On the Road in the Ralston: First Back Country Experience

Off to buy big back packs to carry all our freeze dried food. Heard that the food was pretty good. You just need a jar of Tabasco sauce to spice it up. We acquired a jet boil stove to heat water in 2 minutes. Presto H2O and a package and you have chicken, mash potatoes, pasta primavera, turkey tetrazzini and even apple crisp for dessert. I forgot to mention they have ice cream sandwiches in a bag. Decided to skip that one. Loaded up and ready to hit the road. The packs were so heavy even without a tent , pads, and sleeping bags that it almost buckled Wally's knees so we ended up canoeing 6 miles up the lake to the patrol cabin. I was worried about the hantavirus from mice poop but all seemed fine. We are not sick yet. We sailed down the lake with the wind at our backs. Waves pushing us forward. Quick trip and beautiful scenery.

The front door of the cabin had nails hammered into the entire face of it to protect I assume the people inside from the grizzly bears. Wow. The bunk bed worked and I did not fall out on my face which I have done in the past. The 1930's vintage cabin sat at the head of the lake so perfectly set to view the surroundings. We are so lucky to have this opportunity.

The ranger in charge of this area is 94 years old and just had a knee replacement. He is an inspiration. I want to bring dinner one night and hear all his stories. Good living goes a long way.

All campers had a permit and followed all the rules. Hung the food bags on the pole and kept the area in pristine condition. We are learning so much about camping in the back country.

Hiked 5 miles up to Upper Kintla Lake and needed to ford a stream. We are hilarious. It took at least a half hour to decide to just cross at the trail and go for it. All our angst was undeserved after the successful crossing. Part of our job is bathroom cleaning and I mean a pit toilet. Walter is getting very good at the process. We replaced hinges on the door, checked permits, hanging trees over camp sites, litter, and cut trees off the trail. Also dead heading invasive plants along the way. Hot weather and we looked forward to a quick wash up in the lake on our return.

Up early to canoe back to the car. Flat water going back with the vision of the best sticky buns ever dancing in our head. Walter was moving that canoe so fast I have never seen that before. The freeze dried food was not the hit we were hoping for. Home sweet home with hot showers and a good glass
of wine.