Here on Orcas Island, we aren’t too far from some majestic mountain backpacking.
I backpacked through Chile and Bolivia in my 20s, but after having years of back issues, the idea of backpacking again didn’t even cross my mind. Until our 16-year-old used some of his summer work money to buy everything he needed in order to go out into the wilderness. It dawned on me that after having back surgery, backpacking is a wide-open possibility again.
Over Labor Day weekend, I took our son and two of his good friends on a backpacking trip that changed my life in such impactful ways that I don’t even think I will write much. I realized I want to spend even less time sitting near man-made things, and as much time as I can out of doors.
I will let the pictures speak for themselves, and add a bit in captions along the way.
I highly recommend getting out to one of these places nearby; even a few days in the stunning majesty of it will change you. I wasn’t ready to come back…
We slept in the parking lot at Barlow Pass, about a 2-hour drive from Anacortes……And awakened to begin the Monte Cristo Trail toward Glacier BasinThe hike to this old mining town was fairly easyThe old turntable that used to serve the trains up hereA lot of hikers come up to Monte Cristo and then hike downThe trail narrows and the angle increases past Monte Cristo on the way to Glacier BasinThimbleberries line the trailsides and high peaks tower aboveA cookie butter and cinnamon bread lunch on waterfall rockMeet Kirin, Levi, and Rowan ~ some of the nicest kids you could ever backpack with ~ all good humor, no complaint about a thingAnd they are packhorses! Our packs were very heavy…The water here has high levels of arsenic due to mining, so we carried in 1 gallon and 1 liter of water each ~ never done that before!Meet Glacier Basin ~ a massive bowl with daunting peaks rising in every directionThe enormity and scale of this place takes a bit of time to get visually and mentally used toThe peaks and scree to the right of our tents ~ a predicted thunderstorm drenched us, thankfully after putting up the tentsSpongy ground ~ a backpacking luxury in a scree-filled landscapeMonte Cristo peak rises up at the back of the basinPerfect weather the next morning for the boys to climb the trail-less Cadet Peak (this is the false peak ~ the real one isn’t visible)Can you find them in this photo? Do NOT climb this unless you have researched the route(s) EXTENSIVELYThe scope is deceiving in such magnanimity ~ the boys’ bodies were tiny once above this gulleyWaiting…Ravenous upon their successful return from Cadet PeakExploring the river coming down through the basinDinner of ramen, instant potatoes, mac ‘n cheese, and canned chicken never tasted so goodThe boys were the dinner cooks ~ wonderful for a mom!We awakened thick in the clouds the final morningHiking outPicking blueberries along the trailLearning more about the miners on the way back downBack near the parking lot ~ sad to leave the wilderness…
I’ve missed this trip and the phenomenal dynamic of these boys as a happy, humorous, trustworthy “team” ever since we got back. These three are naturals out here. After hiking the strenuous trail to Glacier Basin like it was nothing, they climbed steep Cadet Peak the next morning in only 5 hours, with plenty of breaks along the way to rest, drink water, and double-check the correct route.
Thank you, Levi, for restoring me to backpacking and finding myself in the wilderness. Thank you, Levi, Rowan, and Kirin, for your appreciation of the beauty, challenge, and serenity. You made it a total joy.
Edee,
I tried to respond to the story, but received no return comment. Recently, as I have left a comment in the comment box, I am told that I am repeating myself. This has happened several times, and when I try to bring this to your attention, I receive no response. I hope you will respond to this the tell me if you ever get to read my responses. If not, can you tell me what I should do so that I can actually respond. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks, David M Buerge, author.
Hello David ~ Yes, your messages are going through, but I don’t see anything about repetition. I’m not sure why you are getting a message that you’re repeating yourself. Everything looks good on my end, and I thank you for all of your kind words!!! I often forget to click on the comments tab, so thank you for your patience with me!!!
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful experience!
Awwww, thanks Linda!!!
Edee,
I tried to respond to the story, but received no return comment. Recently, as I have left a comment in the comment box, I am told that I am repeating myself. This has happened several times, and when I try to bring this to your attention, I receive no response. I hope you will respond to this the tell me if you ever get to read my responses. If not, can you tell me what I should do so that I can actually respond. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks, David M Buerge, author.
Hello David ~ Yes, your messages are going through, but I don’t see anything about repetition. I’m not sure why you are getting a message that you’re repeating yourself. Everything looks good on my end, and I thank you for all of your kind words!!! I often forget to click on the comments tab, so thank you for your patience with me!!!