Sep 6
In what seems like forever ago, last December, Kelly and I applied for, and were accepted as summer volunteers at the #sawtoothnationalrecreationarea visitor center near Ketchum, Idaho.
Somehow, nearly four months have passed since our arrival in May, concluding what will have been our longest pause since launching into full-time travel 4.5yrs ago.
Today was our last day volunteering and tomorrow we say goodbye to this special area (and full hook-ups 😂).
Sep 1
Joined by my brother-in-law, today I completed my first proper bike race in years today. Rebecca’s Private Idaho is one of the most popular gravel rides in he country, and despite the dust and dirt, I had loads of fun riding the 58 mile course.
Desperately seeking escape from the Chicago concrete jungle, a few weeks ago my buddy John inquired about flying out to Idaho for a visit.
As one of my long-time besties, bro-code protocol mandates I do all I can to show him a good time. Motivated to ensure his visit would be a good one, I immediately began planning a multi-day backcountry camping trip deep into the Sawtooth Wilderness Area.
It is humbling being deep in nature’s territory. The mountains are magnificent; they are bold and reign supreme. Wandering the trails, John and I felt small and insignificant.
Beautiful as any image may be, pictures simply do not fully capture the beauty of these remote areas.
There is something magical about long loop bile rides in the wilderness backcountry.
I’m not gonna lie – the 2,500ft climb nearly 14 miles to the 9,600ft summit today was harder than I was expecting.
That said, propelled by stunning views, a solid Spotify playlist, and the promise of a killer descent, it wasn’t too hard making peace with mountains on their terms, in their turf.
Finally, the summit was reached and the eight miles descending back to the truck made all the uphill suffering totally worth the effort.
Idaho backcountry simply doesn’t disappoint.
Wandering With Purpose 