Note: Be sure to watch the video from this trip at the bottom of this page. Last year, while backpacking Solo Across the Olympic National Park a nice man picked me up hitchhiking.
During the 4 hour car ride back to Port Angeles. We exchanged hiking stories and email addresses.
Through the year we exchanged several messages and started planning for a late summer adventure into the Bailey Range.
He expressed that a trip with his wife through Montana and variable weather would leave the dates flexible.
The last email exchanged a few days before we hit the trailhead expressed that I had just returned from this area on a Solo Trip.
He was ready to go since the weather window looked really promising.
I of course was all ready to go back. This time on a mission to find Autumn color and shoot some video. Not walking such long days would also allow me time to enjoy some beauty in the heart of the Olympics.
So off we set with a few days worth of food on our backs. He being a traditional backpacker with a big load and heavy boots. Me with a recently field stripped pack which put me at an 8lbs base weight and minimal Sandals. My VFF's were also worn for the sections of rock scrambling.
Together, with one goal: to arrive into the Bailey Range, explore Ferry Basin and go look for Roosevelt Elk in Cream Basin.
Last Sunset for the summer of 2012. The next morning an Autumn frost fell like clockwork. Views of Stephen Peak, Ruth Peak, Mt. Carrie and the Northern Bailey Range
Suggested Listening:
Out and Back to Ferry Basin - day hike around the basin and swim at Cream Lake - 5 days
Autumn colors with view of Mt. Carrie
Calm reflections
As the sun sets - views of Stephen Peak
Old boot-path through Autumn color
heading out to Mt. Ferry - views of Lone Tree Pass (left)
Higher on Mt. Ferry - views of Mt. Pulitzer and Lone Tree Pass
Victory adult beverage and burger from a local establishment.
My only complaint was the lingering haze from all of the wildfires in eastern Washington. Other than that, everything went super smooth. No rain, no bugs, no stress and epic sunsets. I foresee future trips with Steve again.
Disclaimer/Comments: One should train their feet for some time for this type of trail conditions. Biking, Hiking or Backpacking in Minimalist Footwear takes strong feet. Since as we aged wearing shoes have lots most of our natural foot muscle. Give you body time to adjust to this type of Footwear before attempting anything you see on this Site. Don't forget to Follow Me; I like to use the Hashtag #BarefootBackpacking - Tweet me your Questions.
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