Bucket List - Teton Mountains backpack trip for my 88 year old friend.

[Len Backus]

I recently aided my 88 year old friend, Wayne, in fullfilling his bucket list dream of a western mountain backpack trip. Wayne was a highschool and college wrestling champion who has stayed very active so I knew he'd be capable.

We hiked the Jenny Lake, Cascade Canyon, North Cascade route spending one night and two days. We chose to turn back just before reaching the known lower limits of snow. Weather was perfect...after postponing our start a couple days.

Below are some pix from the days before and just after our initial arrival at Grand Teton National Park.

The first two ranch pix are at the lady's family ranch where they were rounding up this year's calves for branding tomorrow.

She was proud to display her brand new saddle just received as a birthday present. Really nice woman. We met a bunch of nice people on this trip.

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These next horsey shots were at former Milwaukee Bucks owner and former US Senator Herb Kohl's horse ranch.

Fortly-nine years ago we met him on a plane enroute to Jackson, Wyoming. Son, Chris, sat next to him on the plane wearing his cowboy outfit...which included a holstered six-gun....which somehow made it through the metal detector. Just kidding... the MD's began a little later in history.

Anyway, Herb invited us out to see his ranch. He was not there at the time we arrived but his manager gave us a nice tour.

 

[Len Backus]

The restored settler home building below was actually created and used to film the Alan Ladd movie called "SHANE".

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This moose walked right through our car campground one morning. It came within a foot of one of the tents.

 

[Len Backus]

We noticed this "Adventure Bike" at Dornan's and hoped we'd get to chat with the rider.

Sure enough we did. Nice guy from Aberta, CA. Has been on the roud in US for a month or so.

I asked him if he had heard of a Youtuber named "Itchy Boots".

Well, his eyes lit up and he said "Isn't she amazing, so brave and gutzy to be traveling the world alone for over 5 years so far."

https://www.youtube.com/@ItchyBoots

I have been following her.

 

[Len Backus]

Guy in the background of second pic just retired from 7 years as a Search and Rescue Team volunteer. Was involved in 7 successful rescues.

during that time. He gave us some VERY helpful suggestions...and was another of the great people we met on the trail or road.

The woman on left just got back from Lake Solitude and wore only sandals through the snow that kept us lower on the trail.

A couple Aussie brothers who have been enjoying the US for 3 years so far.

Bear scat that wasn't on this trail segment the day before...

A skier who just got off work and was hustling to catch up with his buddies to ski down a spot near "The Grand".

 

[Len Backus]

I dropped Wayne off at a hotel to take his flight home the next morning in time for his 88th birthday party and the next day his 65th wedding anniversary. I've known him for 52 years...so far.

This next pic was of the sky while dring out of town to find a spot to bivy sack camp over night near a spot with a good Teton view for a possibe morning sunrise. No luck with the am weather but I enjoyed my sleep anyway.

 

[dogz]

"DWD" (darn well done)

 

[Mike6158]

Awesome trip. 88... That kind of leaves one no excuses doesn't it

 

[sp6x6]

Outstanding! My FIL,hiked many years in Glacier as age caught up with him.They where referred to as the Over the hill gang.

 

[dmj]

Just plain awesome. Glad you guys had a great trip. Hats off to both of you. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Mark37082]

Inspiring photos and back story. Thanks for sharing it with us. It made me feel a little lazy sitting on sofa writing this. Envious for sure.

 

[LaHunter]

Thank You Len. Always enjoy reading about your adventures and seeing your photos.

 

[carpassasin]

Thats so awsome you making time to share that with him and us. Life goes by so fast appriciate each day he gives us!

 

[cbuck516]

Thanks for sharing, awesome pictures. Some day I would like to do a backpacking hike down near Phelps Lake, just south of Jenny Lake. I have day hiked Phelps lake many times but have had little kids with me every time so an overnight trip wasn't doable.

 

[DNB]

Hell to the Yeah! Great pics. You picked a great year to do this, so much rain we've had is keeping it cool and the wildflowers are insane. Looks like the trip of a lifetime for your friend.