The morning of the 6th day we were on our feet again fairly early as the final miles down to wilderness gateway were going to be hot.
The lower sections of the Boulder Creek Trail were quite amazing with lots of rock work.
As we descended the trail we often wondered why it was called Boulder Creek…..
Sections of this trail were amazingly beautiful as it wound through the rocks and trees.
Anne makes her way through the boulders.
The crew takes a break on these conveniently located sitting logs. We had all the necessary tools to clear these logs but nobody was eager to jump up and start cutting.
On the lower sections of the trail we had all separated into ones and twos, each going our own comfortable speed. I was in photography mode so I tried to start in the front and shoot the crew as each one passed. I waited here for 5 or 10 minutes to shoot someone going around this corner. Eventually I gave up and just shot the trail.
Wilderness Gateway, it is always weird to hit civilization after a week in the wilderness.
It was hot and we arrived mid day. After the long hike from base camp we all ended up in the Lochsa River.
We camped here overnight as we waited for our shuttle ride home. Early the next morning the smoke and light over the Lochsa River made for an eerie feel.
By about 8:00 am we were packed up and ready for a ride.
Our ride home! A big thank you to our crew, the ITA, and the Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forest Service for supporting our efforts to maintain the trails of Idaho! AND a big apology to our shuttle car drivers for the 3 plus hour car ride with stinky people! That Lochsa River water did little to wash off the week long buildup of dirt!
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