Summer 2003 Trail Mix

2003 WLT Trip Report

June 2003 WLT: Section Instructors Terry Nail, Betty Montoya & Bill Schildnecht.

. . . The food sort, our first leadership challenge, presented the usual organizational mind game. Not anticipated, however, was a limited supply of Luna Bars, which our leaders handled with great skill: "You guys don't need Luna Bars! They're for women!"

The next day . . . we headed off on the trail toward our first major obstacle - the river crossing. What was a raging torrent three weeks earliers during the May WLT was now little more than ankle deep. But the pools were still full of icy snow runoff that took our breath away as we enjoyed an obligatory pre-lunch dip.

The next stream crossing provided a formidable challenge to the group. The heat of the afternoon sun lifted the stream’s flow to make an otherwise straightforward crossing into one that required the team to pull together for the first time. As packs were shuttled from bank to bank, we appreciated the fortuitous fall of a streamside tree that provided the group a safe crossing. Some walked the log, some clawed and scooted - all got across safely.

We camped for the night on a granite outcropping, serenaded by the rush of Kibbie Creek as it made its way down the valley below us. To our friends in the other section, a thousand feet above us, we exchanged good night wishes with a chorus of flashing headlamps.

Up early the next morning for a big day ahead, we climbed to a high point of 7,000 feet, celebrating our accomplishment over lunch. Taking the opportunity to doctor our hot spots, we soon began our descent toward Kibbie Lake. Only dirt, leaves and tree limbs remained where sled riding, snowball fights and post-holing entertained the BAWT participants only three weeks prior.

After more trials and tribulations, all came together on the last evening on the "Rim of the World"- a huge granite outcropping with an incredible view. After a hearty pasta dinner, the concluding ceremonies included readings from personal journals, a tribute to the Summer Solstics, a recital of soul moving poetry, picking the actor/actress to star in the "Movie of your Life"games, anda star gazing lesson on the summer constellations.

Along the way there were tears, fears and blisters. But the only trace left were footprints and a Leave No Trace acronym:

Pretty Trees Display Leaves Moss Roots & Roots.
   P=Plan Ahead
   T=Track and camp on hard surfaces
   D=Dispose of waste properly
   L=Leave what you find
   M=Minimmize campfire impact
   R=Respect wildlife
   R=Respect other hikers.

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