montanapalooza 2002

“He is a hero of the grade school bodily function humor set.

”

“Phil loaded a panorama of the Montanapalooza hike on his website. I call it "In Perspective" because when you are up there and you see where our camp was and how insignificant it is, it puts everyhting into "Perspective".

If you guys are going to stay there, note that the trail goes between the two small ponds then curves to the left. At the point you cross between the two ponds, tak a right and keep walking. You will drop a little bit in elevation, but it is worth it. There are a number of places to set up tents just above Mermaid Lake. There is also a fire pit beside a rock outcrop about 10 feet tall. If you look real hard, there is a little place to sit by that fire pit that is as comfortable as a recliner.”

“to borrow from Sarabelle...
OH MY GOODIES!
is that where we are going....? very good!!
this is a beautiful planet
k....off to lost cove for a couple of days....
om shanti~~~~~~~~~~”

“When I did this trail, fires were banned due to dry conditions. I fried fish on my dragonfly (which has simmer capabilities). It was delicious, but a pain in the ass. (see me doing this on Phil's photo page, if you care).
This year, I'm not lugging a frying pan, just aluminum foil. If fires aren't allowed, I'll just poach the fish in a little water then serve with a little lemon over rice or grits. I've done that in Alaska and it's still great stuff!”

“I have a 8"x12" grill rack that I have packed a couple times. It's very light, and fits into a resealable freexer bag. I wrap the fish in foil and cook on the rack over a fire. If fires are banned, I suppose I'll poach.

Briar's technique sounds nice, but I'd just as well not lug another pan. Who knows, tho. I'm headed to REI soon to get new titanium cookware (pot and mug), and I might just get a small frying pan...”

“Just wrap the fish in foil and throw in the coals from the fire, turning every few minutes.

We always take a thing of squeeze margarine for the boxed potatoes, so it comes in handy for cooking fish. That, along with a film canister of a mixture of lemon pepper, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Squeeze some butter in and on the fish and sprinkle with the seasoning. Wrap in foil so it won't leak, and throw in the coals.

Yummeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!”

“The fishes natural juices do the rest.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that a fire ban won't be in effect. It would be a reeeel bumma not to be able to have the traditional TT fireside chats...


I'm on Terraserver perusing the area. I just found Fossil Lake on this OH SO SLOW machine. Looks like a perty big lake.


...now to find Phils webby.”

“Geezr here . . . or is it Aero, perhaps Captain Underpants. No, it's REALLY Geezr. Wish I'd discovered this site ages ago, but might change my mind once I get to know everyone. :-)
Also excited about the possibility of attending Montanapalooza. Trying hard to get the time off. Hope to see some of you on the trail.”

“Hey Pathman you kick @ss!!!!

That pic rocks!!!!!!

8)”

“yeah, mike, but I need to grow up.”

“I'm in!!!! I will arrive in Billings at 6:02PM on Sat.13th. My return flight is the 20th at 9:00AM. Looking forward to meeting everyone.”

“jgeils,
Did you ever find transportation from the airport to your lodging? I'm still not entirely sure if the hike is in my future but we're but a mile as the crow flys from the airport and could possibly get you picked up. I work the 20th but can drop you off if you don't mind waiting around for 4 hours. I start work at 5:00 A.M.”

“I am very excited about all this fish eating! Yum City!

Newergirl and I went for a 2 mile walk yesterday. Some of it was pretty steep, so it was a good workout. She gets kinda' nervous about getting in there, but as soon as we're walking she loves it. Oh, and yeah, it's called the Kelty Back Country.

SnowNymph, I think I have decided that I would most like to use Om's tent. So, you don't have to bring your bivy. I would like to have a little extra space for changing, etc. Thanks for offering and I would still really appreciate borrowing your pack. How tall are you? Do you think the torso will be right for me?

Another question: What is everyone's take on hats? I'm not really a big fan. Is a head scarf good enough? Another 'nother question: Is it absolutely not okay to wear cotton? The pants I want to bring are cotton/lycra/spandex? Does that still count as cotton? They're way comfy.”

“I don't like to hike with a hat on. My head gets too hot. I just use a bandanna and wear shades.

The only thing about cotton is that it takes a looong time to dry out and in certain conditions could be very dangerous. (hypothermia) Just be sure you have something to change into that you make extra special careful to keep dry.

So, how do you like the Back country? I'll probably be getting something similar soon.”

“Human, I like it alot. The pack is 8 lbs. and Newergirl is 28 lbs. And it isn't killing me. There's lots of adjustments and stuff to make it reasonably comfy. I think it's safe for the baby too. Also, the torso length can be adjusted. So you or your wife can use it and still fit it to your size.”

“Cool, so far the Kelty is at the top of the list.

Thanks for the info.”

“Geezr, I don't know for sure where I will be staying on Saturday night. Trying to decide about renting a car or not. I just know I have to get to Red Lodge early on Sunday. I am also wanting to visit an outfitter before the hike. I need to see if anyone is heading to Red Lodge from the Billings area on that Sunday. I don't want to be too much of a burden.”

“Jgeils, I will be heading to Red Lodge that morning. You aren't too much of a burden. I'm going early though, so you better be ready! LOL!”

“Yes dear. lol”

“Newgirl, can you recommend a hotel in Billings? Somewhere fairly close to the airport or near shopping or a movie theater. I will get there early enough that I won't want to just sit in my room.”

“jgeils, Within the next several days I should know if I can get off of work on the 14th. I'm off the 15th thru the 19th. If I can get off the extra I'd like to tag along on this hike . . . provided it's open to new people on this site. If I can manage another day off, I figured I could pick you up and you can stay with me that night. Malinda, my wife, will be out of town for a quilting seminar so we can spend the evening out on the deck swilling a few beers and farting. She said as long as you flush and put the toilet seat down you're more than welcome. I can get you to an outfitter or two on Sat. if anything is still open once you arrive. Not sure what time you said you were getting in, believe it was in the evening.

My only problem might be the day we get to Alpine. I HAVE to be to work at the hospital at 5:00 A.M. on the 20th. So, I'm probably going to have to leave right from the East Rosebud trailhead for home. No time to shuttle people back across the Beartooth Hwy. So you can either stay with me and get to the airport really early, or perhaps we can find someone who can pick you up from the house. I live just a few miles from the airport.

If that's something you might want to do give it some thought. Like I say I should know within the next several days. You'd be comfortable. We have a guest room with it's own bathroom, etc. Our springer hasn't bitten anyone in years ;-)
Geezr”

“Geezr, I'm pretty new this this too. I will only know two people on this hike. Tex and Jerbear and they are really cool people. By the looks of it I will know about 15 more people when all is said and done. I'm not sure what I want to do about lodging yet, but I sure appreciate the offer. Just let us know if you want to come along, you are more than welcome.”

“I finally took a look at the map to find out where these places are.

It looks like I'll be driving the I-90 straight in, from the west. So where do I want to arrive for dinner Saturday night? Billings? It's a pretty long drive, so a hotel might be a good idea.

I'm still not sure if I'll be in my Jeep, or riding shotgun in China Chas' truck, but would be happy to help move people around, if possible.”

“new to this,that is.”

“jgeils - I could grab you at the airport and find a hotel with ya in Billings... as an option”

“All these options. You people are really helpful. I know this has been asked before, but where can I get a map for this trail?”

“The people comming with me.

Sb
Prowler
Evergreen
And me Crazy Mike Backpacks.

This is going to be one hel! of a trip!

I am going to be so happy when I get out west for the first time my friends are telling me that it is going to blow my mind!

I can't wait!!!!!

8)”

“jgeils,
there's a company here in bilings that produces maps of the beartooths. they're actually several quads put together, reduced in size somewhat and printed on waterproof paper. they're $7.50. i have it but can't get my scanner up and running. i imagine some of the other hikers from here in billings have it as well. they're what everyone uses. perhaps they can scan it for you. if not, and you don't mind spending the money for a map you may never use again, i'll mail you one. just e-mail me your address. i'd send you mine to look at and then you could return it when you came but i'll be utilizing it on other hikes throughout the summer.

you could also go to topozone.com and type in a name of one of the lakes, peaks, etc along the route and then just trace the trail to the chief joseph or alpine trailheads. it takes a bit to figure out the process but it works pretty well. not every topo or scale is there but everything i've ever ran a search on has been. see hoe you like it and then i'll give you the lakes along the entire route to make it easier to trace the hike.”

“I WANNA GO! I WANNA GO!”

“Thanks geezr, I'll give it a try.”

“Dude just send Aero a email.

8)”

“i was set on going to rocky mountain national this year, but i dont feel secure soloing in bear country just yet (im a wee flatlander from indiana). im with mikes group in the nwihc and will either be flying out or buddying up and driving with somebody. driving to denver last year solo was bad enough, so would anyone living in the midwest or coming thru the midwest like to drive with me or let me ride with you. we could split the driving and expenses. i dont mind the expenses half as much as the driving. i love a good road trip, but the beartooths are at least 1500 miles from me, im sure. then again, i may just fly.”

“Send Aero a email and he will tell you all about the trip.

8)”

“hey mike lick my hemorrhoids!
: P”

“i will i just havent gotten around tuit”

“There will be Sheep out there that will do that for ya!

8)”

“jgeils,
Just go topozone.com, type in Russell Lake in the name search, select Mt and hit enter. Russell Lake in Carbon Co. , Fossil Lake quad will come up. Select it. once that comes up select 1-25,000 map scale and the medium map size and there you are. The trail goes right my the lake. Piece of cake! From there just follow the bread crunbs to the two trailheads, Chief Joseph and Alpine.”

“Russell Lake is the first major lake you'll reach on this trail. Next will be Ouzel, Bald Knob, Skull, Fossil, Duggan, Rainbow, Rimrock, Elk, East Rosebud. Wait until you see Impasse Falls!!!!!!”

“Okay you guys need to help me decide something . . . today I went shoppin' and I bought a bag. It is made by a co. in Tornto, Canada called Woods. The bag is called the Cricket 2.

Pros: It only cost $20.00.
I still have the receipt.
It only weighs 2 lbs. (Which seemed really light to me. I could be wrong.)

Cons: It only cost $20.00 (I have the feeling that is prolly going to mean low quality.)
It is only for 45 above.
The lining is cotton.

Should I or should I not, keep this bag? I realize I prolly need something warmer, but what can you guys recommend that is under a $100 and good quality? I have been saving for months just to buy the stupid little crap.”

“I talked to Jerbear today. Very cool, very laid back. Very excited to meet him.

Also, here is the list of other stuff that I picked up today. What do you guys think?

-Thermometer/Compass combo. thingy
-A little Coleman mess kit
-A little utensil dealy
-nylon rope (50')
-1st Aid Kit (Says it's for 1 person/2 days. I figured w/ all of your kits that would cover it. Is that okay?)
-Waterproof matches
-A pack towel (on sale for $2)
-A whistle
-Coleman stuff sacks
-flashlight

I know I need lots more, but how's this for a start?”

“Dang, it is a real pain in the a$$ to try and navigate the outdoors/bping sections of stores! There is soooo much frickin' stuff. I feel like I need a personal guide just to wade through it. Okay, I'm going to go watch some PBS. I'm sooo excited!”

“Newgirl, Kelty makes some fairly cheap bags that would do just fine. Check out the sales at Campmor.”

“No Campmor in the area. Are they on the web?”

“Newgirl -
Your bag will do fine - just keep it dry. Remember, you will be sleeping in longjohns and a (fleece?) hat. If you get cold, you can put on the rest of your clothes...

Bring all your stuff, we'll help you sort through it.

Rope? All you will need is some cord strong enough to support your food sack. Then again, we can gang hang the food, so you prolly won't need any rope at all.”

“Okay, Gojo, I kinda' felt like w/ all my nightie clothes I would probably be fine, but I wasn't sure if it was ridiculous to have a bag that is only rated for 45 above in the Beartooths. I'm not planning on doing any winter bping anytime soon, so I guess my bag will do. Yeah for me . . . I found a bag for 20 frickin' bucks!”

“Newgirl- it could easily get down in the 20's at night, but with a tent and wearing some long johns, you should be OK in a 45 degree bag. Most likely nighttime lows will be in the low 40's, tho!

BTW it sounds like there's another new tt'er from Billings on the board; Geezr. He must live close to me because we're both about a mile from the airport.”

“I bought a Slumberjack +20 degree bag last fall. Until then, I've used $20.00 WalMartians. I managed fine, even in sub-freezing temps. It's all in the jammies...”

“Have you checked the sales at Big Bear? I ofund my bag there a few years ago. It's a 0 degree bag, and I paid about $90 for it. I use it more as a blanket then a sleeping bag. It's too darned hot otherwise.”

“Newgirl,
The Cricket 2 has 2 pounds of insulation; how much does the total bag weigh?

I would be a little concerned about the total bag weight and the compressability (will you be able to fit it in your pack?)

Most important, you don't want to be cold. Have you ever slept in a sleeping bag that was not warm enough? It is not very pleasant. In fact, it sucks.

If it were me, I'd see if I could borrow a down bag from somebody, or try the army surplus stores.

I know you are on a tight budget, but I'd hate to see you wind up miserable.”