  I look forward to my next journey for it will bring together long separated friends. Loveland, Colorado lies on the frontal edge of the great Rocky Mountains and is home to the Bailey family. John and Dustin are brothers who spend quite a bit of time wandering those mountains. Far more time than I have spent and I can see the wisdom it has brought in their smiles. For all my time spent in the mountains I have a seen things that speak so much clearer than any bible.
Truly this earth is god's message to us, it speaks so loudly that most can't hear it. That's the thing with altitude, can't hardly breath so you don't talk too much and pretty soon your brain starts working and your ears start listening and things begin to make so much more sense. But enough of all this. The trip will be of limited time. Three days in the Rawas, living and breathing in the high alpine meadows. Everything to survive your going to damn blasted carry. With mountain hiking there really are only two directions, up and down. Five extra pounds will dog your existence in the high country, lightness is key. Most people spend their lives trying to fill a home with conveniences to exist and fill space. Backpacking employs the direct opposite of this behavior. Take only what you need to survive. This is never exactly true as long as you prepare properly, there are lots of luxuries that carry quite easily.
As to our exact departure point into the wilderness I cannot be sure. I have left these details to the experts. John is lanky but shows that he spends his days working in a trench and his weekends in the mountains. Dustin is mostly quiet and friendly. He is the younger brother and I think probably a little crazy. Crazy only in the sense that does not seem to notice incredible risk. My younger brother and I are going to drive out there in a marathon 990 mile 15 and a half hour car ride past farm field after farm field. The high mountains are such a climax to the plains nary a road or farm implement to catch your eye.
No where is this phenomenon more evident than the Grand Tetons for those who have seen. I feel reasonably comfortable with this trip and have some reliability in my gear. It is always good to bring a camera for there is no shortage of post card like visages.&nbsp; 7/14/04 It is customary and right for the inexperienced to pack too heavily, a healthy lesson is needed in such matters. However the inexperienced must take care to bring the necessary provisions and gear or a healthy lesson may turn perilous. The first bit of gear that will become very intiment to you will be your pack. Carried for days at a time it must be light, comfortable,&nbsp; and be able to carry everything you intend to bring.&nbsp;The temptation to get an overly large backpack is commonplace and it seems most&nbsp;backpackers live with this mistake. Perhaps the wisest move is to decide on what you will fill your pack with before you purchase one. Internal frame backpacks are more appropriate than external frame ones for the amount of gear I would recommend carrying. The high counntry retains its snow throughout most of the summer, this&nbsp;is a testiment to cold and unpredictible weather.
The thought of laying out under the stars by a warm fire must be abandoned. Not only will you freeze and get wet, but fires are generally prohibited in the now drought stricken west. This means you must pack along your shelter and bed. Your tent must be light and packable and fit only one or two.&nbsp; The&nbsp;same goes for your sleeping bag and sleeping pad. I would certainly take advantage of current technology backpacking equipment. It is somewhat costly but far&nbsp;superior than what&nbsp;has been available historically.&nbsp;&nbsp;7/15/04 JD Brenny 
