19 July 2014 Leaving Ketchum

Next morning, Saturday, we met up with Vicki, and also her partner Gene. Gene wouldn't be cycling, but intended to meet up with us every 5 days or so. He'd be spending time fishing, reading and hiking, and with any luck, be there to greet us at camp with much needed beer. Sadly, Jim had to pull out of the trip at the last minute due to family commitments which was a big blow. His sunny personality would be missed by us all but we promised to keep in regular touch along the way.

As usual, Team Faff (Pip and I) spend ages getting ready to leave. A simple trip to the bike/outdoor store to tighten up Sherman's chain and buy a can of camping gas expands into:

a new pair of cycling gloves,
a new saddle,
new handlebar grips,
sunglasses and
2 new rubber foldable camping bowls
chain lube.

Finally, by lunchtime, we are all packed up and ready to go. The plan is to ease in gently with 15 miles or so up the Harriman Trail, after leaving our cars at the USFS Sawtooth visitor centre. First, a leaving photo with the splendid green rubber bowls - which were actually sold as pet bowls believe it or not.

18 miles later, we have to find our first wild camping spot, since it is Saturday and all the fee paying campsites are fully booked. Like kids, we compare our new kit purchased since the last trip; we have a new gravity filter, Vicki has borrowed a lightweight tarp tent from Gene but Harry wins with his new skeletal camping mat, which he assures us is the lightest, most comfortable mat EVER! It may well be, if you never sleep on your side! It could also double up as a luge however.

The local friendly mosquitoes quickly introduce themselves during dinner, and soon we have to retreat to tents, having hung our food away for the night.