Specimen Ridge

Yesterday I hiked with a couple friends from work in the Northeast section of the park, on a trail called Specimen Ridge. It was a long, grueling day but I loved every minute of it. The trail was a bit foreboding at first when I researched it in the guidebook. I know we would travel 18 miles, including the summit of Amethyst Mountain (elev. 9,614 feet) However, I do love a good challenge. I was prepared mentally and physically for the task at hand, and actually excited about it the day before. I've found in my time at Yellowstone both two summers ago and this season, my favorite experiences are ones I've had in the backcountry. There are views and sights you simply cannot take in from a car or even from a road. The simple act of walking becomes almost meditative. The only distraction you have is the beautiful landscape surrounding you and the activity of wildlife you share space with for the moment. Thoughts seem to wander through your head like passing clouds. It's so refreshing amidst the busy tone of life.  The physical challenge is exhilarating and although difficult, always worth it. At several times summiting Amethyst, I really had to focus in and concentrate mentally on putting one foot ahead of the other because my legs were burning so bad. "One step at a time, and you'll get there. Focus on nothing else, except one foot in front of the other, and eventually (no matter how long), you will get there." (Sounds like a metaphor, eh?) :) At the top, all the hardship you just went through seems to melt away and vanish. You really do feel on top of the world (pun intended). It's a great feeling.

Here are a few pictures I took with my iPhone. I wasn't thrilled about taking my iPhone on a hike for fear of damage, but I have a good rain cover for my backpack, which gave me a little comfort. I've been brainstorming solutions for taking photographs in the backcountry, and this little Pentax Optio WG-2 camera might very well be the answer. It's a waterproof, shockproof, etc... perfect for adventure. Yes, please!

However, I was definitely not disappointed with the quality of photos from my iPhone 4S, after some post-processing. This phone takes great pictures!

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Lamar River

Trail Markers, Petrified Wood

Mount Washburn in the Distance

Elk Skull

View from Amethyst Mountain

Lamar Valley

The hike ended with some bushwhacking off the trail because we thought we got on a stock trail at some point (still not sure what trail we were on). We went through down trees and slippery slopes but it was kind of fun because it required some good agility on tired legs. Sounds fun, right? Once we got down the ridge into Lamar Valley it was smooth sailing. We completed our 18 miles but then came the fun part. Brian's car was parked 10 miles away at our starting trailhead. This is called a shuttle type of hike, because you have to shuttle back to your car somehow once you end. Sometimes you can plant two cars at each trailhead, but we didn't do that. Hitchhiking is very common here in the park for hikers since a lot of the trails aren't just out and back. At first, all four of us were on the road, thumbs ready (this was a first for Princess Kennesaw, believe you me) when we realized four people is a lot to take on for a stranger. So two of us sat down in the parking area (myself included) letting the other two stick there thumbs out. Success! A man from Utah said he had room for one. Brian took that opportunity to get back to his car and come pick the rest of us up. What felt like hours was really only an hour we had to wait for him due to a bison jam along the way. It was so windy and cold while waiting. At one point my survival instincts kicked in and I sat in the cab of a vacant bulldozer to keep me warm. Ha! When Brian arrived, the rest of us three girls realized he had company. The same two backpackers from Nashville we met on the summit of Amethyst were in the car. Brian ran into them at the other trailhead and I guess they came off the trail the same time we did at opposite ends. They needed a ride to there car like us, so it all worked out. We all needed some nourishment, so we ate at  Roosevelt Lodge together. It was cool to get to know the guys from Nashville who were planning on climbing Grand Teton in the next few days. And as a reward for my hard work, I had a tasty beer and some delicious ribs. YUM! It was the great way to end the day. A great day, indeed!

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