NOLS WOE Tetons Ski Mountaineering Expedition: Day 21 – Transferrence

NOLS WOE Tetons Ski Mountaineering Expedition: Day 21 – Transferrence

Leaving the backcountry, transferring the last weeks of experience into the front country. A short skin out, and a shock to be back at base. Notes:

  • Woke up early at our final campsite. No breakfast, packed up quickly and skinned out the last 500 meters.
  • Van and truck picked us up on side of road, and we drove 2.5 hours through driving snow, over Teton Pass, to NOLS Teton Valley Base.
  • At base, each of us de-issued personal gear, and then cleaned and de-issued group gear. After being together as a group in the backcountry, we worked very effeciently together as a group in the front country.
  • NOLS TVB staff made us a tasty, light meal for our return – too much heavy food after weeks on backcountry rations is a bad idea, makes you sick. So we ate a light lunch.
  • After lunch, finally showers and change into fresh clothes. First shower/shave in weeks!
  • Finally, at the end of a long day, graduation and final group meeting.
  • People departed for Idaho Falls and Jackson soon thereafter. Most of us went to the same hotel in Idaho Falls. Good to stay in the frontcountry with a bunch of people.
  • In Idaho Falls, we dropped our bags at hotel, and met up for dinner at Outback Steakhouse. A terrible chain restaurant, but after backcountry rations, a welcome site. Hearty, fatty, cheap chain food was just what was needed. Steak, lobster, shrimp, bloomin onion, beer, cake, ice cream, questadillas, hot wings, waffles, etc etc. Ate as much as we could.
  • LATE night for us – passed out at 9:45. Shared hotel room with Scott.
  • Tomorrow, final group breakfast at Dennys.

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