This was our first RFC winter backpacking trip. Keith Winn wanted to do a shorter trip during the winter, so this is what we came up with. I was a little concerned about taking new folks on a winter trip, but it worked out just fine. Our temps during the day were in the 40s with overnight lows in the 20s. Everyone was outfitted well enough to tackle it.

We had a few small injuries along the way... Carlton and Noah struggled with their knees, Ethan struggled with his hips and Keith and I struggled with being old. But, we all made it though. This was the first trip in a few years that all the people made it though, so I'm really proud of everyone. Our folks new to backpacking (Alonso, Sterling and Ethan) all pulled through like champs. Sterling is great to have on the trail, his positive attitude just keeps you moving forward.

We had a few river crossings where people had to take shoes off and wade through knee deep (VERY COLD) water. Then there were several water crossings that required some rock hopping skills. We had a few slips of the foot here and there, but nobody went in.

We drove down Sunday after church and camped at Little Missouri Falls Trailhead. The next morning we hit the trail. Fortunatly Carlton and Garret had an energy drink to get them started because their energy levels were only an 11 prior. We hiked 8.5ish miles counterclockwise, tackling 4 of the hills before making camp. Each day covered about 9 miles. A touch less in the hills, a touch more on the flats.

Things I learned... Carlton struggles with just about every food. He has terrible gas and blames it on whatever meal he ate last and swears he'll never eat it again. It seemed reasonable the first day, but by day three there was a clear pattern. It did keep the trip lively, as well as he and Garret's off the wall topics of conversation. Carlton's mostly revovled around food.

It was a great trip with great people. I love this trail. There are georgeous overlooks. We went up Brush Heap Mountain and Window Rock, both of which are worth the extra hike! Much of the trail is hiking next to creeks with little cascades and falls along the way. I would love to do this trail in the fall.