Comments on: Wind River Obscure Route

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 22:03:52 +0000

In reply to Futureatwalker. I think there were some earlier dustings...but it was the firs snow for me anyway. :)

By: wsp_scott

wsp_scott — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 21:59:41 +0000

I love the pics of the washed out bridges, VB makes me happy for some reason, probably because it indicates a lack of people in the area 🙂

Nice report

By: Futureatwalker

Futureatwalker — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 20:28:06 +0000

Love the recreation stamp! First snow of the season?

By: LarryBoy

LarryBoy — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 03:41:29 +0000

Always nice to see the more quiet corners of the backpacking world getting some love…

Another point – planning and executing your own route is far more fulfilling, IMHO, than executing the route that somebody else has planned. Not to mention, if I’m not competent enough to plan it, I’m probably not competent enough to hike it.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 02:28:08 +0000

In reply to Ken “Nobody” Steinhoff.

Well, I have SOME money but even less time. 😉

To be clear, this isn’t just wandering per se. Aaron and I had a planned route on the map. Ma Nature just threw a curve ball. But, it was not any designated route. Similar to the Ferris Mountains Trip a few of us did earlier in the summer.
https://pmags.com/ferris-mountain-wsa-walkabout

A route was planned, walked and done. Just sans a title of any sort. Otherwise known as a “backpacking” trip. 😀

By: Ken "Nobody" Steinhoff

Ken "Nobody" Steinhoff — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 02:18:59 +0000

Great trip!

So I guess you hold the FKT for the WROR? 🙂

I love the wandering philosophy. It makes me long for my youth when I had time and no money. Sometimes a memorable “find” can make a whole trip worthwhile. And the attitude is different.

Now, with enough money, yet little time, I have to rely on the pre-packaged ABC route research to help squeeze in some intense experiences while preserving a sense of exploration. Its not so much checking a route off a to do list than using limited time to get a “full(ish) experience” of say the Sierra, or the Winds. And, there is something to be said for “following in the footsteps” of someone else.

So, I do appreciate some of your other route descriptions of the many places you visit, and enough info to know what “goes.”

By: Aaron

Aaron — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 00:28:36 +0000

Great report, photos, and trip! I think the beauty of The (this) WROR is just taking the maps you need and choosing your own adventure along the way – seemed like we often came up with a new plan at each turn. In my view the Winds are perfect for this type of approach. Not that there are many bad ways to explore the range, but going with the flow in this manner, and creating a unique route is I’d argue among the most rewarding and especially here. With a starting and end point (or maybe just a starting point!) and a good set of maps while remaining aware of any limitations that may exist / with a willingness to adjust along the way a personally-tailored and unique hike can always be found. And luckily when it comes to picking that starting point and which part of the range to explore, it’s hard to go wrong. 🙂

By: Drew Smith

Drew Smith — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 21:20:32 +0000

Nice TR, it can be liberating to go hiking without much of an agenda. In my teens and 20s I practiced a form of trip “planning” where I would purchase a map at a gas station (yeah, this was long ago) and hike between two highways by an indeterminate/non-existent route for an unspecified period of time. I think I got the idea from an Ed Abbey essay. It drove my Mom nuts:
“where are you going”
“Wyoming, maybe near Gardiner”;
“when will you be back?”
“Hard to say”.

I’m much more responsible today of course, and have been hiking more and more ABC trails before I am too old and feeble to do so anymore. Perhaps you are recapitulating my hiking career in reverse.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 16:06:05 +0000

In reply to Andrew Skurka. Oh..I am just being my usual snarky, Northeast self. I can't help busting chops. :) But, being serious wasn't directed at you or anyone in particular. , it is more the celebration of HIKING vs merely hiking I am bemused by in the greater community. Less about being outside versus a checklist..as least I think. Not worried about my own merits. As long as i have my morning coffee (cold or hot), I'm literal happy camper.. ;)

By: Andrew Skurka

Andrew Skurka — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 15:07:04 +0000

I understand your POV on “alphabet hiking.” But I think your focus on it undercuts the merits of your own hike. You should let your hike stand on its own, rather than presenting it within the context of established routes in the Winds and elsewhere.

Also, I think you need to give alphabet hikes more credit. You are a very competent backpacker with a lot of experience and with a willingness to research out-of-the-way trails and routes. This puts you in a unique position to plan awesome trips on your own. Most backpackers are not in this situation. They don’t have the know-how, or the time/willingness, but they want to be assured that their experience will be worthy.