Report on the hike

Silver Lake in the Pasayten Wilderness

Gary Gillespie lead the team high into the wild mountains of the Pasayten reserve in Washington State's North Cascades from Monday to Saturday, August 2 to 6.

Brant Bosserman attended for the fourth year. It was the second year for Jeff Theorell. Major Brent Gillespie, a F 16 fighter pilot for the USAF, also joined us.

Fly fishing yielded dinner for Tuesday night and we enjoyed cooking them over the fire.

A visiting doe came to the camp in the evening and we saw that she had four healed wounds on her side that must have been the claw marks from an attack by a cougar. We named her Lucky.

It was the wettest trip, and rain storms hit the mountains on Wednesday. We were grateful for a large fire to keep us warm. The rain also drove away other, less committed campers at the lake, so for Thursday, we had it to our selves.

We were hit by hail and rain, saw a rainbow in a sky marbled with blue patches and white clouds and on the horizons, the sunset lit up mountains. When the clouds parted that night, we had a good view of the stars.

We discussed philosophy and politics long into the night.

Rain cut short our plans to explore more of the hills and summits or do more fishing. We ended the trip a day early and hiked out on Friday, enduring light rain that turned heavy the last mile.

Climbing the final steep assent back to the car was a challenge, chilled by the wind and rain as we were, but reaching the top was highly satisfying.

This trip was truly a "Fine and Pleasant Misery."

We drove down the hills to the Mazama Country Inn on Friday for a nice warm sauna and Jacuzzi.

Do you think that may be you might enjoy a week in the wilderness? We have spots open for seven men for August 2009. Only the strong, brave and rugged need apply. Earn credit for Physical Education and receive a Wilderness Back Packing Achievement Certificate.

Students from Europe, Asia or Canada are welcome to apply.

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