Just wanted to share my latest epic hike with all of Dan’s blog followers. This is only my second guest posting so be gentle. It contains the same theme as last year’s blog with a strenuous hike to a breathtaking high-altitude view. A couple of lakes with fish enticed me to bring my fishing pole along this time. The destination was Stough Creek Basin in the Popo Agie Wilderness Area – a 7.5 mile hike from the Worthen Meadows trailhead.
There were reports of bears in the area so I hoped my brother would join me (bear taste buds prefer musicians), but I took along some bear spray instead.

My favorite (only) brother Dan graciously dropped me off at the trailhead around 7 and planned to pick me up at 5. As you can see I’m already feeling the effects of the altitude by messing up the register entry. 

Entered the wilderness area after about 1/2 mile.

The first 3 miles was a gradual climb with some meadows. Gotta love the hard work done by the trail crews to keep the meadow intact with a wood crossing.

After about 4 miles, the hike turned truly epic with my first view of the Wind River’s high country.

Couple forget a couple of wildflower shots for my Dad.

First view of one of the Stough Lakes.

I reached the lake around 10:30 after a hard 7-8 miles of hiking with around 2500 feet of climbing. Time to eat my first Big Mc of the day!

Fishing was great.

I planned to leave around 12:30 to give me plenty of time to get back before 5 and the shortcut up and over this peak was beckoning me.

The views were well worth the seared lungs.

BUT, my shortcut soon turned into a brutal longcut.

I thought I could intercept the trail home over this single mountain, but there was another one I had to go over. Once over the top of the first mountain the wind ceased, which allowed the mosquitos to unleash a withering attack. I was prepared to defend myself against bears, but left the bug spray at home. It got so bad at one point I considered using the bear spray, but then came to my senses before trying to kill a couple of the thousands of mosquitos with a whole bottle of bear spray.

Needless to say the trip back was very challenging. It took me about 4 hours to get back to the trailhead. To add insult to injury, just before reaching the trailhead I was passed by 2 female trail runners who kicked dust in my face while zooming past.

Hoping to catch a ride back to our camp from them, I picked up the pace only to get more of their dust as they pulled out of the lot in their car as I arrived. I’m sure they’ll apologize in person in the future.
Overall it was a great day. About 7 hard hours of hiking, but the 2 hours spent in the idyllic granite mountains and lakes was well worth it. Thanks, Dan.