montanapalooza 2002

“Okay, okay, I getcha'. So what about Farmington? The last time I was there I was 10. Is it a nice area or is it my fuzzy memory?”

“I haven't been back that way since we moved bacy 2 1/2 years ago. I know it has grown alot. Close to some great country in the Four Corners area.

Most of what I remember of Farmington comes from driving to the Navajo Reservoir or the Durango area with my grandparents in the 60's, 70's.”

“I think I heard something about a fire in the Beartooths (Bearteeth?). Am I on crack?”

“the days are slowly getting longer! Ya know when you get out of work at 5:30 and it's still light out that you are beating winter. Not that I don't like winter hiking and stuff but I sure do like tubing down the river, biking and that other stuff too!! Soon it will be time to go out west and climb some Mts.”

“You guys will have a great trip. I hiked this trail 3 years ago in August, and it is the most beautiful place I have ever been. If you like to fish, bring your fly rod--there are tons of fish in the lakes and connecting streams.

I fondly recall standing at the base of a small waterfall below Dewey Lake, catching multiple cut throat trout, while being snowed-upon. We spent a full week on the trail, and could have easily stayed longer if we could have hauled the food.

I am going back this year; I'll be leading a group of 6 beginning on July 31.

I have also wondered about fire damage; does anyone have any current information about the trail?”

“I am looking forward to the trip.
I am going to cordinate my trip with a visit to Yellowstone and few days hiking in the Tetons.
Since I am driving up, I can hit them before or after this trip.”

“It is actually pretty light when I get home with my dogs in the morning these days - Yeaaaaaaaa. Love the spring.

I am really looking forward to the endless twilight in the north on this trip.

Do we want to mess with T-shirts? I think it would be cool to have a shirt to remember the trip by, but it can become an incredible hassle if too many people are involved in the design and production process. I had very bad experience last year trying to pull together the llama-rama t's. What do you think - rosesbuds, mountains, hiking boots.”

“I'm out of this one. Got a baby coming and all so I'm cutting back on long trips. Bummer.

Y'all will have a blast! Enjoy.”

“The trip you've got planned sounds great! Could you please add us to your email list for updates on it. Thanks...our email is fabiga5@mac.com”

“This trip is going to be a blast!!!!!!


JULY MUST GET HERE NOW!!!!!”

“Anyone going south after Montanapalooza? We're headed for Wind Rivers and dropping off the Nymphmobile at our exit trailhead. (we'll need a ride to the entry trailhead). If not, we'll use our thumbs.”

“Enter: Big Sandy
Exit: Green River”

“Snow Nymph, more than likely I can pick you guys up as we discussed. We will go thru the details on the Santa Rosa trip.”

“snow nymph, i have 8 more days to spend after mntnaplooza and was considering a possible trip in the Winds or Tetons....i am currently cruising for flight plans... where to land and take off from ...i may be interested in that Winds itinerary...
really looking forward/westward for another adventure!”

“Gearjunkie: There should be no new fire damage since you were there 3 years ago. I was there in '99 also, late July though.

Snow: I would still discourage you from the Big Sandy side. Way more people and way more horse packers go in from there. You can go in from Dickinson, over Bears Ears Pass, down into the South Fork Lakes area and beyond. You could spend weeks down in there (9000'+) with seeing very few people, and even less horses. JMHO.

om: There were rumors that air fares into WY (Cody) were going to be as cheap as Billings, MT. Don't know if they are true or not. Billings is probably the cheapest and fastest. You just need to hook up with Aero or newgirl to get a ride to Red Lodge. Or, if I have to, I can run up there that Saturday and shuttle people too.

CnC: e-mail Aero at run_msub@hotmail.com he is coordinating this trip.

Everyone going: My home is open the first weekend (12th-14th) for those needing a place to crash, get prepared, and cleaned up one last time before heading out.”

“Each time I read this thread I wish July would get here MORE AND MORE!!!!!!!”

“I'm with you, Mike. Can't hardly wait!!”

“Supposed to get snow up there tonight, I hope.

Had to get back to the top too.”

“Chief,
I forgot about the other side. I'll check it out. Back to the maps and books!”

“Snow, from Dickinson, you go in about 10-12 miles and drop into what could be describes as a huge basin which is surrounded by mountainridges and passes. You are back below treeline for the most part. The trails throughout this area are 'endless'. I guarantee you will not be sorry for going there.”

“Oh, you guys! I am sooooo jealous! I wish I could go! This would be a great opportunity to meet a whole bunch of tt'ers all at once!

I hoping to get in a big trip with you guys next year somewhere but sure hoping you make it again to Montana. I've always wanted to go there and maybe live there someday. But, I'll just have to wait. Maybe I'll meet some of you on that March trip in Sacramento.

Have a great time everyone! I'll be thinking of you!”

“Om, have fun with those cowboys! Hope you get plenty of pictures. Send me one over the net ok? :)It would have been nice to see and hike with you again! Maybe we'll catch up next year!”

“Hey, I'm back! My ankle is healing up and I my computer is back on-line so things are looking up.

The trip is still on for July 14. I need to update the email list and send you so more info. we haven't had a huge amount of snow up there so it should be fairly open by mid-July. We can still meet up in Red Lodge and get everyone over to Cooke City the night of the 14th. Should be nice...”

“Glad to hear you are healing up. Keep me informed as to what I can do to help get people shutlled around from my end.

If you get people shuttled over on the 13th, we could have a small party or something.”