Adventure In The Mountains

“We started this adventure on Dec. 29th. from the trail head parking area. We were uncertain of the number of days to spend in the mountains. We agreed to try two nights and three days. The hike started out on the easy day loop out to where the trails split, we decided to take the rim trail out. The weather was great during the hike out to the cabin. Lots of great views looking down the side of the mountain into the gulf and river system. As we neared the cabin the weather changed to rain. There was nobody there when we first arrived. Some of the hikers before us left firewood so we had it easy to begin with. It wasn't long when two young men showed up asking if they could stay with us. We agreed to let them. They were a nice company to have. Once settled in all took naps except me. I had a desire to explore the north end of the gulf, looking for that waterfall that has to be out there. I had spent some time out there last year also looking but I didn't look far enough down steam as I didn't have a partner to help with a rescue if needed. So I was hopeful that I could find it this year. I wasn't able to find it this time either as darkness found me before I could reach the depths of the canyon. I returned back to the cabin to discover my partner and guests sleeping, that is something that I enjoy doing also. Later that evening we all broke out the food and feasted to the enjoyment of fresh Alaskan King Salmon and fresh wild green salad and a tasty noodle dish topped with sweet tasting cheese that we brought. Our guests had their own feast of steak and chicken. After dinner we enjoyed the fire and conversation with each other. Later that evening we built the fire up and retired to slumberland. During the night the mice came out to play disturbing the sleep of us. The next morning we all left the cabin after breakfest, which was on the light side. All of us were heading the same way, although the young men left before we did. They were also heading home that day and we were just going miles down the mountain and up again to our next camp. The trail was steep and slippery in spots due to the frozen rain on the rocks and leaves. As we inched our way down the mountain side I see deer and they saw me. I could hear the rivers roaring as we hiked about them that morning. Soon the sun reach high enough to shine on us. At that point I decided to break out the gear and teach my hiking companion a little about mountaineering. This was a easy skill to teach to a willing person such as this. During the practice things got a little dicey and a foot slip cause my companion to slip into the wall, causing damage to the hand and wrist. I just knew a head injury had just happen but not so. I thought that would be the end of the lesson but great courage was found there that day and we continue some more. Once we retrived all of the gear we continued down the mountain. As we were going down a small slope my foot slipped underneath the weight of my body and pack. I could hear my ankle pop twice before my body fell down in an instant. Quickly I felt the pain. My hiking partner helped treat my injury by wrapping the foot and ankle. After a short break we continued on down the mountain. I was in pain with every step for the next four to five miles and till we reached camp. We were planning on taking a short cut once we reached the bottom of the mountain but because of the high water and my injury we agreed to take the longer route which had better footing for me to hobble on. Once we reach the side of the lower ridge of the next mountain over we took another break. From there it is pretty much a straight up hike on the old mountain trail. Stagecoaches used this a long time ago. Once we reached the top we had a easy hike over to the campsite. Once there we set up camp in a area that was completely destroyed by the southern pine beetles. And the park service had clear cut most of the timber. Plenty of firewood. A fire was built and then water was fetched. We cooked supper, made small talk for a short while and then turned in early for a early start out the next day. For I needed to get back home to keep a Dentist appt. We awoke before daylight and broke camp soon after day break for the hike out of the mountains. Along the way we saw hikers coming in. Some were old friends of my hiking partner and some were not known by either of us. We made it out in a record smashing time with my hobbled walk. I had a great time during this adventure. I have a greater understanding of being a friend and having one who is willing to help than putting miles underneath their feet.”

“Great trip report. Hope you heal quickly.”

“sounds like fun!

hope your ankle feels better soon :(”

“Where was this? Sounds like an adventure indeed.”

“This was one of the best trips that I have been on in quite some time! The hiking was great, and the company was superb! I learned a new skill which will be very beneficial in future adventures, thanks to my great friend who took the time to teach me the skills with the ropes.

BTW, Lizs, we were at Savage Gulf.”

“Thanks!”

“I thought it sounded like Savage Gulf. Glad you had a good time Katibug and friend!”

“Long time, no hear from you! Looking forward to hiking with you again soon!”

“So katibug, your friend showed you the ropes?”

“Got any photos of you two playin' "dope on a rope"?”

“No photos taken on this trip. Would of been a good day for photos though. We will be sure to take some for you on the next trip.”

“I didn't take my camera on this trip since I have been to Savage Gulf many times. Sometimes a camera is just another item to have to keep up with, etc. I didn't feel like bothering with it this trip...sorry.”