Almost Auchanbach- February 2006

Christine joined me for a weekend in the Dakota's. We had planned on doing the 17 mile Auchanbach Trail at the Northern Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Watford City, ND. But when we arrived the park was closed due to snow and the fact that the person who plows the road for the National Park was out of town. You would think the park could have its own plow truck!




So we headed to the southern unit, near Medora, ND and spent the weekend hiking around that end. Starting at the Wannagan Camp parking lot just north of the park.































The 2 best "only" places to eat in Medora in the winter are Iron Horse in town, and Buffalo Gap Ranch just outside of town. I prefer the Buffalo Gap.

C2+R3 Rim to Rim to Rim Grand Canyon Hike- January 2006

What an epic adventure. What to do for your 44th Birthday. Why not hike the Grand Canyon from South Rim to North Rim, back to South Rim in 72 hours. This trip had so much to offer. A great challenge, the amazing Grand Canyon scenery, great company, and the posiblility that either the park service would not allow us to do this hike or that we simply could not phyisically do it. We over came all those challenges to make this a trip one I will never forget.

There are always so many "Big" views of the Grand Canyon, it is difficult to decide which ones to include. The canyon changes constantly with the light of the day

carrying far to much weight. This is the last time I used a pack this heavy. after this trip my whole pack including contents was around what this pack weighs empty. I was converted to the lightweight ethic after this trip!

At Cottenwood Campground, we dumped our packs and went "cowboy" camping in order to make it to the North Rim.

A fabulous way to spend your Birthday

TRNP alone- October 2005

I had a free day in my trip through North and South Dakota this month and I went to Medora and spent the day hiking the east side of the park. I made a full 28 mile day out of all the trails on the east side. It was a beautiful day and I saw almost all the parks wildlife. I had the trails to myself.


























Bison


Elk


Coyotes in with the Prairie Dogs


Wild Horses


Deer


I finished back where I started, just as evening light was fading.