Big Wild - Trip Logs

Backpacking in the Wind River Range, 6/21 - 6/27

The Big Wild 1 is safely off of their backpacking section and is in the frontcountry. Drew called to report that everyone is doing great and getting along with each other very well. They are part of a true adventure that is always unfolding. Drew said the group will call the office shortly with some details...


Backpacking in the Wind River Range, 6/21 - 6/28

Drew finally reached the office to report on a great group of boys in Wyoming. He said despite some really rough weather, the guys have pulled together and are doing great. The group hiked into the Wind River Range a week ago and made it up 6 miles to Lake Opal. There they made base camp and managed to complete some great day hikes. Everyone got plenty of fishing in as well. Unfortunately, some nasty weather rolled in and kept the group from covering a ton of ground. There was definitely some snow in the high country and the weather looked to get worse. The group came together and made a decision to drop into the valley and relocate in hopes of improving their position. The group decided to move to Green River Lakes where they could continue their journey. The weather really cleared off for the group here and allowed them to accomplish some hiking and more fishing. They completed an 8 mile day hike up to a natural bridge and also managed to make some more time to fish! The guys have seen their fair share of wildlife during this trip. Drew ran through a list that included moose, elk, mule deer, coyote, antelope, trout, bald eagles and they think they even heard a bear!

Sam is the new master of constellations; he knows everything about stars and is teaching the others. For Will's birthday, Kyle, John and Blanton made a feast. They cooked 3 different deep dish pizzas and made cheesecake all in the backcountry! Everyone enjoyed Will's birthday meal seeing as though it came on the last night of their backpacking section. Blanton is a natural teacher. He helps the others any chance he gets. Chris is an exhibition behavior role model. "EB" is the practice of putting the group's needs ahead of your own. Alex is a huge help and is always there to offer the group a lending hand whenever they need it. John Horton and Brad led the group on a huge day hike and successfully guided them to their destination. Drew said that the group is bonding together perfectly and everyone is pulling their weight and adding to make for great group dynamics. Everyone is safe and healthy and having a blast. The group is finishing up rock climbing in the Tetons and is getting ready to sea kayak into Yellowstone.


Rock Climbing in the Tetons and Sea Kayaking in Yellowstone, 6/28 - 7/2

After the Big Wild 1's wild stretch in the backcountry, they have been able to greatly enjoy better weather and some really exciting activities. After the backpacking, the crew moved north to the Jackson Hole area where they participated in 2 days of climbing school with the famed Exum Mountain Guides. Everyone got to explore the rock walls and rappel down giant cliffs. Aside from learning a great deal of new info, the group proved to be excellent climbers. Everyone got multiple opportunities to maneuver themselves over all sorts of different pitches. Then it was on to Yellowstone and 2 days of sea kayaking on the great lakes in the park. This is an excellent way to see the monument seeing as though you can cover a lot of ground and there are no crowds. Everyone saw an abundance of wildlife while successfully paddling to their destination two lakes away from where they put in! The group is getting along perfectly and they have learned to really help each other to make it through all of the challenges they are faced with.

Amy called in with a group report from the sea kayaking and climbing sections. She says that Kyle has gone above and beyond to assist all the guides with their responsibilities. He was super comfortable during the rock climbing section. He and Alex made a great team for the sea kayaking section. Alex also faced his fears of rappelling by descending twice on the longest route. Sam pushed himself and conquered his nerves during both the rappelling and climbing sections. Chris "The Magician" has mastered the quick tent set up, especially during adverse conditions (i.e. mosquito attacks). Jon H. said he loves the "downstream" kayaking. He is also responsible for the group's general good attitude. John M., otherwise known as Tex, demonstrated leadership during the climbing section. Brad actually led the group during one pitch of their climb. Blanton was quoted as saying, "Sea kayaking was one of the hardest challenges I've ever overcome." He has also been called the Master Bear Bagger, for his great skills at rigging the group's food supply every night.

Everyone has enjoyed making up constellations while they sleep outside most nights. One of the group highlights includes a 17 mile sea kayaking day (!) which made the hike to Geyser Basin in Yellowstone Park possible. Geyser Basin can only be reached by water so the group got the unique opportunity to see some geysers in their natural setting with nobody else around. They all enjoyed a visit from Hayes, as they were able to share stories of bald eagle sightings and all the high points of their experience on the Big Wild.


Rafting the Salmon River, ID 7/2 - 7/8

Amy called to give an enthusiastic update on the Salmon River trip. She said it was a super highlight for the last segment of their trip. Everyone had a ton of fun while rafting through the gorgeous canyons of the Salmon River. The fishing was outstanding as well. Sam demonstrated excellent exhibition behavior and also caught two bass. John caught himself seven bass and was a huge help with cooking during the river section. Brad really demonstrated skill in the duckies, navigating some rapids on his own in a small canoe-like raft. Blanton was an emotional leader and he caught 7 bass as well! Kyle, really excelled on the river trip as he has on most sections. He caught 12 trout (!) and taught himself how to surf rapids in his ducky! John H. really stepped up during the rafting and offered his help and led by doing. He seemed to really enjoy the river! Alex proved his excellent fishing abilities by helping the group fish and landing 9 bass himself! Chris really took charge during the rapids. He liked to ride in the rodeo seat on the front of the raft during the challenging water drops. The group lived it up for their 4 days on the river. They hiked to ridgelines overlooking the river, played volleyball on the beach, cooked and ate like kings and had a blast.

Off the river, the crew wound their trip down in beautiful McCall, ID. After preparing to depart, they took off for Salt Lake City where they will have their final Banquet together. Tonight the guys will say their goodbyes and get ready to head home in the morning. Amy says it has been an outstanding three weeks and cannot believe it is already over!

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