50 Mile Backpack Trip, 1980

(Photos, videos and memories courtesy Lynn Larsen)

In 1980, a 50-mile backpack trip was organized for the young men age 12 to 18 in the Bountiful 9th Ward. We spent several weeks trying to get in condition to carry the heavy packs at such a high altitude. Drop off was at the trail head for the Highline Trail which is a few miles north of Mirror Lake on the Mirror Lake Highway. Pick up was at Moon Lake. Camping spots were Helen Lake (2 nights), Andersen Lake, Squaw Lake and Brown Duck Lake. At least Brown Duck Lake was the planned stop so the boys could fish one last time but rain and sleet were coming down so hard when we got there we continued on for a couple miles where it was only raining lightly but it was still very cold. We had a roaring fire going in no time so everyone could warm up and dry out a little. The weather had been good until that last hiking day. There was no access to roads anywhere along the way. Those picking us up had what seemed to the hikers to be the most wonderful lunch ever all ready for us. It included such luxuries as potato chips, soda to drink and even cake for dessert.

The adults on the hike were Richard Anderson, Al Barton, Ken Byers and Lynn Larsen. There were 18 boys but I won't try and identify everyone because I don't want to leave anyone out and the movie pictures don't provide enough clarity to be sure.

The attached movie clips are only of the drop off and pick up. Our packs were already heavy enough, no one wanted to carry the camera on the whole trip.