Yellowstone Backpacking (August 2021)



We set out early for our hike, but didn't end up entering the park until after it opened at 8 am, and it was a good hour drive to the Heart Lake
trailhead.  Showers were forecast for the afternoon, so we were eager to make it to our campsite as soon as possible.  The trailhead was
relatively busy, including an 8-person group we would see repeatedly on the trail, which headed out about the same time as us.  The weather
was pleasant, and the trail gently sloped upwards, cresting a hill at halfway which overlooked the lake itself.  Numerous geothermal features
were present along the trail, including some rock walls that were hot to the touch.

Despite our bear spray and bells (or perhas because of) we didn't so much as sight any large wildlife.  We ended up beating the showers and 
set up our tents while everything was still dry.  We had cooked, freeze-dried meals, and ventured into the water.  Drew exited with a shriek:
"Leeches!  Oh my God, I'm going to die", although the leeches had already been brushed off.  No one went further into the water after that.

It stormed in the night.  Our rain-flies did a good job of keeping us dry.  Very little thunder was involved, just rain and strong winds.


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Day 1 of the Trip - Day 3 of the Trip