Sawtooths, Exploration by Moonlight

The plan on this trip was to explore new places.  We specifically chose a path that would take us into parts of North America we hadn't seen yet.  Our fishing trip was a slight deviation from that plan.  It is familiar country to me but we accepted some retracing because Laurel hadn't been there and the hot springs exploration made for new discoveries.

Staring at the Sawtooth Mountains from Stanley with fair weather in the forecast it was hard to resist the urge not to cross old ground again.  The pull of these mountains is too great and we signed up for a few more nights among the jagged peaks, via an unexplored route, or so we thought.

On our way to the trailhead, headed south on 75 with full supplies and the Sawtooth Mountains backlit by the evening sun we arrived at an historic moment.  Our trusty steed rolled 150,000 miles.  I can't say enough good things about her or thank my parents enough for loaning her to us.  She has been a rock solid base camp on many adventures and I'm sure she will continue to be with us for many more.

150,000 Miles

The next morning as we walked up the valley from Yellowbelly Lake things started to look familiar.  I saw views that I recall from the past.  The trail had a familiar feel to it.  Even the trees looked like we'd seem them before.  So maybe I'm getting old and forgetful or maybe I didn't pay enough attention the last time but it felt like we were retracing old footsteps.  At the top of Sand Mountain Pass we were sure of it.  An old stump on the pass made a good picture spot and past photos confirmed we had the same thought the last time.

Sand Mountain Pass - 2015

Sand Mountain Pass - 2010

From that point we selected a new route.  A route that would take us deeper into the range.  Now we were on new ground.

For 3 days we explored new lakes and peaks under a full moon.  For 3 days we didn't see another soul.  I consider that to be a special experience.  There are not many places in the continental US where you can be totally separated from other humans for days at a time.  And yes, someday we will go back even if there's some retracing involved.

Edith Under a Full Moon

Below Glens Peak