A Yellowstone Love Story (Bog Creek Euphoria) - September 12, 2022

[scatman]

Excellent write up Hugh! If I could give it a dozen of the heart-eyed emojis I would.


I think the best way to describe you Hugh is to say that you are the equivalent of a Circus Peanut that has been sitting out on the counter for a few days. The outside has developed a tough shell but once you break thru it the inside is soft and fluffy.

Before we met, I knew you had a good sense of humor by reading your past trip reports. Our first trip together confirmed that; it also showed me you were competent and confident in your place in Yellowstone. So, like any parasite would do I latched on and let you lead me to areas I had no business going to on my own.

Hugh and I seem to share similar personalities -- we both tend to be quiet people that simply enjoy being in the wilderness. Planning routes to different parts of the park has been fun in the "offseason." Hugh always considers my requests for side trips to various thermal features, waterfalls, etc. and I always try to find a spot he has not set foot in before (Not an easy task! Dewdrop Lake in 2024? ).

Sending him that first PM several years ago was the best thing I could have done in terms of exploring Yellowstone. Hugh is an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to the backcountry. He will not admit it, but he is a fun guy to be around too. You just have to coax that internal clown out with the occasional witty trailside comment or unexpected campsite snack. He will test you with miles of downfall, countless water crossings, and questionable bison herding techniques, but if you have the opportunity to join him on an adventure I'd highly recommend it!

Many of these will be reposts, but because this is @scatman 's report I wanted to add in more pictures featuring him.

Crossing Sour Creek.

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Camp at Wrangler Lake. Who's tent needs help?

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Climbing the Hill next to Bog Creek.

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Hugh next to his favored Pond 8512

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Every hike demands a little blood. . .

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And the occasional rest stop.

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Leaving Joseph's Coat. They should have called it Joseph's Rain Coat.

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Hugh's way of crossing Broad Creek.

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Conquering the treacherous Orange Hill.

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Hugh contemplating what he had gotten himself into as we approached the halfway point of the trip.

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A little snack on the way to Hot Springs Basin.

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Overlooking Hot Springs Basin.

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Camp at Wapiti Lake. Hugh's expression says it all. No wonder he left early on the last day.

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Catching up to @scatman on the Death March.

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Victory is ours!

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Somewhere I have a picture of the crew after we unloaded all of our gear in the Canyon Lodge Cabin. I'll have to do a follow up post when I find it.

Thanks again for letting us tag along Hugh. Bog Creek and Hot Springs Basin were real Hi-Lites for me in 2022. Definitely looking forward to 2023!

Great shots Dave! Thanks for sharing. You are way too gracious in your thoughts on hiking with the Scatman. Have a couple shots of whiskey and then try again.

I still think that tent on the right needs a little work.

How many face plants do you think I'll have next year? Maybe this group needs to wager on how many. What prize should I give out for who comes the closest?

I'm have this feeling deep down in my gut that says we need medium format cameras on next years adventure.

 

[scatman]

That sounds like a great trip! That's an area I've been curious about. If I do it, I'd want to include Fairyland Basin too.

Fairyland is special and it would take a full day to reach it and back from 4B1. Not sure I'd want tackle it in the rain though.

 

[scatman]

lol ..... I can test him, just find a good so called "horse trail" or endless tundra walking.....

I have some "interesting" routes plotted for him to come along on ........

You're starting to scare me @Bob.

We're still thinking Wyoming Range or the Washakie Wilderness right?

 

[Bob]

Which ever you want to attempt....

 

[Bob]

 

[kwc]

Ah yes … Faceplant Bingo with @scatman . Sounds like a fun BP game!

 

[scatman]

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Nice shot @Bob. The wind must have been blowing because the brim of my hat is up.

 

[TractorDoc]

Found it!

I have to say the Death March Day would have been much more miserable if we did not have a warm, dry cabin to look forward to.

It is probably an optical illusion, but it almost looks like the Scatster is smiling.

His expression reminds me of my cat when it is sitting on the furnace grate at home -- all happy and warm.

 

[scatman]

Found it!

I have to say the Death March Day would have been much more miserable if we did not have a warm, dry cabin to look forward to.

It is probably an optical illusion, but it almost looks like the Scatster is smiling.

His expression reminds me of my cat when it is sitting on the furnace grate at home -- all happy and warm.

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Clearly an optical illusion. Either that or I'm wincing at the pain in my legs now that I can feel them again.