Sacajawea Peak

Today we headed towards the highest mountain peak in the Bridgers, Sacajawea for a hike.  Last year we'd hiked around the Fairy Lake, but had not done this particular trail which was a bit too much for that particular day.  Leaving Yellowstone it was a rather hazy morning... unfortunately it looked like the fires in Washington and Canada were not going to help the views.  

 

 

 

Cooper was really excited to be hiking... especially since the marmots and ground squirrels kept whistling at him.  He never did spot one... then neither did we.  The hike up wasn't too bad although there were times we thought the wind would blow us back down the mountain side... gusts to 50+ mph or so.  It was chilly enough to add a hat and fleece as we headed up the slope.

Building a jump

Quite a few hard core skiers and boarders were taking runs down the snow.  Why anyone would carry their equipment up the mountain side for such small runs we have no idea.  Cooper enjoyed himself sliding down the hill and trying to catch snowballs.  He failed miserably at the catching thing, but he had fun trying.  

 

Gathering a bit of spinning material

 

 

 

I had fun gathering Mountain Goat wool off the pine trees and bushes... it was everywhere.  Never saw the actual animal just its byproducts... poo and hair.  Once we reached the saddle Cooper decided he'd rather not continue so I stayed behind with him.  We spent time hiding from the wind and cold air behind a huge pile of rocks.  Bill continued on up towards the peak.  The hike upwards wasn't too bad... steep & rocky towards the end.  Too bad the haze diminished the views.  

We must do this one again when the smoke clears... if it is ever a clear day in July.
 

Views from the Peak

Indian Paintbrush

Glacier Lilly

Cindi And Coop waiting below

More Peak views

More...

Chillin'

 

 

 

 

Back down the valley

Walking the snow field

Not catching the snowball

Nose itches

 

 

Feels so good!

Heading back down

 

Bill...the last pitch

The Peak

Looking for Bill