BB3 backpacking trip, Wind River range, WY

Our route marked in green, with the 2 campsites marked in red. Best I can tell, here's what we covered: 1) Day 1 - 9 miles from Big Sandy trailhead to Lonseome Lake 2) Day 2 - 1 mile up/back to Hidden Falls 3) Day 3 - 7 miles to Deep Lake 4) Day 4 - 9 miles from Deep Lake back to Big Sandy trailhead Grand total - 26 miles

I can say with 100% confidence that our fine group of real men was the only group rolling in a minivan....all others at the trailhead were surely jealous! She did not fail us...taking us over hours of washboard dirt roads, and getting us safely to the trailhead and back to DIA...not to mention providing me solace on night one from the snoring bear in my tent.

BFF

Life is good (and pain free) at the start of the third annual backpacking trip. From here, it's a long day that takes us over Jackass Pass (perfectly named for this bunch) and after 9 miles of hiking with heavy packs, a nice camping spot near Lonesome Lake. Let the adventure begin!

Taking a much needed break near Jackass Pass

Neel chillaxing near the pass

Deep thoughts by Sata and Hogie atop Jackass Pass. Darren was just below us taking a little snooze to deal with his typical day 1 altitude adjustment (aka the crippler headache)

Mr Male model looking good as always atop Jackass Pass!

Sata doing his best McKiernan over Jackass Pass in his "pajamas"

King of the Cirque....until the lightning storm arrived 15 minutes later! I've never seen these guys move so fast!

Hidden Falls in the Cirque

Saleem, as I mentioned, you were with us along the way.

The crew at our campsite near Lonesome Lake. We had a great fire going much of the time, and had an unreal view of Mitchell Peak, which loomed directly over our site. This site also happens to be the birthplace of the new belief system...

After some nasty afternoon thunderstorms, we ventured down to Lonesome Lake....this was looking back towards our campsite at Mitchell Peak reflecting in Lonesome Lake

Sunrise in the Cirque along the shores of Lonesome Lake...suffice to say this is a place of incredibly natural beauty!

Pingora Peak reflection in Lonesome Lake. We talked with several climbing groups that climbed this face and quickly came to the conclusion that they're out of their minds! We decided to spend the day drinking beer and vodka, although we did make it out for a quick day hike up to the Hidden Falls.

Making our way out of the Cirque for the long hike to Deep Lake

Crazy Jack is in camp!

Darren making his way out of the Cirque

"Why do you think they call it Arrowhead Lake?" says Mr Sata

There's a whole lot of S#!T in that backpack....and Neel wasn't afraid to mooch it!

Looking at the Cirque from Jackass Pass.....pretty imposing place!

Stopping along the inlet to Big Sandy Lake to power up on tuna, wheat thins, trail mix...and rest the feet a bit in the creek.

This is the skittish one! His teeth are particularly gnarled! We did decide after several llama encounters that one could come in quite handy to haul in the beer that we shouldered on this trip. The 4th annual will no doubt take this into consideration...just need to decide which one of us will be the llama handler. Thinking that Sata would be qualified!

We made it to Deep Lake!!!. After a long trek from Lonesome Lake, over Jackass Pass, down to Big Sandy Lake, wrong turn to take the scenic route, course correct back to Clear Lake, pet the llamas, hike up the nifty creek bed area, and finally, we arrive at our camp area along Deep Lake. Tis a good feeling!