The Alaska Basin in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness

The imposing peak of The Wedge stands a few miles away from my camp. The Wedge is on the north rim of Darby Canyon, my destination after I leave the South Teton Canyon. Below the Wedge, you can see the long ramp of the South Teton Shelf as it makes its way up from Bug Hole to the higher elevations near the Teton Crest.

I like the lazy pattern of movement that I develop after spending a few days on the trail. I get up early, enjoy my morning coffee, and then hit the trail. After putting in a few miles, I stop to enjoy breakfast, and then continue on my way. I try to be in my next evening's camp before two in the afternoon so that I can get the tent set up before the inevitable evening storm roars in. I love storms, and sleep like a baby while all hell breaks loose outside my flimsy shelter. Usually by late evening, the storm moves on, leaving the air scrubbed clean and cool. I then pile out to enjoy a late dinner and then settle in to do some reading as the sun drops below the horizon. If not in Griz country, I'll often sleep part of the night outside, leaning against a convenient log or rock.