My first ever backpacking trip! Hard to believe with all the camping that I’ve done through the years, but true nonetheless. Rainy skies gave way to sunshine and off Bert and I drove to Roosevelt National Forest for my first adventure. On the advice of a park ranger, we drove to Camp Dick, slapped on our packs (thanks, Eli, for the loaner!) and headed up the trail. Because we were in national forest, we could camp anywhere we wanted, unlike in the adjacent wilderness area. Since I had no idea how I would do, I didn’t want to be in a situation where I had to go 5 or 6 miles before we could make camp. In spite of a late start, we hiked a little over 3 miles and found a beautiful, secluded spot by the St. Vrain River and planted our flag, so to speak. Gathered firewood and the usual. Pumped fresh water through a filter to remove all funky bacteria and man, was it delicious!!! Cooked up some dinner – I loved the whole food in a bag concept: add boiling water, let sit, eat out of bag, throw bag away. If it wasn’t for the fact that you get no fresh vegetables, I’d say it should be the wave of the future! And speaking of bags, I even pooped in one! HAHAHAHAHA. To be really good environmentalists, you pack out everything. Bought some fancy set up that came with bag, chemicals to neutralize, tissue paper and a handiwipe. What will they think of next? Second day was a day hike up to Red Deer Lake – very pretty and still plenty of snow around. As you can see from the picture, I assumed the prone position and rested for a while before I was ready to move again. We were able to hike a loop, so continued on our way when thunder threatened, checking out more open terrain and meadows. So beautiful and I so love seeing almost no one while I enjoyed mother nature and the beautiful wildflowers she shares with us during the mid-summer months. Came back and soaked our tired tootsies in the stream, or rather the freshly melted snow. I think I could stand it for a whole 30 or 40 seconds before I had to pull them out. More firewood, eating and hanging by the roaring flames before enjoying a well-earned looong night’s sleep. Lazy morning and then hiked out. My body seemed way more able to handle the pack weight than on the way in. Good for me!