Hiking at high altitude is hard work. Carrying a pack more than 1/4 of your body weight at high altitude is seriously hard work. Hiking uphill with said pack on your back at high altitude is not recommended unless you have a deep desire for hurt. So, when engaging in this unthinkable activity, I have to believe that feeling tired is just a state of mind…
which can be relieved in a number of ways when that tired feeling hits during a long, hard uphill climb.
Each day there is a new and beautiful place to sleep and rejuvenate.
We are alone in this vast wilderness…at least it feels like it. I love that feeling of smallness in this vast expanse.
There is a new vista to explore around every corner.
Below 9000 feet, we can have campfires. What a difference in your mood a campfire makes! (That’s me on the far right)
The pains of a hard hike are shared, and we keep each other going.
Remembering these antics around the fire keeps me going all the next day.
We made it! Shoes got wet, but we crossed another rushing river.
photos by Becky Chaplin-Kramer
Back Yard Biology 
Terrific.. this looks so much of fun 😍
What great moments you are enjoying and great memories you are making!
We feel fortunate to be able to keep up with the youngsters and enjoy this together.