturing this awesome pic. This is 50 feet or so from where our tent was pitched in an amazing setting! Can you tell what is a reflection and what is real? That girl has some talent in more ways than one!

7 comments:

Wendy said...

What a little trooper Sophie is! Wayne, I've always admired the way you do such fun things with your kids...what a great dad!

Zanny said...

Sophie is such a babe and a half! I can only imagine how sensationally gorgeous she'll be ten years from now. Watch out, Risa woman!

Bethany said...

Sounds like a fun trip! Way to go Sophie!
-Bethany

Lindy T! said...

Um Risa...You need to update a little bit more because this is my only lifeline to your little family...And I need a serious fix! You have tons of interesting stuff to blog about!

Unknown said...

I connected to your site from Simon's and was so excited. Can't believe how much the kids have grown. Conrad is 4? Doesn't seem possible. Can't wait to see you when we get home November 15th. I've missed you! Love, Diane Barlow

Shauna said...

OK, so I'm just barely getting to seeing your blog (yea, I know I'm slow!)....how fun, what a cute daddy you are Wayne! I remember when she was just pregnant...can't believe she's all ready this big!!

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