Here we are transitioning from hanging out in "base camp" (not shown here) to making the trip about 4 miles back into "spike" camp (Oct 8, 2004). Getting loaded up and ready to go is a bit of an operation....

Below: My son waiting with one pack horse (BTW, he's packing a ultralight 338WinMag, he weighs about 165 and about 6'1")....


Below: Waiting with two pack horses and a helper....


Below: Things start picking up a little bit...


Below: Action! Everyone is up to something!


Below: Working thru the timber....


Below: Travelling thru nice country, aspen leaves are falling fast....Good! You can shoot better in naked trees!


Below: Working our way thru some of the tighter little ravines.... One doesn't want to follow the one in front "right down in there" --- go thru one at a time --- if you are going to have a wreck you don't want immediate company!


Below: At last, our destination, spike camp, the tent is 17x18 and sleeps 8 with ease, woodstove with water jacket (wonderful) and warming shelf plus a 37,000 BTU burner for when we want something hot NOW! A basic, but warm and comfortable retreat right in the thick of the action.


Well, now that we are "back in there" it time to get settled in, fed, pickup some shut eye and "get on the attack" early in the morning. I hear bulls bugling in the distance.... cool!

What's your favorite strategy for getting away from the crowd, i.e. away from the road? Horses? Hike early early? Spike Camp?

EKM