Over the past few weeks, I’ve been fine-tuning my itinerary during my free time.  Yes, even in my office.  Maybe especially in my office.  I’m pretty sure the clerks think I’ve lost my mind at this point, as my desk often has trail guides and/or maps sprawled across it.  However, this is time well-spent.  Things are definitely starting to fall into place.  I’m even starting to find places to stay, and I’m realizing it’s a great feeling to have connections all over the country.  However, I still need to narrow down some of these hikes, as the way it stands there is no way I can hike everything.  Without further ado, the updated itinerary:

July 25 : Drive to La Grande, Oregon.  Spend night at Timmy’s parents’ place.

July 26 : Enjoy La Grande for the day/possibly go hiking with a guide who sounds pretty awesome/Drive to Wallowa Lake, Oregon

July 27 : Wallowa Lake, Oregon

July 28 : Drive to Tacoma, Washington.  Spend night with Patrick’s parents or some connection of Patrick’s.  Make sure to shower before heading into the woods for the week.  :-p

July 29 : Drive into Canada!  Set up camp in Glacier NP.

July 30 :

Glacier NP – Hike Perley Rock Trail and/or the Glacier Crest Trail.  Camp.

July 31 – August 3 :

Banff NP – Hike Lake Louise, Saddleback and Plain of the Six Glaciers; Cory Pass Mt. Edith Circuit; Bourgeau Lake; Boom Lake; and Parker Ridge Overlook of Saskatchewan Glacier

Kootenay NP – Hike Floe Lake

Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park – Windy Ridge Trail

Height of the Rockies Provincial Park – Limestone Lake

August 3 (evening) :  Calgary!!!

August 4 : Drive to Bozeman, Montana.  Back in the States!  Bozeman!!!

August 5 :

Trails Near Bozeman – Palisade Falls or Sacagewea Peak

August 5 (evening) : Drive to Salt Lake City, Utah.  Possibly stay with an old family friend.

August 6  – August 7:

Wasatch Range – Mt. Olympus, Lake Blanche, Brighton Lake Trail System (Lake Mary, Catherine, etc.), Secret Lake

August 8 : Drive home.

Wow.  Just looking at things take shape is making me incredibly excited.  I want it to be July right now.  However, I know there’s still a lot of planning left, including making reservations, getting transaction fee-less credit cards and currency lined up, further narrowing down hikes, and obtaining the last of my gear.  Gear’s the most complicated.  I feel like every time I turn around, there’s something else I think of that I need for this trip.  I’ve also been unashamedly pointing out some of the epic hikes to friends and people who I think would be awesome travel companions on this trip.  No definitive yeses just yet, but I’m definitely noticing that some people are starting to warm up to the idea.  And why not?  This is going to be amazing experience worth remembering for life.  Hopefully someone out there realizes this by July and takes the leap of faith.  Anyways, I’ve already taken that leap.  Can’t wait.

Cheers,

Rob