It is getting more difficult to try and describe the annual backpacking trip in words...too many laughs, pains, tang & vodkas, bursted beers, llamas and sheep, steripens, and tylenol 3 stories to encapsulate in one simple summary. What I can say is this....this is an outstanding tradition with an outstanding group of friends, and just seems to get better each year. I honestly can't think of a better way to spend 5 days in the mountains. With that said, let me do my best at highlighting some of my fond memories of the trip, in no particular order: Neel representing....Kevin giving some photo shoot/modeling lessons...Darren lugging an 80lb backpack over jackass pass just so that we can have a full stereo system, solar shower, and many other comforts at our campsite....brewing coffee with a liner sock....conspiring to take our show on the road to Europe...watching Neel do a handstand salute to our dearly missed Bobby Mac....having Saleem, Michael, and Bobby join us in spirit....listening to Darren sleep peacefully every night...defining belief systems over creek-chilled fat tires...finding safety in wyoming while New York gets clobbered by earthquakes and hurricanes...enjoying new gadgets like the spot and gps...encountering llamas and recognizing the need for a full time beer llama....backpackers pantry deliciousness...watching Neel build a fire...Kevin nearly getting mauled during the morning routine...jamming beatles classics on the long trip home....growlers...rock springs rocks....the list goes on and on...and THAT is the beauty of this trip (the scenery in the Winds ain't too bad either!)