My YNP Adventure - Page 4

Retreat to Civilization

Daylight came around 0600, and I crawled from my tent anxious for breakfast. The first thing that I took notice of was the foot bridge that I had crossed the night before. Instead of being gleaming white, as I had thought, it was weathered gray like all of the fallen pines in the forest.

I fully expected my food to be gone, but I found it hanging just as I had left it. Eating was difficult even though I needed nourishment. My system was messed up, and I almost had to force myself to eat. After a breakfast of coffee and oatmeal, I packed my gear.

While looking for a place to dig a cat hole, I discovered the official campsite about 20 yards from were I slept. I mistook a trail-side clearing for the campsite, and I had hung my food in a tree on a knoll to the southeast. The actual campsite was a bit father north of mine, and a spur of the trail leading to it lay just east of my tent.

I didn't feel too bad about my mistake after I saw that the designated food pole and cooking area were within 30 yards of the campsite. At least I had followed the 100-yard rule when I stashed my food. Anyone could have made the mistake that I did, as my site was one of barren soil complete with sitting logs and a fire ring.

I finally had my boots on and my pack loaded by 0830. It seems evident to me that I need an hour to break camp no matter how hard I tried to do so more quickly. I headed down the trail as I made a bargain with myself to reach the trailhead by 1700.

Although my feet were still sore, travel was relatively quick. I became lost about a mile west of the campsite, just as I had the night before. That was the only anxious moment during my retreat. The downhill grade of the trail in this direction helped to make the going easier. Save for the last two miles, and the normal discomforts, this trip was almost a pleasure.

I struggled to make the last two miles to the trailhead. My truck was a blessed sight. I had completed the outward journey at 1630, three hours sooner than the trip in.

I stopped at the Canyon Village to gas up the truck, and call my brother. I could not help getting a little emotional when I first spoke to him. I had failed to reach my goal, but I was glad to be standing there alive and on the phone with my brother.

Rest and Relaxation

I found a campsite at Pebble Creek, which is about as far removed from the popular attractions of the park as any campground in YNP. But, I think that I liked Pebble Creek better than Slough Creek Campground. It was sort of cozy. I got site 21, which is back in a sheltered corner of tent sites. The creek was about 30 yards away, and walled in by a shear cliff on its east bank. Another outcrop wall, opposite the cliff, flanked the west side of the tent area. There were plenty of young trees for shade. I thought the site was ideal.