Robert DeRosa reported about the Utah practice hike as he and others joined trip leader, Dan Kovach.
“On August 14th, a small group of our hikers, preparing for a five day backpacking trip into the High Uintas, gathered for a training hike at Brighton Base. At an 8 AM start, we had perfect weather with temps in the 70’s and low 80’s, and slightly overcast skies. Beginning at 8,800 feet, we hiked up 1,400 feet to 10,200 feet in a couple of hours. The recent rain gave new life to beautiful wildflowers along the trail as we passed Lake Mary, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine finally arriving at a high pass that gave us an amazing view of Lake Catherine and the surrounding mountains. Even pictures have a hard time describing how beautiful and serene nature was around us.”
Our trip leaders often do a recon hike on new trails to make sure the terrain, campsites, and trail conditions are in shape for our hikers. This year we had more recons than ever as we checked for downed trees, water availability and just assessing new trails. We also had to check trails when we made changes because of fires in the Central Cascades. Our intrepid trip leaders give so much throughout the year to make our trips successful. We appreciate their expertise and joy in being in the outdoors and the leaders who return year after year and the new younger leaders who are using their vacation time to be with us. Thank you!
