Stone Sheep Hunt Day 1 and 2 July 28, 2008

Our friend picked us up and flew us to an area that looked promising for Stone Sheep.  You can see the high Mountains in the picture.  That is were we are hiking to.  He dropped off our supplies and said to us.... "If I don't hear from you I'll be back to pick you up in 14 days".  

 Made base camp and will spend 1 night here.  We went and made 500 yards of walking trail up hill.  Left one pack on the trail and 1 gun and headed back to Base camp.

Sitting by the campfire at 9 pm Vikki said "What's that in the water?"  A Big Brown Grizzly was swimming away from us, 180 meters away...... just it's head showing.  We also saw a sandpiper and a small brown duck gave us a scolding for disturbing her spot.  We had a good sleep (rained all night) and were up at 6 am.  Low clouds in the sky. 

Bryan's pack is about 70 lbs, plus pail which has day food in it, Hannah is packing her dog food, Vikki's pack is 30 lbs.

Packed up camp .... stored Base Camp supplies up in a tree. We did leave the fly tarps up encase we had to come off the Mountain fast.  They also gave a start for rescue to find us if need be.
Started up the hill about 9 am, slashing trail with a 28" camp axe (2lb head) and relaying gear until 7 pm.  We marked trail with ribbon so we could find our way down again.
Can opener and spoon was stashed away and so Bryan opened the can with his axe and made a spoon out of the lid and a stick.

 Cut Balsam bows make a wonderful bed.  You use only the tips and they are stuck in the ground at a 45 degree angle.  You start at the top and work your way down.  They create a lofty mattress.  Hemlock or cedar or moss can also be used.  There was no water near here but we are too tired to go further....tough going for old dogs and people.  Caught rain water for coffee overnight off the tent-fly.