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Posted by Ballpark Frank (69.178.8.75) on 10:54:51 05/27/15
In Reply to: Aah....how sweet posted by ALR
ALR,
Actually, while I very much appreciate your taking the time to comment on my photo post, I more wanted to thank you for what you are doing for Skeets and his merry band of intrepid hikers during the Loonion.
It is quite uncommon for backcountry travelers to know there is a meal awaiting them when they reach their destination. I can recall several instances in my hiking experience where we had that luxury, and only twice was it something other than visiting a restaurant in or outside the park. That was in 2003, if I'm not mistaken. Greywolf and I had hiked the Specimen Ridge trail from end to end, which is somewhere between 18 and 20 miles as I remember it. This was in August, and the sun was already setting noticeably earlier than in June or July. We had to ford the Lamar River late in the trek, and we reached the Footbridge pullout in twilight. Luckily, we had the benefit of an invite from TimA. to join him, Jakeman, and his family, and possibly, Tim's bride, Betsy, for dinner at the Yellowstone River Picnic Area. Tim was using his camping dutch oven, and had prepared a sumptuous feast that included chicken cooked in barbecue sauce. I have rarely tasted anything so memorable. Of course, we were eating by lantern light, but trust me, Tonya and I were absolutely thrilled to be treated to such incredibly tasty fare upon the conclusion of an all-day hike.
The other similar event was a 2002 event, when Ray R., greywolf, my ex, and myself dined, courtesy of Darlene, in Ray and Darlene's RV at Pebble Creek campground after completing the Republic Peak - Chaw Pass hike, another all day adventure, including a river ford near the end. I seem to remember this meal involving tortillas and something delicious wrapped in them, along with side dishes.
Perhaps, the most memorable restaurant experience, post-hike, was at the Roosevelt Lodge dining room back around 2007 or 2008, when Bison and I did the through hike from the Warm Springs trailhead near the NE Entrance up into the Upper Pebble Creek drainage, over Bliss Pass, and down Slough Creek about 8 or 9 miles. That was another "20 miler". We got caught in a wicked thunderstorm that included copious hail and lightning shortly after we reached the top of Bliss Pass. We were literally running down the other side at times, trying to lose elevation and reach thicker forest. All the while, we were salivating at the thought of meeting Auwingwalker and Roadie, who had generously supported our effort by shuttling our vehicle from the departure trailhead to the arrival trailhead. At least, this time, we exited the backcountry in daylight, although I know we were pushing the envelope on the closing time for the restaurant.
(Continued in Part 2)
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