Be Still The Bishop s Wife s Backpacking Trip

Transcription

1 Be Still The Bishop s Wife s Backpacking Trip 2017 Wilderness Trip with Jill Smylie August 14, 15 and 16, 2017 Keep close to Nature s heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean John Muir I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121 Be still and know that I am God. Psalm Itinerary and General Information: Jill Smylie invites women, in the spirit of being still, to join her on the 1 st Bishop s Wife s Backpacking Trip from Monday, August 14 th through Wednesday, August 16 th, Press Stephens will be assisting Jill with the trip and will guide the trip. The trip will be limited to 20 hikers. Expect to carry a 15 to 20 pound backpack on five miles of wilderness trail and camp in a rugged, mountain setting. We will spend the night before the trip, Sunday, August 13 th, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Dubois, Wyoming. Early on the morning of Monday, August 14 th, after an early breakfast in Dubois, we will drive to the Glacier Trail Trailhead at the end of Trail Lake Road, 12 miles southeast of Dubois, leave our vehicles parked at the trailhead, hike up the Glacier Trail to Bomber Basin, and make camp on East Torrey Creek, a total hiking distance of about five miles with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. We will divide our group into two halves at the trailhead: the first half will be made up of those who would like to hike fairly quickly so as to arrive at camp before noon. After setting up tents and hanging the remaining gear from a bear pole, this group will be in a position to hike on, after lunch, to see more of the area, perhaps to the falls and to higher parts of East Torrey Creek exploring the flanks of Middle Mountain. The second half of the group will be made up of those who would like to hike more leisurely so as to eat lunch on the trail and arrive at camp later in the afternoon. After setting up their tents, this second group can begin to prepare supper. Tuesday, August 15 th will be a day with options: Opt. 1 a strenuous hike up the Glacier Trail switchbacks to the rim overlooking the eastern peaks of the Wind River Range this hike gains about 2,000 feet of elevation in three miles.

2 Opt. 2 hiking to locate the remains of a World War II training bomber on Middle Mountain this hike gains 600 to 800 feet of elevation in two miles. Opt. 3 fishing East Torrey Creek Opt. 4 just relaxing in camp and walking around the two meadows of Bomber Basin Regardless of the choices everyone makes, we will not move camp. On Wednesday, August 16 th we will again divide ourselves into a spry group and a leisure group. The spry group might hike up the switchbacks and connect with the old Glacier Trail and come down into the trailhead from a different direction. That would be a seven-mile hike with a 2,000 foot elevation gain and a 3,000 foot elevation drop into the trailhead. Another option for the spry group is to take a side trail to Lake Louise on the way back to the trailhead adding an additional four miles to the original five mile hike and adding an additional elevation gain, then drop, of 600 feet. The leisure group can take their time getting out of camp. That group will hike the five miles back to the trailhead the way we came in. 2. Degrees of Difficulty: As a result of our opportunity to divide into two groups on our hikes, this trip has two degrees of difficulty: a) the easiest option will be an intermediate hike going in and out of our backcountry camp on an established wilderness trail carrying 15 to 20 pounds while experiencing 1,000 feet of elevation in five miles. This sounds fairly easy, but one must remember we will be in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness of the Shoshone National Forest without cell service and with only the first aid kit we can carry. The trailhead from which we start hiking is 12 miles from the highway. Hikers should be in good physical condition and be willing to be wet in the rain and/or somewhat exposed in the hot sun. b) the more challenging option will add up to 2,000 feet of elevation to the first description, and add trails that include some boulder climbing and some very steep grades. After having hiked through woods and over large, granite surfaces, largely following a beautiful and fairly swift stream, we will camp by that stream within a large meadow of grasses and willows. The elevation of camp is 8,600 feet above sea level. We will likely cross the stream to make our camp for increased privacy. The trail we will be using is the main trail through the wilderness to Gannett Peak. Outfitters with horses use the trail as do hikers and climbers seeking access to the highest peaks of the Wind River Range. 3. Meals: The meals we cook on the trip will consist of fresh and dried foods. Everyone will share in the cooking and cleaning up. The two breakfasts will include bacon, pancakes, hot cereals, fruit, Tang, hot chocolate, tea and coffee; the three lunches will include sandwiches, cookies, fruit, carrots, celery, energy-filled candy and nut mixes; the two suppers will include meats, both dried and packaged, noodles, rice, vegetables, salads and dried beverages. Hot water will always be available for washing and drinking tea or coffee. 4. Equipment Press will provide:

3 Press will provide cook stoves, cooking fuel, cooking equipment, plates, bowls, cups, silverware, wash pans, a shovel, a saw, a first aid kit, and rope for the bear pole. He will also bring to the trailhead all our food for the three days. We will divvy up small sacks of our food and equipment between all the hikers. 5. Things you should bring (Please also see the Checklist at the end of this document): You should bring a backpack, a sleeping bag suitable for backpacking, a pad, and, if you have one, a tent suitable for backpacking (which might or might not include a ground cloth and a fly.). We can plan ahead of time to determine who might share tents. You should also bring a towel, pillow case, wash cloth, soap, flashlight, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and chapstick. You should pack a change of clothes which should include a warm jacket or sweater, rain gear, a hat or cap, gloves, long underwear, long pants, 1 pair of shorts, long sleeve shirt, light shoes for camp, and good, sturdy hiking boots. We have created a checklist which will be given to those who sign up for the trip. Remember that in the mornings and evenings in the mountains of Wyoming all summer long the weather is chilly (temperatures range from 80 degrees down to freezing and below) and you should bring clothes you would normally wear during fall or early spring at home. Some people like to bring a stocking cap for sleeping at night. If you intend to fish you should have your own equipment including flies and/or lures. Let Press know of your fishing interests and he will recommend certain specific items. Rods should break down into short sections for backpacking. Under no circumstances should you plan to bring your dog. Believe us, even the most eventempered and unobtrusive dog is an automatic problem on a wilderness trip. 6. About the Area: The northeast section of the Wind River Mountains is part of the Shoshone National Forest. It is the gateway to Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming. It is a rugged landscape peppered with beautiful meadows, high, granite peaks above vast layers of limestone cliffs, granite domes and swift streams. It is part of a fascinating ecosystem which is summer rangeland for elk, deer, moose, antelope, big horn sheep, black bear, an occasional grizzly bear, coyotes, an occasional wolf, countless bird species, and countless small game species. The trails generally follow waterways which run down from a long, little seen, roadless, and particularly spectacular stretch of the continental divide. The stream on which we will camp is a tributary to the Wind River, which becomes the Big Horn River, the Yellowstone River, the Missouri, and, finally, the Mississippi River. 7. Bears Included in the wildlife of all Wyoming s mountain wilderness are bears. We will be very bear aware on this trip and will take all the sensible precautions as we camp in bear country. Press will have bear spray. We will have particular safety in numbers, and will require a buddy system so that no one is alone in any part of the wilderness at any time.

4 There are no known poisonous snakes above 7,000 feet in Wyoming, and no known poisonous plants of any kind (to the touch of one s skin.) There are some edible plants, and we will note those, and perhaps even add some to our meals. 8. Emergency procedures If one of us were to become seriously ill or injured during our trip, was in a life-threatening situation and unable to walk, we could have her evacuated by helicopter from any area in less than three hours. For a less extreme emergency, our camp is close enough to the trailhead such that a long, easy day walking can insure anyone a safe trip back to the vehicles and eventually to either the clinic in Dubois or a hospital in Lander or Riverton. Press will have a complete first aid kit on the trip. 9. Night or nights before the trip: We should spend at least the night before the first day of the trip in Dubois. We will all communicate well before the trip to determine where each of us will stay, where we will convene for supper the evening before the trip and breakfast early the morning of the trip, and where we will leave most cars. St. Thomas Episcopal Church has invited us to stay in the fellowship hall the evening and night of Sunday, August 13 th. After the trip everyone will be reunited with their cars in time enough to drive back to any place in Wyoming. The spry group who hiked one of the long trails out, though, may want to spend an extra night in Dubois. 10. Fellowship on the Trip: Please know we will make time to pray, worship and fellowship with one another, especially around the campfire each night. Press will have his backpacker guitar. We want to emphasize time to have fun, and also to be still; to have, at times, silence be the only sound. 11. Cost: The fee for this trip is $10.00 per day per person, or $30.00 per person. That fee will cover the expenses of buying food, camp supplies (such as cooking fuel, matches, soap, paper goods, toilet paper, etc.), bear spray and first aid kit contents. Please submit your completed registration form and the Acknowledgement of Risk and Release of Liability, along with the $30.00 payment made payable to The Episcopal diocese of Wyoming by June 1, 2017, to: The Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming 123 S. Durbin Casper, WY 82601

5 Be Still The Bishop s Wife s Backpacking Trip 2017 Wilderness Trip with Jill Smylie August 14, 15 and 16, 2017 Checklist of Things You Should Bring long sleeve shirt mosquito repellent short sleeve shirt sunscreen pair of shorts chapstick long pants sunglasses good socks bandana or scarf warm coat or sweater flashlight with extra batteries rain jacket and rain pants camera hat or cap toiletry items gloves (light & warm) personal hygiene items shoes or boots with good support any necessary medications one pair of light shoes hiking stick or sticks (if desired) wool of fleece cap (for sleeping) Tevas or other sandals for long underwear for bathing (if desired) backpack (28 x ) towel, pillowcase, washcloth *sleeping bag light enough to carry (but suitable for 10 to 20 degrees) sleeping pad (the less bulky the better) *backpacking tent (if you have one; don t go out and buy one without talking to us!) waterproof bags to protect cameras or for isolating wet items (ie. Ziplocks) a couple of large garbage bags are a good idea to line your backpack any other personal items such as fishing gear * if you don t have this item, or if you don t know the suitability of what you have, call us!

6 Be Still The Bishop s Wife s Backpacking Trip 2017 Wilderness Trip with Jill Smylie August 14, 15 and 16, 2017 Acknowledgment of Risk Acceptance of Responsibility & Release of Liability This backpacking trip with fellow congregants of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming will include activities including, but not limited to, hiking on and off wilderness trails, walking along streams, meadows, forests, and mountains, camping in wild country which includes bears, and fishing and/or bathing in mountain streams and lakes. Recreational activities like this do carry risk of personal injury. Specifically about hiking: We will be hiking between 7,600 feet and 10,300 feet above sea level. If a person has never hiked at those elevations before it is very difficult to know whether he or she will be affected by altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can be deadly, but it can also be very easily mitigated during the earliest symptoms by assisting that person back to the lowest elevation possible. We ask that you understand your body well and know if you feel you are in danger. This is for your safety. I, _, hereby acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to engage in the activities of hiking, camping and wilderness recreation with the Diocese of Wyoming. I understand that the activity of hiking involves numerous inherent risks of injury that are an integral part of such an activity. I assume full responsibility for all such risks, including illness, loss of control, collisions, and obstacles, whether they are obvious or not obvious. I further understand that climactic events such as electric storms may be unexpected and unpredictable and I also assume such risks. I understand that while undertaking every aspect of the backpacking trip I may encounter variations in terrain which may result in injury or damages. I acknowledge that these are my responsibility, and I assume the risk for these hazards, including breaks, growth, debris, rocks, cliffs and other hazardous surface or subsurface conditions and obstacles, whether they are obvious or not obvious, man-made or natural. I understand that animals are unpredictable and that wilderness recreation is dangerous and that the risk of injury is inherent to these activities. I agree to assume all risk of injury or death caused by hiking, whatever the cause, and/or wilderness experience, whatever the cause, except as provided by law.

7 As consideration for being invited by the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming to engage in these activities and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, I do hereby waive any and all claims and demands and release and forever discharge the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming and the Foundation for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming and all of their respective employees, agents and/or representatives of and from any and all claims, causes of action, rights, and demands of every kind and nature whatsoever for any loss, damage or destruction to property and for any injury or death to my person directly or indirectly caused by, arising out of or resulting from my participation in the activities of hiking and wilderness recreation. This contract shall be legally binding upon me, my heirs, my estate, assigns, legal guardians, and my personal representatives. I have carefully read this agreement and fully understand the contents. I am aware that I am releasing certain legal rights that I otherwise may have, and I enter into the contract in behalf of myself and/or my family of my own free will. THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY. DO NOT SIGN OR INITIAL THIS RELEASE IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND OR DO NOT AGREE WITH ITS TERMS. Signature of Adult Participant Date Signature of Adult Participant Date Members of the family under the age of 18 for which at least one of the above have signed: Family member name: Family member name: Family member name: Family member name: Age: Age: Age: Age:

8 Be Still The Bishop s Wife s Backpacking Trip 2017 Wilderness Trip with Jill Smylie August 14, 15 and 16, 2017 HIKER S INFORMATION Last name: First: Middle: Date of Birth: / / Street address: Cell phone no.: Home phone no.: ( ) ( ) P.O. box: City: State: ZIP Code: EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Last name: First: Middle: Relationship to you: Street address: Cell phone no.: Home phone no.: ( ) ( ) P.O. box: City: State: ZIP Code: Are you covered by insurance? q Yes q No Please indicate primary insurance: INSURANCE INFORMATION Subscriber s name: Subscriber s S.S. no.: Birth date: Group no.: Policy no.: / / Relationship to subscriber: q Self q Spouse q Other GENERAL INFORMATION Will the Hiker need to borrow a backpack? q Yes q No Will the Hiker need to borrow a tent? q Yes q No Are you willing to share a tent with another hiker? q Yes q No Is a scholarship needed? q Yes q No Does the Hiker have any known allergies? (food, medications, bees, etc.) q Yes q No If yes, please list below Please initial that you have read the Itinerary and Checklist. Please initial that you have read and signed the Acknowledgment of Risk/Acceptance of Responsibility & Release of Liability. Please submit your completed registration form and the Acknowledgement of Risk and Release of Liability form with the $30.00 payment made payable to The Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming by June 1, 2017, to: The Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming 123 S. Durbin Casper, WY 82601

9 "Be Still" It's so loud I just can't seem to slow this down I need you more than ever now Let the silence be the only sound Your glory Becomes the only thing I see Your beauty brings me to my knees The awe that you inspire in me [Chorus:] Makes me want to be still So still you can hear me breathing in So still you can hear me breathing out Let Your calm descend upon me now I can feel Your presence all around [Chorus] I hear You whisper softly I hear You speaking to me I hear You In the silence You call my name I want to be still So still you can hear me breathing in So still you can hear me breathing out Let Your calm descend upon me now I want to be still [x3] Be still So now I stand before You broken down My feet upon this holy ground -by Selah