Glacier Peak 2006:
This was a trip of many firsts for Tim and me, Mom and Dad. It was our first backpacking trip to Washington, our first trip taking a plane, train, boat, and bus to get to the trailhead, our first trip with bear and cubs within direct vicinity of the campsite, the first trip near an active volcano, our first trip having to "move" our campsite, and our first trip ending with a crowd of people waving us off. What wasn’t new were the great mountain views, smells, sweat, and blisters, as well as the camaraderie, laughs, fun, and feelings of accomplishment.

Ansel Adams 2005:
Eleven days in the High Sierra is enough to clear anybody’s mind almost permanently of all that ails them. This trip did just that. The four of us (Mom and Dad Lang, Tim and me) set out from Silver Lake in the Mammoth region of the Sierras in California. Because of the heavy snowfall this year, the mountains were alive with wildflowers, many trickling streams, and mosquitos!! We eventually explored the Marie Lakes basin, Donohue Pass, Thousand Island and Garnet Lakes under Ritter and Banner peaks, and then Lake Ediza and Iceburg Lake under the Minarets.

Hoover / Yosemite 2004:
This was our biggest trip yet in terms of participants, as the Langs, Carlsons, and Rendahls all converged on Bridgeport, California before setting out into Hoover Wilderness area. Beautiful vistas of Crown Peak from all angles, and scambling to high ridges to see into Yosemite, and then hiking into Yosemite proper were the highlights of the trip. Maruchan and more Maruchan were definitely the lowlights, but then again, we don’t go backpacking for the culinary delights… Burgers and shakes at the Jolly Cone afterwards made it all better.

North Wind River Range 2003:
Peak Lake Basin was the goal of our 2003 trip and although we didn’t make all the way to the pass over the backside and into Titcomb Basin (due to rockslides), we enjoyed amazing views from Peak Lake and the Wind River Range. Matt and Andrea joined us from Salt Lake City and despite wildfires and grueling climbs, we had a beautiful trip – a place we need more time to explore. We’ll be back!

North Wind River Range 2002:
Ahhh, Titcomb Basin – God’s bedroom. Nancy met us in Cheyenne and we hoofed our way into the Winds towards Titcomb Basin. We revisited all our old campsites and found some new ones. The highlight of the trip was our 12 mile round-trip foray into the basin itself, with side-trips to Mistake Lake and the end of the last lake in the basin. Gorgeous weather and hilarious fun!