In a world of so many great photographers and writers, I am venturing into some unknown territories, leaving comfort zones, finally very willing to practice the art of seeing. By maintaining the practice of posting daily photos, I hope to continue learning about the possibilities that I trust are out there for the taking.
Day 3
Start: Sunset Lake, 9:00am
End: 1st camp site in the North Fork Camping zone, 3:45pm, elevation: 8396
Ascent: 2195
Descent: 3448
Miles hiked: 7.2
The climb up to Hurricane Pass, 10,400′, was much easier than we’d anticipated the night before when we were trying to figure out where the pass actually was. The Pass is known for being very windy and even though the day was warm the wind chilled us.
This is the top of Hurricane Pass even though it doesn't say so on the sign.
Atop the Pass I had cell reception and called Ray. Ray found out he is in bad need of a hip replacement. I hope he waits to have it when I’m home, but it sounds like he’ll have it as soon as the doctor is available. (Sept 23rd – Ray’s surgery is scheduled for Oct 13th)
Ray had other news, his son/my stepson, Joshua is getting married October 24th. He’s very in love and this is a first for him to be in love.
There were only a few flowers atop the Pass and I was surprised to see these two bees when I got up close.
Today’s descent down the South Fork from Hurricane Pass was 3448 feet. Tina and I were ready for some level or uphill hiking. We were ready that is until we had it. We were tired today.
Just beginning down Hurricane Pass.
The Wall and glacier a bit further down from the Pass.
Last night we’d discussed staying out only three nights. But today we reconsidered and will do short mileage and stay out the fourth night.
Today I shot more photos than the other days. We got to see the Grand Teton, Middle and South Teton up real close. Waterfalls on the South Fork continued all the way down to the junction where we continued north at Cascade Canyon. At this junction with Cascade Canyon we turned left and followed the North Fork.
Grand Teton, Middle and Lower Tetons.
Storm clouds and thunder were directly up ahead in the direction we were hiking. We decided to stop at the first camp site, one mile from the junction, at the beginning of the North Fork camping zone. I could write that we stopped because of the rain drops we felt and the storm ahead, or I could tell you the truth that we were both ready to end our hiking day.
Always want to set up camp before the rain comes.
The first camp site, #1, was available. We quickly set up our tents, hoping to beat the approaching rain. For a while, the sun broke through the clouds and off we went to bath.
The camping area/pad is so small Tina and I are camped front tent door to front tent door with 2 feet between us. We cooked dinner in that 2 foot area and finished cooking just as the rain fell hard. We zipped up or tents and brought our meals inside, very careful to not spill any smelly food in my tent.
Soon the rain stopped and we put everything that had any scent to it in the camp bear box. We made a number of subsequent trips back to the bear box, after realizing we’d forgotten something like Purell or lip sunscreen.
It’s 8:15pm and I hear Tina’s deep breathing. I’m putting my phone that I’m typing on down and getting deep into my sleeping bag for some much needed warmth.
