Part 4
The last morning dawned cool and overcast. It had rained a bit overnight, but the tents were mostly dry. We hastily packed in order to beat any further rain that may occur, and only choked down a small amount of grub. The packs were pretty large. It was a good thing that we had arranged for a pack out, and we only had to stagger with them as far as Island Lake. The arrangement for the pack out was that we would leave four packs at Island Lake for Tanner and Shaun to pick up. Four packs meant that we only needed two mules, thus saving us some money, but it also meant that we needed to carefully divvy-up the loads so each pack staying at the drop weighed no more than fifty five pounds, and that the loads in the small packs were reasonably distributed. It was a short but gruelling hike to the drop-off point and we were all thinking what a good idea it had been to get the gear taken out by pack animal. The load redistribution went quickly and we were soon making our way again.
It did feel a bit strange however just leaving 4 packs, a rope and some ice axes just sitting trailside. It was great hiking weather and we made decent time. Soon we started to guess or calculate when we would see the boys. Man, we were surprised when they rode over a hill at least a full hour ahead of our earliest guess. Turns out they came up the night before and camped out at the trailhead. We exchanged some pleasantries and each continued on our ways. So now we started taking bets as to when they would pass us on the way out. It gave us considerable pause to think about what had just transpired. These were two teenage boys something like 17 and 15 years old. Driving a big truck trailering horses and mules up a windy mountain road, camping out, then riding in 15 kilometers or so to pick up our gear and ride out. City boys they were not! We had quite a good pace going, and passed a few parties on their way out also. It was also somewhere along here that we saw some Llama outfitters. Seeing these ornery critters outside of South America always seems amusing to me.
We were bookin’ it down the trail when Renee got behind me at one point and asked “are you trying to beat the horses out?” I hadn’t really consciously thought about it, probably not thinking that it would be even possible. But by saying that she put the bug in my ear, and I most certainly caught the scent of the barn. The game was afoot. Before long I was on the home stretch and just flying down the trail hell bent for leather and then right on into the parking lot. I had no sooner dropped my pack when Bill joined me. Even though I was beat, I had to smile…This was just like the good old days when the two of us would just hammer so fast down trails. The others decided to take a short break and were ten or so minutes behind. Still no horses though. Finally we saw Kevin, and then the rest. Renee and Diane started running and we saw why… the horses were right behind them. It was pretty amazing that we all beat those animals and riders. Tanner and Shaun were both surprised as well. It was a real testament to our fitness I guess.
Another bonus was that the beer that Andrew had left in his truck was still somewhat cool. We unloaded the animals, and saw the boys off, then relaxed with a beer. After that we drove back into town and arranged a sweet deal at a motel, and headed straight back to the Wind River Brewing Company for a big dinner that couldn’t be beat and more pints of ale. After dinner the woman folk moseyed back to the rooms, while us guys caroused a bit at one of the local cowboy watering holes. Swapping lies and swatting flies with each other and with some of the locals.
This is the end my friend
Early next morning we had a fine and large breakfast at The Stockman’s restaurant. Eggs, flapjacks, bacon, hash browns, toast… the works; all under the watchful eye of some of the locals. For soul coffee however we were drawn to Rock Rabbit, where we were treated to not only excellent java, but to a funky head-shop like atmosphere that was a surreal blend of the Grateful Dead and Jimmy Buffet. What a combo. This place actually had a real connection to the Dead, as John Barlow is friends with the owner. How cool is that? Andrew made the astute observation that if we all lived in Pinedale, and somebody wanted to find me, that they would just have to come on over to the Rock Rabbit.
He is right.
You have to come down from every trip, and this one was no different. It was with mixed emotions that we said our farewells. We were all very happy that the trip went well, and that we had such a good adventure (Come back alive, Come back as friends, Make the summit; in that order), yet sad of course that we were parting company so soon, and drifting back into our own work-a day worlds. Renee, Kevin, and I pointed the truck towards Salt Lake City and started driving.
I can tell you fancy, I can tell you plain
You give something up for everything you gain
Since every pleasure’s got an edge of pain
Pay for your ticket and don’t complain
One of these days and it won’t be long
Going down in the valley and sing my song
I will sing it loud and sing it strong
Let the echo decide if I was right or wrong
– Bob Dylan
