Mount Raymond - July 3, 2026

[scatman]

I only hope that it does not smell too musty and that the word "JanSport" does not flicker in my brain like a failing fluorescent light bulb while I try to sleep.

The only thing that can save you is the Gold Hammer!

 

[scatman]

Packs like that are symbolic of hiking experience and fortitude. Just the fact that they’re still around is pretty amazing. I bet they carried lots of space food sticks and astronaut ice cream back in the day.

And Circus Peanuts!

 

[Rockskipper]

The real test of a pack is how well it deals with a heavy spoon. I'd bet some of those vintage packs are way ahead of the newer ones. The newer ones don't even know what a heavy spoon is (not sure I do, actually).

 

[scatman]

The real test of a pack is how well it deals with a heavy spoon. I'd bet some of those vintage packs are way ahead of the newer ones. The newer ones don't even know what a heavy spoon is (not sure I do, actually).

That yellow Jansport D2 external frame pack is rugged enough to carry two heavy spoons, though my back may not be strong enough for two. You know how much I struggled just packing one into the Yellowstone backcountry.

 

[Bob]

I'll giving you some of my stuff to carry.... We will test your pack out

 

[Rockskipper]

C'mon, you guys. I carry two packs - one on each side, no problem. Cowboy up, buckaroos.

 

[scatman]

I'll giving you some of my stuff to carry.... We will test your pack out

There will be a carrying fee Bob.

 

[scatman]

C'mon, you guys. I carry two packs - one on each side, no problem. Cowboy up, buckaroos.

The old counter balance system eh Skipper?

I'll have you know that carrying just one heavy spoon is cowboying up!

 

[Bob]

There will be a carrying fee Bob.

I might pay it .... To get me to 15 lbs.

 

[scatman]

To get me to 15 lbs.

You're killing me Bob!

 

[Rockskipper]

What's the fee for carrying a mule?

 

[scatman]

What's the fee for carrying a mule?

A mule is double the usual fee. Since you've mastered the counter balance method, you could just throw two legs over one shoulder and the other two over the opposite shoulder and away you go.

 

[Rockskipper]

That's my pal old Freckleface. He's been around the track a few times. See what looks like a big heavy pack? It's actually down comforters for the dudes. He's kind of semi-retired.

 

[scatman]

That's my pal old Freckleface. He's been around the track a few times. See what looks like a big heavy pack? It's actually down comforters for the dudes. He's kind of semi-retired.

Old Freckleface is a Bob Marshall pack mule.

 

[Janice]

Wow - wonderful photos. Love the flowers. And the moose - looking straight into the camera!!!

 

[scatman]

Wow - wonderful photos. Love the flowers. And the moose - looking straight into the camera!!!

Thanks. The moose was quite photogenic, and didn't seem to mind our presence.