On the way to Jackson, I had caught a glimpse of Grand Teton, and managed to snap a few photos, now I was ready to really explore the park. I went for the Moose, visitors center to find out what trails were the best. Unfortunately I was informed that everything was snowed covered. I decided on a backcountry expedition, solo, with skis. I was informed that both bear danger, and avalanche danger was very high. The park ranger asked me if I had a beacon, probe and shovel which I did, and I brought with me. She also equipped me with a bear proof canister for my food. The canister is essentially a 2 gallon barrel made of heavy duty plastic with a lid that is so difficult to open it took me 5 minutes to figure out, hopefully I’m smarter than your average bear.
Since it was spring, and like everywhere else the Tetons had a heavy snowfall this past winter, the avalanche danger was high. In fact 2 guys had been killed 2 weeks earlier, on a climb. They were found still in their tent. I took the ranger’s advice and did a hike into a canyon with shallow slopes, and lowest level of danger. I took the required gear, probe, shovel, and beacon. Although I thought it was a bit odd since the beacon only works if there is someone else there to look for you. If I was buried I have maybe 45 minutes to live, so unless someone is right near me when the slide occurs, a beacon will only help them find my remains. However I figured maybe I would find someone else in the same canyon.
After loading up my back, and strapping my skis, and boots on the pack too (pack weight was about 70 lbs!) I headed in, luckily only ¾ a mile in I had to switch to skis and skins. This would be my first ever solo backpacking trip, and the first time I ever used my skis and skins on an overnight trip. Consequently without anyone to share the weight of a stove, tent, shovel and other group gear, I had everything. No worries, I saw it as an opportunity for some solitude, reading, and honing my skinning and back country skills.
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