We liked our previous trip to the Northern Wind River Range so much we decided to give the Southern Winds a try. To save drive time we flew into Rock Springs, Wyoming instead of Salt Lake City. Our flight into Rock Springs was on a very loud propeller plane (2 props). The airport was tiny; it only had one gate and we learned on the way home it had another interesting feature. There is not a bathroom after you get through security. If nature calls you have to leave the gate and come back through security. No big deal since everyone there was on the same flight and the plane only held 20 people. For this trip we rented a 12 passenger van which was perfect for 5 people and all of our gear. Little did I now I would be driving that damn thing all over Western Wyoming. Let the adventure begin.
After landing, our plan was to get last minute supplies including gas cans for our backpacking stoves. Finding gas cans is usually easy, go to a local outdoor store or Walmart. Who knew that not one store in SW Wyoming had gas cans? I thought this was an outdoor state? We planned to head to Flaming Gorge the next day so I really wanted the gas dilemma solved now. We knew there was a good outdoor store in Pinedale, we called them and they had what we needed. Only downside, it was a 90 minutes drive. I wanted gas cans in hand so off we went. We didn’t know at the time that we would be back in the same store in 2 days on a totally different quest. We got to the store and with gas cans in hand, let’s eat. We decided to grab something quick and just eat in the car on the way back. Aaron, Ed and Anita grabbed burgers. Leann and I went to a deli. The other three chose better. So my reward for driving, the first 30 minutes on the way back was to hear how great the burgers were, maybe even the best ever. Jerks.
Day 2: off to Flaming Gorge
Backpacking Begins, or does it?
We were excited for the start of the trip but the weather and our van had other ideas. The night before we left it rained most of the night. The Whyte’s bring rain to the desert. Rain no big deal you say. Most of the road was covered with a very fine dirt, add water and you have a problem. Black ice comes to mind but worse. I was white knuckling the steering wheel until we got to the turn for the trailhead. Then it got worse. I lost all control of steering and was barely able to coax the van off the road. After landing we discussed options. We had 7 miles to go before we actually reached the trailhead. 1) Can we camp here? Yes, not too far away was a nice creek. 2) Can we wait for the road to dry and keep going? Yes, but what happens if it rains again and we cannot get out? 3) Can we backtrack and rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle?
We chose door number 3 but had to wait for the road to dry out a little so we could get back up the hill. Finally we were on the road again and headed back to Rock Springs where we started. Once we got cell service people started calling looking for a 4 wheel drive vehicle that was big enough for all of us. We were getting closer and closer to Rock Springs and not having much luck. At this point somebody had an idea (dumb me) about calling the outdoor store that shuttled us during our last Wind River trip. We called and they said no problem, come on up and we will be waiting for you. The only problem it was back the way we came. We turned around and headed North, I have seen this movie before. Long story short, we get there and throw our gear (well most of our gear) into a van that looked just like the one we were driving but it did have better tires. I didn’t care as long as I did not have to drive anymore. We headed south and eventually made the turn for the 7 mile dirt road to the trailhead. The road was bone dry! I imagine the driver was laughing about these wimpy easterners. The store does a great job and you can check them out here: greatoutdoorshop.com
So we finally get on the trail and Ed asks Leann if she can do anything about the straps flapping on the back of her pack because it is going to drive him crazy. Leann pauses and says “I forgot my sleeping pad and the tent stakes”. In our rush to switch vans some stuff got left behind. Upon hearing this I turned into Monty Hall, let’s make a deal! So every backpacker we passed going the other way, I asked if they wanted to sell their sleeping pad. The tent stakes were not a big deal but a week without a sleeping pad was going to be a problem. A family of 4 was going out and the mom took pity on us and sold her son’s sleeping pad for $20. It was a piece of junk but better than Leann having to sleep on the ground. No, I was not giving her mine, chivalry is dead.
Well we made it to the valley and then the fun really began. We had a hard time finding a campsite and were starting to look at almost anything for the night. Since we planned to be here 2 nights Leann and Anita decided to get picky and kept looking. A group meltdown was approaching when we stumbled upon a beautiful site well off the trail. Added bonus, there was a nice waterfall right beneath out tents.
Day 6; since we were spending 2 nights here people could do whatever they wanted. Ed and Anita had a great day of fishing, Aaron just chilled and helped them eat the fish. Leann and I went for a hike, of course.
Last day was a fairly flat hike back to the trailhead and wait for our shuttle
Another great trip out west with plenty of stories to tell. Time for a shower and a nice restaurant. We all agreed that a return to our last camp spot should be on our list.