There is nothing more to say that I haven’t already said. This was a life changing experience and I hope this feeling lasts a long time.

I woke up super early and decide to get a final fire going before we break camp. Amy got up soon after the crackling started, she realized this meant hot coffee was on the menu and perked right up. The kids got up a little later as the sunlight eventually reached their tent. The day before our trip, from our campsite, we could see violent storms over the mountains in the distance, we instead had perfect weather although we were prepared for much colder and wetter weather. Good weather makes backpacking ten times better and I’m relieved. This morning was as beautiful as the others and forecast ahead called for our easiest hike yet. A smooth six miles to the bus and then another two hours bouncing along down the dirt roads before we can find service and determine where to go next. 

We found ourselves needing very little breaks as we cruised along a slight decline all the way back to the trailhead. The gooseberries and raspberries were ripe at these lower elevations and we snack on the fly. As the fresh new hikers, just beginning their trip, pass us, they often ask where we went, I had a great sense of pride answering Jackass Pass, and I held my head a little higher that day on the way out. We celebrated at the bus with some old fashioned sodas we had picked out just for the occasion and then as if it was any other day, they climbed in their car seats, and we were off. 

It’s hard to figure out the maze of roads that cross cross this backcountry. It’s especially  difficult to determine which roads are shit and which ones are total absolute shit. Amy spots some hikers wearing Wyoming swag and these friendly locals walk us through the dirt labyrinth and which roads to avoid. Their advice will add an hour to our drive but it is sound advice and we honor it. They also tell us where to find ice cream where the scoop is the size of your head. We honor this advice as well. After yesterday, I now owe Maple some 83 scoops of ice cream due to various promises made and her insane business acumen and negotiating tactics.

Once we find some service we track down a small town that has a motel where we can sit still, order pizza, shower, launder, and not move for at least 12 straight hours. Everest decides it’s a good time to strap on the VR headset and have a good old fashioned alien shoot out. The juxtaposition between this futuristic headset and us purifying water from a stream this morning makes me smile. Balance is important.