My original plan was a bit different than what turned out. I however still had a nice time exploring the alpine. Experiencing a mix of weather from high winds, sun, snow, rain, hail (see video) and more sun. It was good for my body to get acclimated to being in the sun for days. Dreams of alpine traverses this summer.
It was nice sleeping in the alpine so early in the season and not walking on snow. First trip like this for me in 2012. Even seen a Black Bear in the alpine; at a full run. I wonder what he was running from? I was the only one up there at the time and there is no way he would of seen me up in the rocks? Out for a morning jog perhaps? (no photo of Black Bear)
My Short Video Clip:
From a High Rock like a Cougar (pictured above) I sat for hours (waiting for a friend). In this time I observed a handful of day hikers and backpackers. With a view point like this I could see several 1,000' of meadow below.
Not one human stood upright while walking up the grade. Slouched over like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Loaded down with heavy backpacks and armed with Trekking Poles. Pushing off with there upper body like a Nordic Skier. Is this a natural way for a human to walk? I wouldn't even call it walking then; more like 'Pushing'.
This saddens my heart; especial when I think of the kids and how they are being brought up. (Fueled by the Fashion Industry) parents strapping shoes on the feet of babies; just as they barely take its first steps. Even tho any doctor would tell you that it bad for your child's natural growth. When will a change be made? I feel it needs to be done one human at a time. Parents; raise your kids right!
Related: Learn how to properly set up an ultralight tarp.
Disclaimer: Backpacking in any form of Minimal Footwear takes Strong Feet. Allow yourself Months or even Years of Training before attempting.
Updated in 2025 by Barefoot Jake
It was nice sleeping in the alpine so early in the season and not walking on snow. First trip like this for me in 2012. Even seen a Black Bear in the alpine; at a full run. I wonder what he was running from? I was the only one up there at the time and there is no way he would of seen me up in the rocks? Out for a morning jog perhaps? (no photo of Black Bear)
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| Buckhorn Wilderness, Mt. Constance, Royal Basin, Mt. Deception, Mt. Clark, Mt. Johnson, The Needles and Grey Wolf Ridge |
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| Ascending. Can you see the Trail? |
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| Grey Wolf Ridge |
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| Going up again. Ice Axe (never used *no comment*) & Gossamer Gear 2012 Gorilla |
My Short Video Clip:
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| Tyler Peak |
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| Viewing down Grey Wolf Ridge |
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| My Bedroom |
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| Storm a' Brewin' (see video below) |
My Short Video Clip:
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| Break in the Storm (see video above). Epic Camp Spot under my UL shelter |
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| Sunset 1: during a Storm | Canada across the Water |
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| Sunset 1: Crazy Clouds |
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| Waking up from my Dreams: View from my Bedroom Window (Tripod because of High Winds) |
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| Waiting for a friend: Like a Cougar in the Rocks. Hungry for unsuspecting Hikers?! |
From a High Rock like a Cougar (pictured above) I sat for hours (waiting for a friend). In this time I observed a handful of day hikers and backpackers. With a view point like this I could see several 1,000' of meadow below.
Not one human stood upright while walking up the grade. Slouched over like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Loaded down with heavy backpacks and armed with Trekking Poles. Pushing off with there upper body like a Nordic Skier. Is this a natural way for a human to walk? I wouldn't even call it walking then; more like 'Pushing'.
This saddens my heart; especial when I think of the kids and how they are being brought up. (Fueled by the Fashion Industry) parents strapping shoes on the feet of babies; just as they barely take its first steps. Even tho any doctor would tell you that it bad for your child's natural growth. When will a change be made? I feel it needs to be done one human at a time. Parents; raise your kids right!
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| Another Epic Camp Spot: views of San Juan Island's and Canada | Gossamer Gear SpinnShelter |
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| Sunset 2: views of Canada |
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| Sunrise 2: views of Mt. Baker towering above a Marine Layer below from the Buckhorn Wilderness |
Related: Learn how to properly set up an ultralight tarp.
Disclaimer: Backpacking in any form of Minimal Footwear takes Strong Feet. Allow yourself Months or even Years of Training before attempting.
Updated in 2025 by Barefoot Jake