GiG Gals Find Steep Climb Worth the 360-Degree Views
 We had the perfect day for a mountain climb: not too hot and not too much chance of thunderstorms, so 10 of us drive the Teton Canyon road to the start of our hike. Coincidentally, we came across a group of GMS (Glacier Mountaineering Society) members climbing Washboard Reef, which Katie's husband decided to join. And Laurie from East Glacier was among the group. We got on trail at 8:40. Katie wasn't feeling well so she wasn't very foggy headed questioning so many things, even the trail, which she should know well given how many times she has done this particular hike. So she had Josie, Amber, June and Christi scrambling to double check she was on the right trail. They all earned their merit badges for the day going an extra quarter mile, some uphill. On the way up, we marveled at the wildflowers, so many different kinds and a doe who seemed unaware or afraid of us. We wondered if she was about to give birth. We has seen many deer at the ranger cabin and stables by the parking area on the way in. We hoped to see her on the way down with a newborn, but it wasn't to be. We did see deer by our cars, but we didn't spot the fawn. The hike went well except for Katie and Mary S who had trouble breathing. Everyone made it to the top, Katie struggling, with Mary staying at the second saddle. The views were spectacular, but a bit of a storm was brewing so we didn't spend too much time on top in case of lightning. The peak is over 8,800 feet with a climb of 3,400 feet in elevation. Katie got that wrong. She thought it was a 10,000 foot peak. It is the third highesst in the Bob, and they say it has the best views in all of Montana. We agree. On the way back down, Katie and Mary looked for the extra water bottles they had stashed to save some weight. Katie was way off on where they were stashed. Mary knew right where they were and didn't give up hope as we spotted them. However, someone had taken one of Mary's bottles and left behind the labels! We had seen a young gal on trail with her dog. We could only surmise she must have needed the water for herself or her pet. Luckily, Mary didn't need it. We finished our hike around 3;30. After our hike, we got our cold drinks out of the coolers and relaxed a bit, changed our shoes and headed to Choteau for dinner at the Log Cabin. We left GF at 6:30 a.m and arrived home around 7 p.m.. Who went: Mary S, Susan C, Amber, Christi, Susan W, Josy, Paula, June, Beth, Katie |
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