The trail began at Mini Glacier and we camped the first night 11 miles north at Elizabeth Lake.
Just getting started on the trail...
Our group stopped for lunch at the creek. We backpacked with seven others from the Air Force, and although a little intimidated at first, I quickly enjoyed their company along the way.
Getting ready for the climb upward...
After hiking for a while after lunch, we eventually stopped at the lake for another break, and then began our ascent to the top of the ridge where this photo was taken. What an extraordinary view!
Saw some mountain sheep while we climbed upward.
Taking a little break before we descend the other side of the mountain.
On the other side of the ridge, we had an incredible view of Elizabeth Lake. From this point we descended five miles to our camp site at the far end of the lake.
I should have been a geologist. I think rock formations like this are so cool, and I wish I had paid more attention in Geology 101 about 10 years ago.
This might be my favorite picture of Bruce and I. Quick story: Just before we were married, Bruce took me backpacking in Glacier. I had fun, really enjoyed all the scenery and outdoors, but unfortunately emerged in so much pain and with so many blisters on my feet that I swore I would never backpack again.Here we are years later. We worked hard all summer to get in shape for this trip, and we had a blast backpacking together! While hiking I thought a lot about how hard we've worked in our marriage, how we've basically been to hell and back together, and how we've found happiness on the other side after so much work, so many days of wanting out, wanting to give up, loving each other, hating each other, and yet here we are doing something together I once swore against. And we're genuinely happy, which several years ago seemed so elusive. Life's greatest accomplishments to me consist in learning to be honest about who I really am (not who I wish myself to be or who I have pretended to be) and learning to be at home with myself and with the man I married. And lately I've felt like, if I can make it through that and be happy, then surely I can get myself in shape and try backpacking again. And surprise, surprise, I had such a blast on this trip!
Getting closer! Not gonna lie. Those last three miles were neverending and so painful. I know that 11 miles doesn't sound that long, but with 30 pounds strapped on your back, 11 miles might as well be 50. 
We made it! And we got to see a beautiful sunset at the end of the day. Bruce said that this day was the most difficult hike he's ever done in all his years of backpacking.
1 comment:
I forget how massive those mountains are.
I do remember how massive they can be in life and marriage, though, and appreciate your transparency.
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