Predawn at Papoose Lake.
Brian emerges from his tent and immediately grabs his fishing pole for 10 casts.
The gang gathers on the rocks to cook up some breakfast and await the warm sun.
We packed up our camp in a leisurely manner and headed back up to the ridge. Today we are making our way back to Cold Meadows for tomorrow morning’s flight out.
It was time for a group shot, we stop at the wrapped telephone booth for an usie.
As we move west, we walk into the rolling hills of the Central Frank.
This was the only location which we could actually see the Farrow Fire. After a week, it was still smoldering.
After a few hours of walking we approach Cold Meadows.
When we arrived to the Cold Meadows Guard Station we were treated by a visit from the two wilderness rangers who work here. Tate and Elijah joined us for happy hour an we all shared stories of the Frank Church and beyond.
We all indulged on a plethora of appetizers to the point where we all skipped dinner. I headed out into Cold Meadows for an evening photography walk. This meadow is one of my favorite places in the world and I wanted to capture the evening light.
It was a quiet, warm evening with interesting smoky light.
Looking south towards Cold Mountain.
The vast size of this meadow is amazing and the airstrip is over a mile long.
Yes, the runway has a bend in the middle. I can’t ever figure out how the pilots make the turn while bouncing down the runway.
A view from the top looking down the runway. Cold Mountain is on the horizon and remains unclimbed by the “A Team”.
A trench drain water bar. No doubt one of the culprits of our bouncy ride in and out.
As I walk back down the runway to camp the sun sets into the smokey horizon.
The walk back to camp was magical.
When I arrived back in camp I found everyone enjoying the sunset in their own way. Stay tuned for the final episode of the 2024 JP Memorial Backpack!
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