montanapalooza 2002

“Some wildflowers above Mermaid Lake.

”

“I managed to get a picture of this mermaid (?) before it got away.

”

“And you want me to set this tent up where?

Someone asked about tentsites earlier? Here is what you get to pick from.

”

“This is on the end of the trip, after Twin Outlet Lakes and Before what will probably be the last night out at Rainbow Lake. Called Impasse Falls"

This is above the falls...



And this is below, obviously.”

“I love waterfalls and alpine lakes! Can't wait for this!”

“is there going to be aton of skeeters or what!??”

“I don't think I be packin the tarp if the skeeters are as bad as it sounds. I was just trying to cut some weight since my double bit axe head weights a freakin ton!

I'm gettin stoke for this!! The drive only up and over the pass is worth it.

Still gotta get my flights but thanks for the dates.

How many ECTs are there goin?”

“snow nymph...me too..... water falls and alpine lakes...big OM~~~~~~~~~~~

BR, this ECTer is going ...got yer hat?...:).....

(looks like i may have to practice setting that hammock up on the ground with hiking poles tho...those trees look few and far between and pretty far apart!...heh)”

“So it sounds like there will be a few TT'ers flying in to Billings.

I'm staring at a flight that arrives @ 3:45 pm on the 13th with a departure on the 20th at @ 1pm. This departure flight looks to be the only one available. I have been unable to find a later one with the same carrier and beside the price jumps another 102$ if I was to fly out on the 21st.

Just curious if the departure flight is too early since I would be required to be at the airport a few hours(11 am or so) ahead of schedule.

Would there be enough time to get up and off the Mt. for me to have someone help me make this flight?

Hey 'flyer's' do any of you have schedules yet? I was thinking that we might try to correlate our times to make it easier for the 'carpoolers' to help us out.

Aero or Newgirl would those times fit it your alls plans?”

“I can get you to the airport on the 20th by 1:00pm. If we come out on the 19th we could head back over to Cooke City to pick up the rigs and either:
a) stay overnight at the cabin and drive back to Billings the next morning (takes ~2 1/2 hrs.) or,
b) pick up the rigs on friday and head straight back to Billings. Option a) would get you back with plenty of time.

I live a mile from the airport, so we'll probably have a few of you crash on our floor.”

“correction: I can get you to the airport by 11:00am on the 20th.”

“Kewl, thanks Aero, your help will be gratefully appreciated! Its a go then I schedule the flights today.

Your email is there a 'underscore' in that or just a space between 'run' and 'msub'? Because I'm thinking of mailing out my stove to avoid any airport hassles and I will need to get your home address.”

“Underscore. Drop me an email and we can get that all worked out. If you need some fuel, I've got plenty of white gas or for ISO/PRO we can swing by the local gear shop (Base Camp). They've got everything.”

“I'm about 50/50for this trip. I will probably make it definite one way or the other within the next couple of days.

If I do come I will fly into Billings on the 13th with scheduled arrival either 12:39pm or 3:58pm. I would leave the 20th with scheduled departure at 4:23pm.

Will let you know--looks like great fun!”

“Briar, sounds like Aero will be taking you to the airport for departure. I'd be happy to pick you up on arrival. Then I can take you to Aero's place or a hotel or if you want . . . we can drive for an hr. N. and you can crash at my place. Hope you don't mind toddlers! Let me know. I am completely open that day, nothing scheduled, so your arrival time is open for me.”

“I think we might be able to get everyone either down to my place or I might be able to work something out at the college in the Athletics bldg where we could put a bunch up.

I think that first Saturday night might call for a field trip to Pug Mahon's (Irish Pub) or a minor league baseball game. The Billings Mustangs are a Cincinnati Reds farm team and they're playing the Ogden Raptors (Brewers farm team) that night.”

“Aero, I think the Phys. Ed building sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the film fest. info. I'll be there. Also, everyone tell Aero that we want to go to Pug's! We want Pug's, We want Pug's. You won't regret backing me on this one guys. (The other good option might be MT Brewing Co.)”

“I'll already have been out west for a while, and can be in Billings to help ferry fliers. I would be able to get folks back to the airport, too. I don't hafta be back home in GA until the 25th or so.

I would want to get in on the first available action, too. Whether it's the 13th, 14th, or whenever. I like the pub idear, aero...

Aren't we camping at the cabin on Sunday night? What's the elevation there? Would a Sunday elevation dayhike be possible so's folks can acclimitize?

I would advise the fliers to do all the acclimitizing they can before Monday...

Nice pics, Chief.
They look like they could've been taken in every range I've visited out west...
The wild flowers are kewl in those parts at that time of year.

I'm getting pretty psyched!”

“I wanna go soooooo bad.
Ain't happening though.”

“It really takes about 6 weeks to get acclimated, raise hemoglobin levels and all that, but we could do a Sunday night hike up to a waterfall from the cabin for a little "lung stretching".”

“New to this site, was interested in your trip. Exactly how many of you are going. Sounds like fun.”

“to many to probably count!!!!”

“yeah Prowler, you are right.... but I hear Montana is BIG....

just from my experience on TT hikes....an "exact" count can only be made at the trailhead....or maybe even at the end....sometimes people sneak in during the night or next day..:)”

“It's starting to get a little big. I've got about 10-15 pretty sures to definites and 6-5 more maybes. So, I'd guess anywhere from 12-20! We might have to consider 2 groups heading each way and meet in the middle.”

“Or all go togeather and be NUTZ!!!!

And Crazy!!!!!

8)”

“I like Mike's craaaaazy idea!

Aero, I'm so bummed I missed the film festival. At the last minute a friend invited me to a party and who was in attendance, but . . . . the multi-millionare financiers (did I sp. that right?) of the mine project up here. Being a local, I couldn't miss that opportunity. Was it cool?”

“Trust me being crazy is fun.If we all go togeather just think of how much fun we would have.

8)”

“Why not do two groups in the same direction. Just don't lose anybody floating between groups!

Bring the group together for meals, hanging out, but camp in separate areas to lower impact keep it quieter.

The same of hiking from opposite ends is that you don't get to know the other group as well.”

“That works too!

I just think it would be neat if we were all togeather.

But we should always do LNT.

8)”

“Gym?
Aero's place?

I say we camp Friday and Saturday nights. Surely there must be plenty of dispersed car-camping locations in the National Forest near the cabin. We are stayin' at a cabin Sunday night, right?

I could time my arrival to the region so's I could pick someone (or two) up at an airport, then we could travel to the designated camping area.

Locals can do something similar.

I would even be willing to make another run from the basecamp to retrieve another flier.

If it were me, I would wanna get into those Montanna woods ASAP. So, I can understand the antsiness of the arrivals. If someone wants to head straight to the woods from the airport, let me know. Mi Tacoma es su Tacoma! Om? Briar? Pathman? Crazy?

Man! I can smell the firs, spruces, and lodgepoles (and the campfire) now!”

“I'm getting ready to make my flight reservations.
Arrival at Billings at 3:48pm on the 13th. How does transportation from the airport to where ever look at that time?
For the return flight on the 20th I have the option of 6:15am, 7:40am, or 4:25pm. Which would be best for transportation to the airport and other peoples times?”

“that I live in Cody, which is ~110 miles from Billings. If anybody wants to come to Cody, whether it be by car or plane, I am willing to take on a dayhike on Saturday. Could be around the Cody area, or up in the Beartooths. I could give you the guided tour of everything cool between Cody and Cooke City. I could even bring my camper to the Beartooths for an overnighter or two (12th, 13th). I will probably be leaving late Sunday (14th) to get back to Cody for work on Monday, unless I get a reprieve from my new boss.

If I bring the camper up to the Beartooths (plenty of Forest Service Campgrounds) we could get that keg tapped early, like Friday night or Saturday!!!!

Any takers?”

“How far are the Beartooths from the cabin/trailhead?

I would be more than willing to camp there if reasonable feasable...


Naviguesser: "Hey, gojo, could you pick me up at the Billings copduster strip (hehehee!) at 3:48 p.m. on Saturday the 13th?"

gojo: "You bet! I'll even be able to transport you to the basecamp that was established the day before!"

Naviguesser: "Will we pass a beer store enroute?"

gojo: "We'll pass a beer store if it requires driving through Nebraska on the way!"

Naviguesser: "Will there be others at this 'basecamp'"?

gojo: "I'm thinking prolly. I would think that people would have been coming in since Friday morning. Whoever's not there will definitely catch up to us at the cabin (even if that requires me to make another airport pickup on Sunday)."”

“It's about 65 miles from my house to Cooke City. Camping would be reasonable/feasable. It is probably a little bit longer (time wise) from Cooke City to the airport. There are a number of campgrounds along the way, Fox Creek being my favorite.

If you decide to take a day trip to Billings to pick up others, I am sure you will find a beer store on the way. No need to go to Nebraska.

Naviguesser, I wouldn't plan on flying out until the 4:25 flight. Gives you plenty of time in case something delays you getting to Billings.”

“I wouldn't mind heading for the hills upon arrival and try to spend Saturday night in a NF campground or something. I think the more time I can spend getting acclimated the better this flatlander will do. And from the looks of it, Naviguesser and myself maybe sharing the same 'puddle jumper' out of SLC. Reservations have been made but not yet finalized. In on the 13th and out the 20th.

Hey Aero, do you have a store out there that rents reliable descent stoves and hiking sticks for a week? I was thinking the cost of mailing would possble be the same as renting or less. Just curious!”

“Navi, I think 3:48 on the 13th sounds the best. Briar is coming in at like 3:45. If I pick you guys up, we could do it in one shot. That would be good.

Gojo, maybe there is a possibility that you could plan to be in Billings on the 12th and crash at Aero's. I could bring Navi and Briar to Aero's and you guys could head up to the mtns. to meet Chief and camp that night. What about that plan? What do you guys think? Let me know.”

“Just making sure you guys see this?”

“I really wish that I could go...But the air fair would be just to much from alaska. But if you guys are going to plan a trip next year I will more then likely beable to go. I'm moving to the 48 in September. It sounds like I will either be going to North Dakota or Delaware. Or atleast that is where I would like to go from the choices that I have.”

“I just bought my ticket! Non-refundable!
I'll be arriving in Billings on Delta, 7/13 at 3:48pm and returning 7/20 at 4:25pm.
Newgirl, Gojo, you guys got that? Now don't fight over who get to pick me (and Briar) up.

Oh yes, beer and backpacking! or is that backpacking and beer?

Looking forward to meeting you guys and exploring some new territory!”

“I could be at Aero's on the 12th, I suppose. I will be coming from ID, where I will have been visiting my brother and The Friendly Ranger. Frankly, I would prefer to stay in that area until the last minute. I'm concerned that my time there will be cut short as it is...

If, say, I picked someone up at the airport on Saturday afternoon, I prolly wouldn't leave ID until early that same day.

If folks are gonna be arriving on Friday, I would be kinda anxious to get on up there and do some carcamping and social lubrication (read: "partying").

Heck - for all I know, I may be done in "Da Ho" early, and could head into MT for some solo hiking before the group arrives. You locals, natch, would be invited to join me and Belle.

I would like the phone numbers and addresses (towns where y'all live) of you locals. That way, I can call ahead to get current on the plans. Knowing which town you live in would prolly be helpful in my plan making. My internet access for the summer will be limited.

E me some numbers!
plymej@henry.k12.ga.us

I've got lots of questions that are undoubtedly answered in previous posts, but this thread has gotten too HUGE! (so I ain't gonna search :ob )”

“I guess it's up to you Newgirl. 8^)”

“I'm still 50/50. Would fly into Billings about the same time on the 13th (3:45.) Possibly my son, also.

Will let you know within a week.

Looks like a blast!”

“How big is your car Newgirl?
Is there enough room for us to start the party while you're driving? 8^D”

“The options are endless. You could come through Jellystone and into Cody, or you could go through the NE entrance and we could meet at a campground near Cooke City, or you could go to Billings. Honestly, Billings is probably a few hours out of your way, unless people need rides that Aero and newgirl can't provide.

For the prople driving, if you can get hear early (Friday) to acclimate, I think you will be better off. We could then shuttle some, if not all vehicles over to Alpine (East Rosebud) on Saturday. Then all the people flying could meet up on Sunday someplace.

Like I said, the options are going to be endless until we know for sure who will be where and when. I'm leaning to going up Friday evening and meeting whoever at a campground, then shuttling vehicels on Saturday and over to Red Lodge, if needed, on Sunday to shuttle the remainder.”

“I know exactly what you mean about the endless options. That's why I'd like your, et al, phone numbers so's I will be able to call youn's around the 11th to get the latest developments.

Yellowstone is not an option, however. I'll be accompanied by the ol' Belle and chain... and she's not allowed in the YNP backcountry.

Navi -
I'd be willing to get you and Briar and head into the hills. Remember, tho - I'll be in a Tacoma king cab... and Sarabelle AIN'T givin' up her space! LOL!

Hmmmmmm...
That reminds me -
I'm gonna see if I can borrow a camper top for this year's roadtrip...”

“Can't you just drive through with the dog? It would save you alot of time and miles.

I wouldn't be surprised I guess if they wouldn't let you. A friend was hunting south of the Park near Jackson Hole and tried to bring an elk through the Park to save about 120 miles of driving. They wouldn't let him through unless he covered the elk and agreed to not stop anywhere. They didn't want to upset any tourists in the park by seeing a dead animal in a truck.”

“Well, I got my map.Will we have a simple plan! LOL I will also like to have some phone # and address. For persons IE:Aero,Chief, NEwgirl
Please email me em Jerbear@backpacker.com
Yo Bears!”

“Is anyone driving??”

“Woops, I mean from central CA? And are those dates for this month perchance??”

“I will e-mail everybody with phone and address info. soon. I don't have time now. Let me know what we are doing Gojo. If you would rather have more time in Da HO, we will plan something else.”