ChoteauCam Trip to Harrison Valley
and an unsuccessful attempt at a new route on Walton Mountain
Part 3: August 18-19, 2007; Click to visit Part 1 or Part 2
Mountaineers: Ralph Thornton, Ron Gruber and April Carr
Copyright Notice

Breakfast at high camp.

Fortunately it was a little less smoky than the previous night.
The route we used to reach our high camp was not the best choice so we looked for alternatives for the descent back to the valley floor.

I had spotted a ridge to the west that looked good but to reach it we had to cross two waterfalls, traverse some narrow ledges (left) and climb down some small but steep cliffs.

Once we got to the ridge and began our descent things went smoothly.

About half way down we stopped to rest and enjoy a luncheon. Another stream to our right as we descended dropped over several cliffs providing a nice waterfall backdrop for lunch.

Below: Ron Gruber and April Carr still looking pretty sprightly.
Ahhhh! Once down in the valley we got to experience some more arboreal gymnastics.

As the barker in front of the freak house at the River View Amusement Park in Chicago used to say, "She waalks, she taaalks, she craaaawls on her belly like a reptile!!!!!"

So does Ron (below).
Above Left: After another night at the Harrison Lake camp Ron tapes up for the hike out.

Above Right: We wanted to look good for the camera. But it wasn't my camera I'm talking about. Along the trail we got our photo taken by this device. Probably part of someone's research project. Having a camera flash go off next to you along the trail when your not expecting it is a little unnerving!
Our last challenge. One more chance to bath our feet.

The Rest of the Story: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3