As if the Priest Lake summer trip wasn't enough, we decided to head for the mountains on a small backpacking trip when we got back. We headed out on August 3rd from the Teepee Trailhead in the Blue Mountains south of Dayton. We loaded our packs on our backs and started up the trail. We got to the primitive campsite within an hour and a half. (with a lesson learned by Justin to wear at least ankle socks, not foot socks so as to prevent blisters!) There is a spring just a quarter mile from the campsite for our water needs. There was another hiker at the trailhead so we tried to keep a steady pace to get to the campsite and stake our claim. We've been there twice before and it is a nice setup among the trees with a great view out our backdoor over the Blue Mountains.
Oregon Butte is the highest point in the Blues. At the top is a fire lookout that is staffed during the summer. We went to the lookout and met the lady who lives there for 3 months, alone, during fire season. I think it takes a different personality to live in that kind of situation. She was very nice to have us inside to see the firewatch equipment and the boys even helped with some meteorological measurements. The sunset from the lookout was beautiful. We also went on a day hike on Tuesday. We had tried to find another spring on a previous trip but were unsuccessful. We got better directions from the lookout lady. We headed out, through some thick brush that was fed by springs. We even found huckleberries along the trail (Nate spotted those). The boys favorite pasttime on the trip was rolling rocks down the hill. They would really gather a lot of speed! We hiked along the trail and got to an area where the skeleton of an elk camp was located.
On our way back from the day hike, we heard some loud rustling just down the hill from the trail. I figured the boys had just rolled another rock but, when I turned and looked, I saw a large bear high-tailing it away from us. It was a big, golden-brown colored bear. Nate saw it too but Justin and Cade had to take our word for it. We decided to take a bit tougher route on the way back to camp.
It took us up this jagged, rocky ridgetop that put us back at the fire lookout. From there, it was about a half mile back to camp. We had a good time enjoying the great outdoors. On our drive out of the mountains, a large deer bounded across the road in front of us. It was about a 5 point with velvet antlers! Hope you enjoy the pictures and video!
Untitled from Paul Shoemaker on Vimeo.
1 comment:
Beeyootamus! Nice Vimeo!
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