Today is such a different day from last year. I am in the middle of a backpack trip in Teton National Forest, cut off from civilization save for our emergency satellite phone. All I've heard of last year's attack was the memorials on the radio as we drove to the trailhead.
Dana cannot carry much gear, so I've taken her tent and the first aid kit. I don't mind much because it's helping another person, and works for the improvement of the group. I've always felt that the subjugation of the individual for the team is necessary to any well operating group.
On our hike in we stopped at Cliff Creek Falls for lunch. It's pretty spectacular, although probably more so after the spring melt. The icy water cascades at least 100 feet to the ground where I dip my feet in the cool aqua.
The wildlife continues to be disappointing on the trip. The largest game that I've seen today was a grouse. Managed to get within 5 ft of it. This particular creature protects itself by having excellent camouflage If anything threatening nears it, it holds still and blends in very well.
Camp tonight is in a beautiful site. We're just off the trail by a creek as it flows through some rocks. We are in a stand of pines, and about 25 yards downstream the water flows over a fallen log like a miniature waterfall. The ancient tree is at least 3 feet. in diameter, and has two grooves in it, worn down by the creek. At the bottom there is a deep pool from which we collect water, and were it warmer, I'd swim.
While we cannot see the sunset because of the near mountains, its backlighting of the far hill is spectacular. The trees and grassy meadow glows as though they were on fire. Stupendous!