The 900-mile drive

Leaving from College Station, the first few hours went quickly and it wasn’t too long before we had reached Sonora. Still less than half way to the Gilas, we kept trucking along I-10, passing windmills, dust storms, and a strange SPQR car.

Obviously, Senatus Populusque Romanus, but why 15?

Eventually we reached El Paso, and we ate at Rudy’s BBQ. FYI, this Rudy’s had a gas station with very reasonable prices! An oasis, to say the least. Still we knew that knew New Mexico would be slow going. At the border, a signed warned of our entrance into a “safety corridor” with double fines for speeding. Completely baffled at it’s meaning, we excused it – after all, this is New Mexico – the 3rd most dangerous state. The signage continued warning of drinking & driving, dust storms, driving without a seatbelt, and I’m sure there was a sign demonstrating how to hold the steering wheel properly at “10 & 2″ that we missed.

Nevertheless, we trudged on further in New Mexico, very pessimistic that a hill, much less a mountain range, existed. Actually, we passed several ghost towns and wondering how anything/anyone could live out hear. Land of Shatment seemed more accurate. Suddenly, mountains towered out from ground, and similarly our attitude grew taller. As the sun set, Jeremy’s Volkswagen approached the road leading to the trailhead, and it wasn’t long before we setup camp in anticipation of the journey.

Rain Creek Trailhead

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But the trip did not begin August 11 at Lake One. Oh no, we reserved our permit in late March just a week after I accepted an internship at Andersen Windows. The Lake One entry point is so popular that Sunday August 12 was booked 4 months early.

Pretrip Adventures

Gooseberry Falls

To begin the trip Nathan and I drove the scenic route going through Duluth and continuing up the North Shore of Lake Superior. Stopping at Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse, we received an appetizer of Minnesota’s luscious scenery. Soon, the road turned north and the thick forest replaced Lake Superior. Enjoying the empty roads, we were startled to see “DETOUR NEXT 25 MILES”. The logging road we detoured along took us through the parts of Minnesota hardly seen.

Once we arrived in Ely, we eventually found our canoe outfitter. As a side note, Red River Outfitters did a great job providing us with an amazing canoe at a fair price. Their store also has very competitive prices (MSR 33 oz fuel bottle for $11 vs. $15+ at REI). Finally, the night ended with the two of us restlessly attempting to sleep in the back of the Explorer.

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After driving 200+ miles to Silver Bay, MN, we setup camp at the trailhead parking lot. In the morning, we broke it down and had our packs loaded by 7:15 AM. Impressive.

Matt, Abbey, Danesh, Chen, Kristin, and I at the trailhead

Once on the trail, we maintained a hearty pace for several miles before we soon reached a large boulder. With great teamwork everyone scaled the rock. Tired of climbing rocks, we tested our hill climbing (and endurance) by hiking out of Sawtooth Valley. The vista at the top was refreshing.

Kristin and Abbey

Marching down the hill, the trail popped out along Hwy 1. From there, it was another difficult ascent. The hills in the region are challenging, not because of the elevation gain, but rather the absence of switchbacks. You might climb only 500 feet, but there’s no place to catch your breath. It’s just up, up, and up. So as soon as we reached level ground we took a lunch break.

The prolonged sitting tightened our muscles, but we pushed on through the discomfort. Quickly, the trees cleared, and we sat perched on a rock, enjoying the panorama.

One of first views at Lake Superior

After our break, it was an easy 1.5 mile stroll to our campsite. Upon arriving we talked to the previous night’s trip leader, and he informed us of a lake just off the trail. Excited to wash the dirt from our skin, we scurried up the water’s edge. Wasting no time, three us jumped right in, but within a few minutes Chen screamed, “Oh my god, get this leech off of me!!” Screams erupted and those in the water leaped out.

Later that evening we ate chicken and rice with a pineapples and cashews. The rest of the evening I ventured out to a overlook just 0.2 miles up the trail. After 1.5 hours of enjoying the goodness of God’s creation, I heard footsteps. Moments later, Abbey (terrified) and Chen (laughing) came out to where I was sitting. Apparently, my stories about the dangers of hiking alone and finding my map lying in the middle of the trail was enough cause for concern.

Chen watching Danesh drink the pineapple juice prior to dinner

Once the sun began her nightly slumber, the three of us returned home. But not without a little joke. Just before camp, I hid in the bushes and told Abbey and Chen to pretend that I was injured. Soon a convinced Kristin led a skeptic Matt and Danesh right into our trap. My sudden appearance caused Kristin to jump out of her skin and shriek. It was a comical end to a fantastic day.

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After checking into the Ranger Station, we hurried to the Chisos Basin to setup camp before the sunset through the Window. Having quickly setup camp, we started the hike, but it turned quickly into a trail run because the sun was sinking below the horizon. Once we arrived, it was breathtaking. One wrong move and you’d fall off the edge.

We walked back in the twilight, warmed by from a good jog and good scenery. We couldn’t have had a better group of four. Everyone looks out for each other and no one complains. Back in camp, our warmth dissipated and the temperature dropped steadily through the night. Still, we tried to stay up gazing at stars. What a sight.

Psalm 8:3,4

When I consider Your heavens, the works of your fingers;
The moon and the stars, which you have set in place
What is man that you are mindful of him!
And the son of man that you should care for him?

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