SEPTEMBER 1

SPRING CREEK TO BLAIR LAKE

Mode: Mule-assisted backpacking with the Montgomerys



Today is Charlotte’s 25th birthday and we begin early to celebrate it. From the Support and Trek Team Charlotte opens lots of gummy worms and bears, coloring pencils, diamond, star stick-on tattoos, and a candy necklace. Mel lives by his own time, much enjoyed by the Trek Team and we have a leisurely morning. Finally on the trail at 10:30 the first section is about a three mile old road bed with a slight grade. At the top we depart from the Sheep Experiment area and re-enter the Targhee National Forest. As we regroup four ATVs came into view coming up the road from the opposite direction - riding in a non-motorized area, and have to have passed a gate and sign clearly stating that the area was closed to motorized vehicle. We watch them for several minutes talking and we are sure deciding whether they should proceed or not. Finally, they turn around and start back at which time Mel took after them at a full gallop. He passes them all and then spins his horse around in front of the lead rider. According to Mel, their eyes are pretty big at being cornered but they have a good talk and say they will leave the area. Who knows if they really did but such trespass, for hunting (as they were doing) or recreation just ruins it for others who obey the laws and want to protect what opportunities remain.

There are swarms of grasshoppers today and again we are seeing fat, black, squat Mormon Crickets that we haven’t seen since Salt Lake City.

The views are spectacular today down into Island Park or over the Centennial Range into the Centennial Valley. It’s sunny but cool and windy. At 1:00 we tie up the mules and lunch in a “krumholtz” - stunted, scrubby pines and bush - that completely block the wind. Since we’re now operating on Mel’s Time after lunch we all stretch out for a brief and comfortable nap. We are to regret this nap in the afternoon as we find we still have many miles to go including several hills to cross. We are going through some magnificent rock areas - yes, Sam, I have collected another one. But Mike also finds a beauty to carry along too. Southwest Airlines is not going to appreciate my bags.

We finally reach Blair Lake Camp at 8:00 p.m., after fourteen and a half miles on the trail just at dusk. The camp is one of Mel’s regular summer camps and quite developed with two well- equipped tents. As at Spring Creek, Mel hobbles the horses and allows them to graze free for several hours then ties them to a “high-line” (a rope tied about 6’ from the ground between trees) for the night.

After dinner of BBQ steak (Chris has fed us well throughout this leg of the Journey) we have a birthday cake complete with singing candle. Unbelievable that Chris was able to get a cake up here without it being mushed.
We have met so many kind and interesting people along the way that have shared their perspectives and family stories with us. It is unfortunate that land conflicts and restrictions often result in negative labeling of those with different perspectives. Outfitters, by some, might be labeled "users" with a very negative connotation. Yet, if one takes the time to get to know them personally one more often finds common ground and a mutual regard for our public lands. In particular I look back on Jack Rich, our outfitter through the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness. Jack is a big man in stature, personality and principal. Jack, introduced to the “Bob” by his father who had a deep love for the area, has in turn shared that love with others and to the very best of his ability taken care of the land. From the Journey, dana