Flowing with Fall

October has rolled into present and shows no sign of waiting. The last year of college, along with the strains and anxieties that come with it, is amidst full swing. Deadlines bring hassle, but on the weekends I've found a way to weasel myself out of town, away from distraction and infrastructure. Though, the balancing battle between the demands of a schedule and adventure's invitation isn't an easy one.

Days are getting shorter and the leaves of the deciduous are dropping with them. Colors are crisp and the bite of the wind is fiercer than the summer chinooks of July and August. This fall, you could say, has been "typical." I've camped in snow at the turn of the tamarack, been out-maneuvered by bugling bull elk, and climbed a really big mountain. If my history has taught me anything, "typical" isn't so bad. 

  • Mount Rainier Escapade

Taking advantage of a long weekend, my cousin Trenton and I sped west out of Missoula, reaching Ashford, WA nine hours later–our longtime friend, Gloria, awaiting with angst. Glo spent the summer guiding Rainier and agreed that for one of the last times of the year, she'd climb it with us. Though it initially looked as if the forecast had it in for us, we hit a perfect weather window and the trip panned out beautifully.

 

  • Early Alarms and Charcoal Camouflage

Few things compare to hunting in the fall. Whether it be waking early to frost on the inside of your tent, scouting new areas for unseen activity or the quiet stalk–so precious and primitive compared with our current rituals. Thus far, I've yet to spill blood, but my outings aren't failures. I've learned new country, hiked my ass off and laughed with the friends who've come with me. No matter the outcome, the pastime remains. 

 

  • Landscapes and Fall Colors

Change is in the air and it's nice to be apart of it. Backpacking in the Bitterroots, ridge hikes in the Bridgers and slow jaunts down the Blackfoot have showed me plenty of it. 

 

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