Day 91 - Saturday, August 28

Felt like we were back at sleep away camp this morning with all 4 campers waking up in our cabin at 3:30am, having coffee and talking about the adventure to come. Chris pre-made oatmeal and we decided that Bob & I would head out into a 20 mile solo trek through a mountainous area while Lisa & Chris would walk and meet us at the end of our segment.

Bob and I headed out on a cold morning following a dirt road by the rail tracks on one side and a barbed wire fence on the other. After about a mile I realized we were off course and told Bob we will need to bushwhack our way to the trail. He mentioned something about tearing his flesh on barbed wire when he was a kid…I found a gate I maneuvered open and we were in the wild. I’ve been here before and held a steady course towards where I thought the trail would be while Bob nervously followed. Thankfully a mile later we found the trail which took us up to the top of the mountain range over 9 miles. The vista’s were spectacular - The Wasatch Mountain Range in the distance and on our side, layers of mountains all separated by streams that cut it up over millions of years. We came to a gate at the top which had a sign, Ensign Ranch - NO TRESPASSING. Unfortunately, no options so we hopped the fence. A few miles later we found fresh bear scat and picked up our pace. I saw a cave up on the hillside and Bob kindly indulged me and we climbed into it. Clearly animals had used it and we imagined the perfect spot for any cowboys riding through to take shelter. As we came down each ledge, we couldn’t believe the lush flat areas between the peaks - almost like a glacier sat there flattening the earth and then providing nutrient rich water for the greenest grass and flowers. All types of rock formations presented themselves to us as if we were touring an art gallery. Downhill, we couldn’t believe that horses were just running up the long ski slope of grass towards us. I couldn’t help myself and took out one of my Cliff Bars and approached the herd of 10 to see if they had any interest in making friends. One of them cautiously approached me, got one of his nostrils on my hand and carefully took a little piece of the oat bar. Next thing I know I have 10 friends milling around me!

As we came down we also noticed a beautiful lake with a covered area for campers. A man walked towards us and we noticed he had a rifle on his shoulder. There was a group of fathers and sons partaking in some activities, I waved and received no response. Between the rifle and the cold reception we decided to keep on moving.

Finally reaching Chris & Lisa 6 hours later we were happy to be home. Lisa mentioned that she thought she saw 2 men up on the rocks watching us. Who knows what was going on but one thing I am certain, we just had the most majestic 20 mile segment of the entire trip so far.

We finished in the town of Henefer, UT. There is a strong Mormon presence in the town and as we came in. It is incredible to me that the rock formations we passed coming in were the same ones Brigham Young saw when he came through with the Mormons and wrote and drew about them. The Weber River is right there as it was for them when they camped on their way into Salt Lake City.

Tomorrow we will go from 5,500’ up 3,500’ over the pass and drop into Salt Lake City ending in the park that commemorates the Mormon’s. We have followed the Mormon Trail since Nebraska along the Platte River and tomorrow we come to the end.

All for today -

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Cheers,

David.

Oatmeal served at 3:45am to a happy camper.

Our other camper happy with a hot cup of Joe

Another camper enjoying the bunk

Heading out on a cold morning

We finally found the trail!

At the top of the mountain we follow along the spine

The wildfire smoke is creating bad smog and the sun only appears higher in the sky

The beautiful vistas along the remote 20 mile section today

Fresh bear scat showing berries - time to get a move on

Horses grazing out in the open

My new friends

Leaving Echo and heading towards Henefer we come upon the same rock formations named Witches Rocks that Brigham Young’s party noted as they camped on Weber River below.

Our final resting place for the night before we begin the final crossing into Salt Lake City tomorrow.