Blog: Trail Adventure Stories

50 Miles in 4 Days As a kid I was part of a well organized Boy Scout troop. Our leader was an experienced outdoorsman (more like mountain man) and we learned a ton from every campout and outing. One Summer we planned a 50-miler to achieve one of the patches Scouting offers. We earmarked 4 days where we could travel along a route in southwestern Montana. The route included mountain terrain, rolling hills, forested sections, grassy knolls, and water features. We prepared for weeks before the packpacking adventure. We did pack checks to make sure we brought the right gear, we planned light weigh food and water rations, we planned for blisters and other first aid needs.We set out on the trail. Each day the column of boys would stretch out as some boys would pace ahead and others would lag behind. As we reached the pre-designated camp sites each day we'd stop, get a fire started and wait for everyone to arrive. We'd explore our new site, rest from the day's travels, repair blisters, cook food and more. It ... Read More

"Grandpa, Why Isn't the Elk Moving?" As a kid, hunting was one of those rights of passage. We'd trek all over the mountains in search of our quarry. One big elk would fill the freezer and feed our family for a year. One year I got paired off with grandpa. It was late in the season and we hadn't gotten anything all season long. We were a little desperate. Grandpa rarely got skunked during a season so I was excited I was with him.We turned up a canyon we had hunted several times "just to check." There was snow and grandpa's truck was chained up. We made our way up the narrow valley floor and I kept my eyes peeled. There were no tracks and no sign anywhere. I was kind of bummed. Grandpa turned around and we started to come out. We were all relaxed because we hadn't seen anything and we were just backtracking. Just before we came to the main road we turned a corner and grandpa slammed on the brakes. A spike elk stood just off the road staring at us about 40 yards away.Here's the rub...we were on the side of the main road t... Read More