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- Aug 21, 2018
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Day Five -- August 13, 2023.
Technically, we were behind schedule at day five. That was ok because by the end of the day we would be ahead of schedule. I do not think anyone in the group was worried about schedules. . . I doubt any of us even knew what day of the week it was by now. All we needed to be concerned about was making progress up the Thorofare Creek drainage and finding another suitable campsite for the night. If only life could always be that simple.
Morning view of the ridge from our Open Creek campsite.
![0O7A1296.JPG 0O7A1296.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126450-0e82a2767bd0850bf4b835c7bb37906c.jpg)
Walking away from your pack for even a few minutes is risky with this group. Some jokester thought they could slow me down by sneaking a rock in there. All I can say is paybacks gentlemen. Paybacks.![devil :devil: :devil:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![CPDay5-2.jpg CPDay5-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126468-3383394ad93f0946526e2e447dc38862.jpg)
We were back in the trees for a time during the morning hours.
![0O7A1299.JPG 0O7A1299.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126451-758e5bc57f574a380fb7859d1b959ef8.jpg)
The trail passed over some high ground away from Thorofare Creek.
![0O7A1302.JPG 0O7A1302.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126452-866f1c2bd87139a0ca7fc2f0afec38f4.jpg)
Hidden Creek flows between the two hills at center left. True to its name we never saw it. Last night's campsite was intended to be near the junction of Thorofare and Hidden Creeks; today we were supposed to be taking a day hike up Hidden Creek and spend the night at the same campsite. Once we past Hidden Creek today we would be ahead of schedule. . . technically.![Wink ;) ;)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![0O7A1305.JPG 0O7A1305.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126453-357fdea091bc3823b4d8454ebe037c42.jpg)
One has to experience the forest now and again to appreciate the big views.
![0O7A1308.JPG 0O7A1308.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126455-6f1b89c6b597a07b8573832ff2aa9f59.jpg)
Today's journey took us thru a lot of tree cover compared to the days prior. It was a warm day, so I welcomed the shade. It also brought us closer to Thorofare Creek, taking us right along the water's edge in places.
![0O7A1311.JPG 0O7A1311.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126456-631acc99aaec0e71bfccc9024dc112c2.jpg)
![0O7A1312.JPG 0O7A1312.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126457-a300a28f1ab7d7629c41fec014daca44.jpg)
Critter tracks everywhere. Thought this was a good one for day five -- grizzly tracks coming and going!
![0O7A1313.JPG 0O7A1313.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126458-0f628059adddfbdc9a30502ed7df3faf.jpg)
Did the trail veer away from the creek, or did the creek meander away from us?
![0O7A1318.JPG 0O7A1318.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126459-d7f7b024fd5a21ad4bad24727375435e.jpg)
I cannot remember if this is Pass Creek or Butte Creek.
![0O7A1320.JPG 0O7A1320.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126460-b1879290574d2e0a64251852910e8bb2.jpg)
@scatman showing off some fine rock hopping skills. That next one looks a little far. . .![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![0O7A1322.JPG 0O7A1322.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126461-b6df76000ed443f2e6a42e09c3b355a4.jpg)
Wildflowers and clover were everywhere.
![0O7A1325.JPG 0O7A1325.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126462-3a9eb066b178c3cfe618be9c1eefc10e.jpg)
Today was definitely about getting to know Thorofare Creek.
![0O7A1326.JPG 0O7A1326.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126463-2c979aac38e4729aa1aac4443c91e7a8.jpg)
There may have been a high route but I followed @scatman along the rocky creek bank instead.
![0O7A1328.JPG 0O7A1328.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126464-3059889bbd59432326b40225e4ec2214.jpg)
We would eventually take a path that rewarded us with great views of Thorofare Creek's curves.
![0O7A1329.JPG 0O7A1329.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126465-8bbb25bb33527107f3982e0c07255d3a.jpg)
Cannot quite squeeze the entire horseshoe in with the big camera.
![0O7A1330.JPG 0O7A1330.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126466-a47164c5b244cc53cde6a73315a3b8f6.jpg)
So I used the cell phone and GoPro. It is good to have options.
Cell Phone:
![CPDay5-1.jpg CPDay5-1.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126467-84e69ad1e7efc5194b8660e0cddc41bb.jpg)
The GoPro shot might be my favorite picture of the day.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![GOPR0783A.jpg GOPR0783A.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126469-cf2337e648319fbfcf14a9147cf780a6.jpg)
We were back and forth from the creek many times this day. Away from the creek:
![0O7A1332.JPG 0O7A1332.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126471-a100efccdfa7ecc600abe5bb7e53f8a4.jpg)
Near the creek. A sunscreen break for Hugh is the equivalent of a nap break for @Bob .
![0O7A1334.JPG 0O7A1334.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126472-3cfa6eaf7401ccce847b5adc32a78839.jpg)
I was too impressed with the parallel lines created by these gravel bars to take a nap.
![0O7A1336.JPG 0O7A1336.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126473-f821aba1113e2f9c5e293035cec7d930.jpg)
Trees began to give way to a view later in the day.
![0O7A1341A.jpg 0O7A1341A.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126474-b8e948e596d0bf43586c979eb9bd8544.jpg)
@scatman in his happy place.
![0O7A1343.JPG 0O7A1343.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126475-b5fa0755cade473b07ca7524f69e2a47.jpg)
The lichens on these rocks came out of nowhere to added a vibrant pop of color to all the greenness. Makes me hungry for a Circus Peanut. . .
![0O7A1346.JPG 0O7A1346.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126476-8000bcc1517cb6ed676e8066107850c0.jpg)
Wildlife sighting!
![0O7A1349.JPG 0O7A1349.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126477-99f0508031f4b78d8eb1a5ec68e3d92e.jpg)
The next stretch of trail crossed patches of lush grasses.
![GOPR0786.JPG GOPR0786.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126470-0e43fcf40fdc1e94c5d3e22e96021c76.jpg)
The view as we approached Woody Creek. It was near here that we decided to setup camp for night number five.
![0O7A1352A.jpg 0O7A1352A.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126478-d83f8b8548220c174e4c6cc454b7163f.jpg)
I don't know that I remember crossing Woody Creek, but Thorofare Creek was just a walk thru the willows away from our campsite.
The view downstream:
![0O7A1361.JPG 0O7A1361.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126479-113c21d685a9d9610861dc8f05755fdb.jpg)
The view upstream:
![0O7A1364.JPG 0O7A1364.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126480-e0e524c5d52db11346d9ba1107350d7a.jpg)
Tent site for night number five. This was an okay campsite. . . it would have been a lot better if we had not decided to camp in what was probably a horse pasture for a nearby outfitter's camp. We did not see the outfitter setup until hiking out on day six though.
![0O7A1380.JPG 0O7A1380.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126482-86f0773794d8fba84d6fd1bea228dd5b.jpg)
Today's group shot. @Jackson will have to let us know if we've softened a bit. . . but I doubt @scatman ever will. (You have to read day four for context.)![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![GOPR0796.JPG GOPR0796.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126485-bb7557463bdb5b6bfb05e97640e9c038.jpg)
Dinner for Day Five. The flavor of the Backcountry Bison Bowl reminded me of something I'd order from a Mexican Restaurant.
![GOPR0792.JPG GOPR0792.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126484-dd520cdaf43b8848628f07909f90b876.jpg)
Hugh probably considers this day to be the "real" start of the trip because it was on this afternoon that he spotted his first Grizzly Bear. Everything up to now was just a warmup.
He was walking down to Thorofare Creek for water when he says he chased a bear out of the willows. Of course the bear had disappeared by the time the rest of the group made it down to the creek, but there was still some nice scenery to see.
![0O7A1373.JPG 0O7A1373.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126481-23a89976d102733db6f5514c1ba9b810.jpg)
After Hugh's bear sighting we sat and looked up the Thorofare Creek Valley in hopes of seeing more wildlife. This is not the exact view we had, but very close. I think that is Yellow Mountain peeking above the dark hillside at the far right. That would be the direction we would head tomorrow.
![0O7A1381.JPG 0O7A1381.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126483-b3f68379f4af7fd434ba4c80d0171095.jpg)
I will admit that I can be a high maintenance hiker. I like to wash off the heat, dirt, and sunscreen of the day before turning in for the night if I can. Up to now I was able to jump into a nearby creek or river to accomplish that task, but Thorofare Creek was too shallow at this spot for an evening swim.
That was ok, because I had a plan B. I packed along a small dry bag that has a spigot on the end and doubled as a shower. I had filled it and let it sit in the sun shortly after arriving at camp. The sun warmed the water enough to make rinsing off enjoyable. I hung the heated water bag in a nearby tree and did not use but a fraction of what it held. I offered to let the rest of the group use the extra water, but they had either already taken a sponge bath or were simply just tougher than me. Oh, that is a fresh pile of Grizzly scat on the trail that you see. I thought it added a little something to the experience.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![GOPR0798.JPG GOPR0798.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126486-e8b4a15409cdbb69fef3bf9ccb5f3e4a.jpg)
Day five was a good day. I had enjoyed some impressive moments on day four and that may have overshadowed part of the experience on day five. Some of the today's memories become a little fuzzy when replaying them in my head. The horseshoe bend of Thorofare Creek and our time at the campsite were today's highlights. We had some nice views here and there, but experiencing the wild solitude of Thorofare Creek and the valley that surrounds it best describes this day for me.
I was feeling great and the group's morale was good, but would that be enough to get us thru tomorrow? Day six was going to tell me if my training had been sufficient for some elevation gain. Day six we planned on getting high!
GPS Track for Day Five.
![GPS Track Day 5.jpg GPS Track Day 5.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126535-e4a1f47301cc0be172b6245d88ebaf4b.jpg)
Day Six is in the works!
Technically, we were behind schedule at day five. That was ok because by the end of the day we would be ahead of schedule. I do not think anyone in the group was worried about schedules. . . I doubt any of us even knew what day of the week it was by now. All we needed to be concerned about was making progress up the Thorofare Creek drainage and finding another suitable campsite for the night. If only life could always be that simple.
Morning view of the ridge from our Open Creek campsite.
![0O7A1296.JPG 0O7A1296.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126450-0e82a2767bd0850bf4b835c7bb37906c.jpg)
Walking away from your pack for even a few minutes is risky with this group. Some jokester thought they could slow me down by sneaking a rock in there. All I can say is paybacks gentlemen. Paybacks.
![CPDay5-2.jpg CPDay5-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126468-3383394ad93f0946526e2e447dc38862.jpg)
We were back in the trees for a time during the morning hours.
![0O7A1299.JPG 0O7A1299.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126451-758e5bc57f574a380fb7859d1b959ef8.jpg)
The trail passed over some high ground away from Thorofare Creek.
![0O7A1302.JPG 0O7A1302.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126452-866f1c2bd87139a0ca7fc2f0afec38f4.jpg)
Hidden Creek flows between the two hills at center left. True to its name we never saw it. Last night's campsite was intended to be near the junction of Thorofare and Hidden Creeks; today we were supposed to be taking a day hike up Hidden Creek and spend the night at the same campsite. Once we past Hidden Creek today we would be ahead of schedule. . . technically.
![0O7A1305.JPG 0O7A1305.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126453-357fdea091bc3823b4d8454ebe037c42.jpg)
One has to experience the forest now and again to appreciate the big views.
![0O7A1307.JPG 0O7A1307.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126454-f734c6a8399f7e02d1c39a165bbd9286.jpg)
![0O7A1308.JPG 0O7A1308.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126455-6f1b89c6b597a07b8573832ff2aa9f59.jpg)
Today's journey took us thru a lot of tree cover compared to the days prior. It was a warm day, so I welcomed the shade. It also brought us closer to Thorofare Creek, taking us right along the water's edge in places.
![0O7A1311.JPG 0O7A1311.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126456-631acc99aaec0e71bfccc9024dc112c2.jpg)
![0O7A1312.JPG 0O7A1312.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126457-a300a28f1ab7d7629c41fec014daca44.jpg)
Critter tracks everywhere. Thought this was a good one for day five -- grizzly tracks coming and going!
![0O7A1313.JPG 0O7A1313.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126458-0f628059adddfbdc9a30502ed7df3faf.jpg)
Did the trail veer away from the creek, or did the creek meander away from us?
![0O7A1318.JPG 0O7A1318.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126459-d7f7b024fd5a21ad4bad24727375435e.jpg)
I cannot remember if this is Pass Creek or Butte Creek.
![0O7A1320.JPG 0O7A1320.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126460-b1879290574d2e0a64251852910e8bb2.jpg)
@scatman showing off some fine rock hopping skills. That next one looks a little far. . .
![0O7A1322.JPG 0O7A1322.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126461-b6df76000ed443f2e6a42e09c3b355a4.jpg)
Wildflowers and clover were everywhere.
![0O7A1325.JPG 0O7A1325.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126462-3a9eb066b178c3cfe618be9c1eefc10e.jpg)
Today was definitely about getting to know Thorofare Creek.
![0O7A1326.JPG 0O7A1326.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126463-2c979aac38e4729aa1aac4443c91e7a8.jpg)
There may have been a high route but I followed @scatman along the rocky creek bank instead.
![0O7A1328.JPG 0O7A1328.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126464-3059889bbd59432326b40225e4ec2214.jpg)
We would eventually take a path that rewarded us with great views of Thorofare Creek's curves.
![0O7A1329.JPG 0O7A1329.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126465-8bbb25bb33527107f3982e0c07255d3a.jpg)
Cannot quite squeeze the entire horseshoe in with the big camera.
![0O7A1330.JPG 0O7A1330.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126466-a47164c5b244cc53cde6a73315a3b8f6.jpg)
So I used the cell phone and GoPro. It is good to have options.
Cell Phone:
![CPDay5-1.jpg CPDay5-1.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126467-84e69ad1e7efc5194b8660e0cddc41bb.jpg)
The GoPro shot might be my favorite picture of the day.
![GOPR0783A.jpg GOPR0783A.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126469-cf2337e648319fbfcf14a9147cf780a6.jpg)
We were back and forth from the creek many times this day. Away from the creek:
![0O7A1332.JPG 0O7A1332.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126471-a100efccdfa7ecc600abe5bb7e53f8a4.jpg)
Near the creek. A sunscreen break for Hugh is the equivalent of a nap break for @Bob .
![Sleepy 2 :sleepy2: :sleepy2:](/addedsmilies/sleepy.gif)
![0O7A1334.JPG 0O7A1334.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126472-3cfa6eaf7401ccce847b5adc32a78839.jpg)
I was too impressed with the parallel lines created by these gravel bars to take a nap.
![0O7A1336.JPG 0O7A1336.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126473-f821aba1113e2f9c5e293035cec7d930.jpg)
Trees began to give way to a view later in the day.
![0O7A1341A.jpg 0O7A1341A.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126474-b8e948e596d0bf43586c979eb9bd8544.jpg)
@scatman in his happy place.
![0O7A1343.JPG 0O7A1343.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126475-b5fa0755cade473b07ca7524f69e2a47.jpg)
The lichens on these rocks came out of nowhere to added a vibrant pop of color to all the greenness. Makes me hungry for a Circus Peanut. . .
![Tongue :tongue: :tongue:](/addedsmilies/tongue.gif)
![0O7A1346.JPG 0O7A1346.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126476-8000bcc1517cb6ed676e8066107850c0.jpg)
Wildlife sighting!
![0O7A1349.JPG 0O7A1349.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126477-99f0508031f4b78d8eb1a5ec68e3d92e.jpg)
The next stretch of trail crossed patches of lush grasses.
![GOPR0786.JPG GOPR0786.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126470-0e43fcf40fdc1e94c5d3e22e96021c76.jpg)
The view as we approached Woody Creek. It was near here that we decided to setup camp for night number five.
![0O7A1352A.jpg 0O7A1352A.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126478-d83f8b8548220c174e4c6cc454b7163f.jpg)
I don't know that I remember crossing Woody Creek, but Thorofare Creek was just a walk thru the willows away from our campsite.
The view downstream:
![0O7A1361.JPG 0O7A1361.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126479-113c21d685a9d9610861dc8f05755fdb.jpg)
The view upstream:
![0O7A1364.JPG 0O7A1364.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126480-e0e524c5d52db11346d9ba1107350d7a.jpg)
Tent site for night number five. This was an okay campsite. . . it would have been a lot better if we had not decided to camp in what was probably a horse pasture for a nearby outfitter's camp. We did not see the outfitter setup until hiking out on day six though.
![0O7A1380.JPG 0O7A1380.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126482-86f0773794d8fba84d6fd1bea228dd5b.jpg)
Today's group shot. @Jackson will have to let us know if we've softened a bit. . . but I doubt @scatman ever will. (You have to read day four for context.)
![GOPR0796.JPG GOPR0796.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126485-bb7557463bdb5b6bfb05e97640e9c038.jpg)
Dinner for Day Five. The flavor of the Backcountry Bison Bowl reminded me of something I'd order from a Mexican Restaurant.
![GOPR0792.JPG GOPR0792.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126484-dd520cdaf43b8848628f07909f90b876.jpg)
Hugh probably considers this day to be the "real" start of the trip because it was on this afternoon that he spotted his first Grizzly Bear. Everything up to now was just a warmup.
![0O7A1373.JPG 0O7A1373.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126481-23a89976d102733db6f5514c1ba9b810.jpg)
After Hugh's bear sighting we sat and looked up the Thorofare Creek Valley in hopes of seeing more wildlife. This is not the exact view we had, but very close. I think that is Yellow Mountain peeking above the dark hillside at the far right. That would be the direction we would head tomorrow.
![0O7A1381.JPG 0O7A1381.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126483-b3f68379f4af7fd434ba4c80d0171095.jpg)
I will admit that I can be a high maintenance hiker. I like to wash off the heat, dirt, and sunscreen of the day before turning in for the night if I can. Up to now I was able to jump into a nearby creek or river to accomplish that task, but Thorofare Creek was too shallow at this spot for an evening swim.
That was ok, because I had a plan B. I packed along a small dry bag that has a spigot on the end and doubled as a shower. I had filled it and let it sit in the sun shortly after arriving at camp. The sun warmed the water enough to make rinsing off enjoyable. I hung the heated water bag in a nearby tree and did not use but a fraction of what it held. I offered to let the rest of the group use the extra water, but they had either already taken a sponge bath or were simply just tougher than me. Oh, that is a fresh pile of Grizzly scat on the trail that you see. I thought it added a little something to the experience.
![GOPR0798.JPG GOPR0798.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126486-e8b4a15409cdbb69fef3bf9ccb5f3e4a.jpg)
Day five was a good day. I had enjoyed some impressive moments on day four and that may have overshadowed part of the experience on day five. Some of the today's memories become a little fuzzy when replaying them in my head. The horseshoe bend of Thorofare Creek and our time at the campsite were today's highlights. We had some nice views here and there, but experiencing the wild solitude of Thorofare Creek and the valley that surrounds it best describes this day for me.
I was feeling great and the group's morale was good, but would that be enough to get us thru tomorrow? Day six was going to tell me if my training had been sufficient for some elevation gain. Day six we planned on getting high!
GPS Track for Day Five.
![GPS Track Day 5.jpg GPS Track Day 5.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/126/126535-e4a1f47301cc0be172b6245d88ebaf4b.jpg)
Day Six is in the works!