Sunday, July 19, 2009

Goat Rocks Fiasco

It started with a bargain. Bri came up with it: Ben finishes reading the Twilight series (he was bogged down in book two) and Bri goes backpacking with Ben in the Goat Rocks. Deal. In case you're wondering why the Goat Rocks, it's where the vampires go hunting in book one. It was also on my list of places to check out. In case you're wondering what the Goat Rocks are, they're a high volcanic ridge just south of White Pass in south central Washington. The next major development came a few weeks later when we found out Bri was pregnant. But the deal had been made. That brings us to last Friday, when we set out from Conrad Meadows into the heart of the wilderness. Here's Bri with the highest point of the Goat rocks in the background. That was our destination.
So Conrad Meadows is apparently the largest sub alpine meadow in Washington. Take that for what it's worth. The first section is actually range land for cattle. After a few miles you get into the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Bri was stoked.It was a hot day. It was 102 when we passed through Yakima. Luckily the altitude, time of day, and shade were on our side. The mosquitoes were not on our side. Despite applying bug spray Ben ended up with 76 bites, mostly on the back of his upper arms, where he missed with the bug spray. Bri escaped with only a handfull. After a long hike with plenty of elevation gain we came to this nice cliff where we camped the night. What a view! Did we mention this was Bri's first backpacking trip ever? Another first for Bri was drinking water straight from a glacier (ok, ok, its technically a permanent snow field). Here's Ben refilling our water supply. Around our campsite we stumbled upon an entire herd of what Ben believes were mule deer. There were about ten that we saw, including big males and babies. They checked us out for a minute then ran off. We were the only people out there. Speaking of animals, Bri proved to be like a mountain goat, only much more attractive. Here she is tackling some snow. That women is four months pregnant!
Let's be honest. This trip was hard on Bri. Her bag was only about 15 pounds, but Ben ended up carrying it about a third of the way, including almost all the uphill parts. Here's what that looked like as we arrived at Surprise Lake on Saturday morning.
Our grand total in mileage was about 15 or 16 miles. It was a great time. Next time we'll do something a little shorter when Bri is a little less pregnant, though.

6 comments:

Shaela said...

totally jealous - John and I have yet to go backpacking sans kids. I usually haul the gear and he hauls Lina while Caleb runs ahead. Still fun, but wouldn't it be nice without them! Looks like you guys had fun - great job, Bri! I know a bit how you feel: I took the priests rock climbing when I was 5 months pregnant and boy, that little extra pudge and poundage makes it SOOO much harder to pull against the force of gravity! (psst - I made John read the Twilight books too, hahaha)

Shauna said...

Go Bri! You're my hero!

Laura said...

Way to go, Bri! You're husband is so sweet you "pretty" mountain goat. =)

I love your baby counter. I certainly wish I had the cute profile of the drawing when I was that big. =)

~Aimee~ said...

Wow, I am impressed that you would even consent to going when pregnant! You rock!! The pictures are great, hope you still had a good time!

The Walker's said...

I'm glad you survived!! Looks like you guys had fun! It was fun seeing you guys today, we were sad not to see the girls but totally understand! Your blog is very enjoyable to read, I'm so excited to be able to keep up with you guys! :)

kilaMOMjaro said...

Ok yes, you are my hero Bri...but I think Ben got all of those bites because you suffered so! As your mom this made me cry. I'm sure you loved it but I only feel the pain your poor body must have felt.

You have always been very brave though. You got you own cookie!!

<3