Homicidal Hikes: Backpacking the White Clouds

Homicidal Hikes: Backpacking the White Clouds

• Wednesday, September 3, 2014

All photos taken with my iPhone

While scanning through all the Physical Activity courses offered at my community college, I landed on the second to last page, where my eyes lighted upon "Backpacking."

We have a backpacking class!? 

After debating over whether I should take it, I decided to enroll. It became a huge hassle with my work schedule, but after switching around shifts and working a double on Monday, I was able to clear up my weekend to go on the backpacking trip planned. 

Am I ever so glad I did too! Last weekend we took our trip out to the White Clouds Mountains out here in Idaho, and hiked up to see one of the Champion Lakes.

It was about a 3 1/2 mile hike in, and the incline was a killer. However, that view? Mmmm...so worth it. 

We set up camp near the creek, and after a bit of sitting around the makeshift fire ring, we drifted off to our tents and fell asleep to the sound of running water, rain, and the boom of thunder. Thank goodness for the fly on our tents!

The next day, we woke up and packed our bags for a little day trip to Champion Lake. It was another 3 1/2 miles to reach the lake, and a bit of an incline on the way. We had an elderly lady in the group with us, whom I was worried about some of the time. However, she was a real trooper, and with some help and a few breaks along the way, she made it throughout the whole trip just fine.

Naturally, I had to get a photo of myself tree posing on a trunk in the lake. It was too perfect of an opportunity. Although the guy whom I asked to take the photo commented, "Wait, let me get out my camera so I can capture you falling in!" Haha, I'm glad to say my balance remained perfectly in tact. Though I have story to tell in a future post of me falling off my paddleboard when attempting a yoga pose on it...

Ahem. Anyway. Another time.

Overall, the experience of backpacking was a new way to do camping and was enlightening. While it had its struggles and difficulties, I found it invigorating in its challenge. Plus, the views we got to see were totally worth it. There is nothing like working hard, feeling your sweat run down your temple, and look up to see the stunning artwork God's placed before you. There truly is so much beauty hidden in my home state, and I'm only just now discovering what's out there. In a world overrun with technology, it's nice to escape into a part of your world that remains fairly untouched by that. I can't lie, I've started researching how much a decent backpack and other supplies would cost. I'd love to start taking trips like these of my own. 

Overall, we hiked 14 miles, and man, what a workout! Haha, although I was pleasantly surprised to find my fitness level was well matched and often above my companions. It's amazing how much tolerable discomfort becomes when you're in shape. My heart rate would settle faster, my breath remained even, and I was able to push my legs forward to match those of our group's leader and a fit young rancher that led the pack. At one point, I remember our teacher glancing back and smiling to see me keeping up so well.
"This hike's too easy for you, Linda! Want to take my pack the rest of the way up?"
I laughed breathily, because we were at a particular steep switchback when he said that.
"Um, how about you take mine, and then I'll race you up?"

The truth is, experiencing that outdoor trek made me even more determined to get myself in shape. I've been blessed with a fairly athletic body type already, and combined with an adventurous spirit, I know I could go far. Now to train myself into tip top shape!

Have any of you gone backpacking? What was your experience like?
Any campers out there? Share away in the comments!

On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
Psalm 145:5