Wednesday afternoon, I jumped into my truck with 4 the same four CD that have been in there since I bought the truck and headed south to Craters of the Moon National Monument. Everyone else on the highway was driving for their thanksgiving traditions. Jessi Miller and I started a tradition a year ago to always hike on Thanksgiving. Last year we hiked through Big Domingous Canyon, this year went to Craters of the Moon National Monument. after driving 500 miles, I arrived at the park to met Jessi. We were both tired from our drives so we slept on the platform in my truck instead of setting up a tent. We were both so excited for morning becuase we did not really know what the park looked like.

Anyone want to go on a cool trip. Well, be prepared to drive 3.5 hours from Pullman and bring the following: a canoe, paddles, lifejacket, flashlight, hiking shoes, water bottle, etc. (clothing is optional). Last weekend, I drove to Riggins Idaho and then headed east on a one way road. This road is closed Monday through Friday, so I was glad I planned my trip for a Saturday. I drove another 17 or so miles, with my head out of the window looking for the bridge on the map. After driving over 3 or four of the wrong bridges, I finally found the right one. Then I needed to locate a old cable car that was taken down, I found it on top of a steep enbankment. Elin and I were ready for the hot springs, however the Salmon River was our next obstacle. We took the canoe off the roof of the truck carries it down the steep hill and gently placed it into the river. Mean while a man drove and stopped to chat, he was so impressed at what we were doing. (He thought we were canoeing the class 4 rapids of the Salmon and not just crossing the river. hee hee). So we ferried across the river, stashed the boat on the beach adn started our 1 mile walk up the hill. We were not sure what trail to take, after a long debate and fight with the blackberry bushes, we took the obvious road. At last we found the Hot Springs. AMAZING! The one hot spring was an old mine shaft, the further you go back the hotter it gets. The other hot spring was an old log with hot water in it. This place is highly recommended although it is an epic journey!

I now live near the 45th parallel. The 45th parallel is exactly half way between the north pole and the equator. So, in the winter you leave for work in the dark and come home in the dark. However, this summer was amazing, it got light at 4:30 am and stayed light until about 10:30 pm. I guess I am in training for living in Alaska. -Cheers

I think I finally found heaven on earth, it is called Hell's Canyon. I went for a hikeover the weekend there. I hiked in about 4 miles friday and camped with some horse packers. They feed me food and we sat by the camp fire and talked about the terrain. They warned me that there was no water between my camp 2-3. The next day I hiked 13 miles to Dry Driggins, Echo Lake and camped at another lake. The view from Dry Driggins so AMAZING. I went into the fire tower that was open and hung out there for a while. A hiker who was scouting for elk came by, we chated and then I conitued on to the Lakes. I camped at a this lake that was 1 mile from the trail, it was really quite there. The next day was cold, so I hiked really fast to heaven's junction because I thought there was no water, I walked briskly to Cannon lake. Well, there was tons of water on the trail however I had packed in all this extra water and this side of the trail was really easy. So easy, I walked by camp and made it to my car on sunday night. 28 miles total. Can't wait to go back.



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Hiking the AT 2009

On Friday I drove 3 hours to the trail head to Stanley Hot Springs. I hiked up hill until the I hit Boulder Creek where I had to cross the stream which was suppose to be challengin, but I found some logs to walk across. From there I hikes about 1/4 mile to camp. I made it to the hot springs and there ws only 1 other camper. I soaked in one of the 6 hot pool which was about 105 degrees. The next day I hiked to Lottie Lake on a 16 miles loop trail. It was unknow if I could complete the loop due to snow. I got to Lottie Lake, and followed the snow patches to Maude Lake, then Mud Lake. I thought I was doing pretty well. Until the last segment of trail, which was 6,800 feet and covered in snow. I did a little slipping and sliding, but the trail was easy to find. I did made the loop! Then I spent another night soaking in the hot springs. There were not too many people out there, just enought to make it pleasant. The drive home was amazing along the lochsa River.

Most of the ORC Staff is hiking Mt. Adams, I am going to Stanley Hot Springs. Below is a picture of the park I went to last weekend. It was pretty cool.