Gannett Peak, Wyoming - 13,804 ft.
August 2-7, 2008

Looking north towards Gannett Peak from Bonney Pass (Peter Junger & Jim Juritsch)

Jim, Richmond, VA and Peter, Seattle, WA, our twelfth year of hiking together, set our sights on Gannett Peak this year. We’ve done all the other significant high points in the lower 48 States and now it was time to bag Gannett on our second attempt.  Known to be a tough go, we tried and failed in 2002.  This time we were older and wiser.  We decided to build in a rest day before the summit attempt, which would prove to be a big factor our success.  The story unfolds...

Day 1- Saturday, August 2

	We both flew in to Jackson Hole, WY, a great place to start any adventure.  On Saturday morning, we packed up the gear and 80 miles SE to the trailhead.
	As we approached Pinedale, we saw that a forest fire was active near the trailhead, Elkhart Park.
	The fire was officially named the New Fork Fire, after the large nearby basin and lakes of the same name.
	We got a late start, at 2:30 pm, due to a number of personal issues, but we were feeling great.
	We stopped at the ranger station to inquire about the raging New Fork Fire nearby, that consumed 10,000+ acres already and was quickly spreading. For the moment it didn’t appear to pose a threat, except for the smoke occasionally drifting our way.
	Creek crossing
	On the trail we saw a few horse-packs, smart or maybe lazy people do that to get deep into the woods, not lugging 65 lb packs like us. Our initial plan was to get up to Island Lake the first day, but with the late start and not wanting to pitch camp in the dark, we decided to camp at Seneca Lake.
	Camp #1 - Seneca Lake
	The fire was aglow on the horizon, and it wasn’t very comforting.  Especially at night, the eerie glow was unnerving and we talked about an escape plan towards the lake if the fire jumped the ridge.
	Night night...

Day 2