Introduction to the 1988-2010 Backpacks

Our backpacking trips have been fantastic experiences, and backpacking with our friends has made it even better. It has been everything from exhausting to exhilarating, intimidating and relaxing. We’re small in a world of giant mountains or roaring rivers but independent with everything we need (we hope) on our backs. Fantastic mountain scenery, the highs of just being on the trail, the feeling of achievement as we top a pass or reach our camp — actually everything from the first preparations to the post-backpack meal add to the experience.

We started making backpacking trips together in 1988, often with friends.  Sometimes things went according to plan and sometimes not, but the unexpected often added to the adventure. Having friends to share the challenges made problems manageable and sometimes even fun, at least afterwards in the story-telling.

We’ve relied on our memory (and the information in the photos and notes) to tell the story of our adventures. Putting the photos in the right order was a challenge. Google Earth sometimes helped us to establish where the photo was taken and where it fitted in the story. A few details may not be exactly accurate but hopefully we’ve captured the spirit of our adventures.