SEPTEMBER 12, 2002

Little Greys River to trailhead near Blind Bull Mine and KOA, Wilson, WY

It was a no rush morning for the group. We packed up tents, ate breakfast and started off at 9:30 with thoughts of making “home” by late afternoon. Crossed Roosevelt Meadow, actually a series of meadows, and less than an hour out came upon Chuck Streeper, a real mountain man. Chuck left Visalia, California 34 years ago and as since has wandered all over the United States. For the last 24 years he’s traveled with two horses, Rusty (who gives kisses) and Whichways. For two hours Chuck entranced us with his adventures including two cross-country trips to the east coast. At 60 he is sort of considering retirement with plans to build and fly a barnstorming biplane. He even showed us his pilot manual tucked carefully in the packs.

With some additional, good directions from Chuck, including the location of a crashed 140 Cessna (all that remains is part of the tail section and assorted bits of metal) we proceeded on our way. The only difficulty we had with the trail was a short section around an old cabin and 5:00 found us at the end trailhead. Support, Dave and Rob, arrived at 6:20 due to traffic work that would also catch us on the return trip. It was not only good to see those Hondas come in to view but also to have Rob back!

Our trip back, most of which within the Bridger-Teton National Forest on a well-maintained dirt road along the Grey River, provided a bunch of surprises. First was the Gray River itself sliding along parallel to us, then a mature bald eagle flying at tree level down the middle of the river, and down toward the south end of the canyon individual then clusters then hillsides of maples turning to bright red against patches of yellow aspen and green firs. As we turned up toward Jackson the sunset turned form faint pink on blue to intense pink to a reddish orange glow.

Finally back to camp at 8:30 p.m. for hugs and a fantastic dinner cooked by Lisa Madsen, Executive Director of the Public Lands Interpretive Association, who had arrived that afternoon with Ken Chapman, Executive Producer for the American Frontiers Public Lands Journey, and Debbie Payton, Media Coordinator.

We are approaching the end of our Journey. The past two days is the last of our hiking (well, except for a couple of bushwhacks) until the last two days of the Journey. As I think about the country we have seen, the trails we have covered, and the land managers we have spoken and traveled with I feel ever more strongly that the work that is being done by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, the American Motorcyclist Association, American Trails, Tread Lightly!, National Trails Training Partnership, Backcountry Horseman, International Mountain Bicycle Association, California Off-Highway Vehicle Stakeholder Roundtable and similar efforts across the country are on the right track. Education, partnerships, and collaborative efforts by the private sector, diverse interests and government agencies are essential for enhancing all trail opportunities while providing better protection of natural and cultural resources. From the Journey, dana