Spider Meadow Backpacking Trip

Spider Meadow from our tent

In celebration of our tenth anniversary, we went on a backpacking trip this past Saturday and Sunday to Spider Meadow. This was my favorite trip we've taken this year, as we had pretty nice weather, the trail was fairly easy, and we found wildflowers, butterflies, and waterfalls a plenty!

Dates: July 5-6, 2008 (Sat-Sun)
Trail info: Spider Meadow trail, 15 miles round trip, 2000-foot elevation gain was gradual (3500 - 5500 feet), nicely maintained trail (except in the avalanche devastation)
Highlights:

• Lots of wildflowers
• Butterflies
• Countless waterfalls (from snow-melt)
• Crossing the river barefoot
  
• Walking through destruction left by an avalanche
  
• Marmots (with their high-pitched screech) in the meadow
• Gummy bears and "energy pills" (peanut m-n-m's)
• A fashion show with the polarized sunglasses I found in the vegetation

Mountain Man takes my breath away; not only is he handsome, but he's smart, funny, and sweet!

A memorable stream crossing - painfully cold!

(Click on the foot/paw picture to go to the photo album.)

Happy hiking!