I have lived in Walla Walla County for most of my adult life, but life has recently forced me to move to the east coast, to Boston. I hate the "big city"; it's so oppressive. And I miss the West more than I can articulate. Backpacking in the Blues, in the Selkirks, and in the Bitterroots was always my spiritual anchor. Now it's all gone. It feels like losing a loved one! In the face of all that alienation, your videos have been getting me through. I admire your relationship to the land so much: it's so thoughtful and reverent and patient. I love pausing your videos and just taking it all in, myself. It connects me back to the place I will always consider home, the place where my heart will always be, even if I don't know if I'll ever be able to return there. Thank you, Travis.
I'm not sure where to start... The mountains are special and once they are in your blood, you'll always hear the call and feel the pull to go back! I'm sorry to hear that you were forced to move east. That is never a good way to go. Perhaps you will find some mountains near you, maybe the AT where you can recapture some of that spiritual peace. In either case, thank you for watching the videos! That fact that they mean anything to you is more than I would've ever thought possible when I started this channel. We'll keep bringing you adventures from the Rocky Mountains!
Love the after hike meal! The last trip for me was always a sad thing until I started winter camping. I love the solitude of the winter woods. :) Now, the rambles weren't usually as long because of heavier gear but hey, just wanted to keep getting out there. :) Thanks for sharing those views! :) :)
This was the first overnight I took my son on. He was 5 years old. Looked a long time to find a trip I thought would be perfect. This met everything I wanted for that. We went yearly for 8 years just cuz we love it and tradition. Always had great fishing. Generally had huckleberries. Saw a moose in the lake the first year. This trip is a big reason my son is "addicted" to backpacking now. Nothing he would rather do.
This one might be too easy for you guys! You can also come in from the bottom, below the lakes. My favorite trail by Libby would probably be the Cabinet Divide trail. From your last hike where you went to Cedar Lakes, past that scary bridge and the trail on the cliff side, you wrap around the backside of that mountain, and then start back to the south. That trail from above Cedar Lakes to the Sky Lakes turnoff is my favorite in the Cabinets. Incredible ridge walk. It's not by Libby, but by Thompson Falls, the cabin lake loop used to be my favorite. We did the trail a few years ago and 2-3 weeks after we completed it, a fire started and burned the whole area. I haven't been back yet to see how bad it was. but that one used to be my favorite.
Spectacular video, thank you as always; your music was excellent, perfect for the shots, beautiful photography, excellent mix of close-up shots and drone shots; we really enjoyed it and will keep an eye out for your BB next video; thank you for sharing, best wishes
Travis! I hope all is well with you and your family. You came to mind because I see an "Artic Blast" coming to the Northwest part of the country! Stay warm in those low temps!
What a way to end the season! Wish I could get to the Bitterroots more often. Every time I look at that Stateline Trail on Google Earth or Gaia, I’m always blown away by how many lakes are tucked away in there. And those ridge walks! Thanks for sharing and really looking forward to next season and perhaps a winter trip or two?
The Stateline Trail is really a gem! In this area I would say it is hands down my favorite trail! I find it a little weird how most of the little lakes off of the Stateline Trail are mostly on the Montana side of the ridge. I'm sure there is a Geologic reason for that.
@@mountainwanderer The prevailing winds blow the snow off the west side of the ridge where it is deposited in the east side. Back in the day, the glaciers would thus be on the east side and carve out the basins to n which the lakes sit. Also, the tectonics would cause the crust to buckle and life up on the east side, making cliffs, and slope down gently on the west. Plus, the snow/ice would get the cooler morning sun and not melt as rapidly as in the west which gets the warmer, afternoon sun. There is also summer breezes which sort of fan dry the west side. That’s all I can think of. Even see it on n the Olympics to some degree, but not everywhere. Grand Run def is a great example.
It’s really pretty out there end of October. I left at the beginning thinking it was getting too cold but looks like I was wrong! Sometimes you just can’t beat a good 0 day at camp
Thanks for a great season of hiking, backpacking and the western scenery! This outing was a nice one to end on! For those of us that like the fishing too, you need to get Fred out more 😉
You always make such great videos! I loved the colors! The quiet peaceful time looking at the wonders all around, and your Dog, was so nice to see. Thanks!
Very nice, Travis......I enjoyed it! Sorry to see the season closing out but looking forward to some winter camping.....Happy Thanksgiving to you and Val.
I really appreciate your style of backpack. It isn't about the miles you put under your boots. You get it. Let me know if you ever want to do backpack in the Olympics. Have a nice winter. Thanks for sharing.
Damn! Those Street Tacos looked amazing. Wait a minute, wouldn't they be called Trail Tacos? Thought that was a great horned owl ,but I see Bob says it's a Barred Owl. Either way, it's definitely a privilege to see one of those beautiful creatures. 2023 is closed, and definitely looking forward to seeing what 2024 adventures u have in store for us. Hopefully next season we can all do at least 1 trip together. Good to see your Beer sponsor Fred out and of course Val and Timber.
Those Tacos were amazing! You might be on to something... Trail Tacos... I like it! We've definitely eaten better this year! With 2023 officially being over, all eyes turn to '24! Looking forward to seeing what happens! Oh.... and Kenny and I were talking about maybe the Eagle Caps in '24 - you should see if you can make it!
Love your videos, addictive escapism for urban dwellers, fascinated by the adaptability of the dogs to the terrain, and their unflagging energy..thank you for these wonderful videos.
Our dog Timber knows the drill when we're backpacking, when the packs are on, it's time to walk, and once they come off, get your rest while you can! Thanks for watching!
Spellbinding cinema and music. You have the "eye" brother. Your work is exciting to me. Go Cats beat the Griz next year....Still in the playoffs. See your work next season, my friend. And three peat UGA.
What a great trip and another beautiful area. 16 degrees here in Northern Vermont. Time for the winter gear to come out of the closet. Thanks for another great video and Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Take care, Al
Okay Travis I have to say man I have so enjoyed your videos this year. You have had a fantastic year of adventures. I hope someday to make it out to your area and hike and backpack with you. (Yes I invited myself LOL ) thanks for the wonderful places you’ve shown us
Those views at the lake are so beautiful. Me and my buddies are planning a summer trip out West. Colorado or Utah or Montana are our choices. I showed them your channel and the great places you go to out there. Always love your videos brother 👍🏻👍🏻
Right on! If you hit western Montana I'd love to go on a trip with you! You've got a lot of great options in those states for epic trips! I'd throw a shout out there to Wyoming. The Wind River Range is incredible!
You are pissing me off😜. I was looking at maps and these lakes and figured this needed to be on the bucket list early next year. I was going to ask your wife if you had ever been to the Bonanza Lakes. 😫 Can’t to hear where you are off to next year.
Looks like a great season closer! Street tacos and fly fishing? Sign me up! Hit me up sometime, I’d love to plan a trip up there! You got a few extra weeks out there. My season ended first week in October. Just been hiking to stay in shape for splitboarding. Watching this made me miss backpacking already. 🤘⛰️🥾🍂
We've been able to extend our season late into October the last few years. About 5 years ago we went in early October and were hiking through 6" of fresh snow! Looking forward to getting some turns now!
I have lived in Walla Walla County for most of my adult life, but life has recently forced me to move to the east coast, to Boston. I hate the "big city"; it's so oppressive. And I miss the West more than I can articulate. Backpacking in the Blues, in the Selkirks, and in the Bitterroots was always my spiritual anchor. Now it's all gone. It feels like losing a loved one! In the face of all that alienation, your videos have been getting me through. I admire your relationship to the land so much: it's so thoughtful and reverent and patient. I love pausing your videos and just taking it all in, myself. It connects me back to the place I will always consider home, the place where my heart will always be, even if I don't know if I'll ever be able to return there. Thank you, Travis.
I'm not sure where to start... The mountains are special and once they are in your blood, you'll always hear the call and feel the pull to go back! I'm sorry to hear that you were forced to move east. That is never a good way to go. Perhaps you will find some mountains near you, maybe the AT where you can recapture some of that spiritual peace. In either case, thank you for watching the videos! That fact that they mean anything to you is more than I would've ever thought possible when I started this channel. We'll keep bringing you adventures from the Rocky Mountains!
Thank you so much for putting in the time and effort to share this beauty with us. Your experience was the highlight of my day. 🌞
Thank you for taking the time to watch!
Love the after hike meal! The last trip for me was always a sad thing until I started winter camping. I love the solitude of the winter woods. :) Now, the rambles weren't usually as long because of heavier gear but hey, just wanted to keep getting out there. :) Thanks for sharing those views! :) :)
I love winter camping too! As soon as we get some more snow we'll be out scouting locations for our next winter camp.
Again-Way to get out there and make the most of it. I admire your tenacity and gumption. Good vid as usual
When we keep getting into places like these, it makes it a lot easier to keep coming back!
Looks like an area I'll have to visit. So beautiful!
Also, I love it when Val is there with you. I love her upbeat attitude and sweet smile.
I love having her there too!
This was the first overnight I took my son on. He was 5 years old. Looked a long time to find a trip I thought would be perfect. This met everything I wanted for that. We went yearly for 8 years just cuz we love it and tradition. Always had great fishing. Generally had huckleberries. Saw a moose in the lake the first year. This trip is a big reason my son is "addicted" to backpacking now. Nothing he would rather do.
You son and I share an addiction! Fantastic spot to take your young ones. For them it would be just enough for to be a real adventure!
Beautiful nature! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for checking it out!
Another great job! We haven't been there yet. Maybe next summer. What are your favorite hikes close to Libby?
This one might be too easy for you guys! You can also come in from the bottom, below the lakes. My favorite trail by Libby would probably be the Cabinet Divide trail. From your last hike where you went to Cedar Lakes, past that scary bridge and the trail on the cliff side, you wrap around the backside of that mountain, and then start back to the south. That trail from above Cedar Lakes to the Sky Lakes turnoff is my favorite in the Cabinets. Incredible ridge walk. It's not by Libby, but by Thompson Falls, the cabin lake loop used to be my favorite. We did the trail a few years ago and 2-3 weeks after we completed it, a fire started and burned the whole area. I haven't been back yet to see how bad it was. but that one used to be my favorite.
Spectacular video, thank you as always; your music was excellent, perfect for the shots, beautiful photography, excellent mix of close-up shots and drone shots; we really enjoyed it and will keep an eye out for your BB next video; thank you for sharing, best wishes
Thank you for watching and following along all year!
Travis! I hope all is well with you and your family. You came to mind because I see an "Artic Blast" coming to the Northwest part of the country! Stay warm in those low temps!
we're watching it roll in and stoking the fire!
Could I ask the name of the shoes Val is wearing? Those look like a great pair to try. Thank you in advance!
They are Altras. The Model might be the Lone Peak.
Thanks so much!
Another great trip, and cool seeing the barred owl. I always enjoy the drone's eye view of the lakes and surrounding terrain.
It is always nice to get the drone up and get a totally different perspective on the country that you're in!
What a way to end the season! Wish I could get to the Bitterroots more often. Every time I look at that Stateline Trail on Google Earth or Gaia, I’m always blown away by how many lakes are tucked away in there. And those ridge walks! Thanks for sharing and really looking forward to next season and perhaps a winter trip or two?
The Stateline Trail is really a gem! In this area I would say it is hands down my favorite trail! I find it a little weird how most of the little lakes off of the Stateline Trail are mostly on the Montana side of the ridge. I'm sure there is a Geologic reason for that.
@@mountainwanderer The prevailing winds blow the snow off the west side of the ridge where it is deposited in the east side. Back in the day, the glaciers would thus be on the east side and carve out the basins to n which the lakes sit. Also, the tectonics would cause the crust to buckle and life up on the east side, making cliffs, and slope down gently on the west. Plus, the snow/ice would get the cooler morning sun and not melt as rapidly as in the west which gets the warmer, afternoon sun. There is also summer breezes which sort of fan dry the west side. That’s all I can think of. Even see it on n the Olympics to some degree, but not everywhere. Grand Run def is a great example.
It’s really pretty out there end of October. I left at the beginning thinking it was getting too cold but looks like I was wrong! Sometimes you just can’t beat a good 0 day at camp
It has been staying nice longer and longer the last few years. October is turning in to the prime season!
Bittersweet, huh? Loved the scenes you captured. Need to make my way over there from the "wet side".
It is quite different country in the Rockies, both incredibly beautiful though!
Thanks for a great season of hiking, backpacking and the western scenery! This outing was a nice one to end on! For those of us that like the fishing too, you need to get Fred out more 😉
I'll let Fred know that he needs to get out there more! It's good for him!
@@mountainwanderer Tell Fred his fly fishing fans demand it 😉
You always make such great videos! I loved the colors! The quiet peaceful time looking at the wonders all around, and your Dog, was so nice to see. Thanks!
These fall trips are some of my favorite! The colors in the Bitterroots were especially pretty this year!
Morning coffee and Mountain Wanderer. Ahhh wilderness! It’s gonna be a good day!
Happy holidays to you and yours, Travis.✌️
Happy Holidays! Our last video adventure of the year!
Very nice, Travis......I enjoyed it!
Sorry to see the season closing out but looking forward to some winter camping.....Happy Thanksgiving to you and Val.
I've already got our eyes set on winter and are just waiting for some more snow to drop in the high country! Happy Thanksgiving!
I really appreciate your style of backpack. It isn't about the miles you put under your boots. You get it. Let me know if you ever want to do backpack in the Olympics. Have a nice winter. Thanks for sharing.
The Olympics have been on the list for a while! Not exactly sure when it will happen, but it will happen!
Damn! Those Street Tacos looked amazing. Wait a minute, wouldn't they be called Trail Tacos? Thought that was a great horned owl ,but I see Bob says it's a Barred Owl. Either way, it's definitely a privilege to see one of those beautiful creatures. 2023 is closed, and definitely looking forward to seeing what 2024 adventures u have in store for us. Hopefully next season we can all do at least 1 trip together. Good to see your Beer sponsor Fred out and of course Val and Timber.
Those Tacos were amazing! You might be on to something... Trail Tacos... I like it! We've definitely eaten better this year! With 2023 officially being over, all eyes turn to '24! Looking forward to seeing what happens! Oh.... and Kenny and I were talking about maybe the Eagle Caps in '24 - you should see if you can make it!
@@mountainwanderer MOST DEFINITELY!
Love your videos, addictive escapism for urban dwellers, fascinated by the adaptability of the dogs to the terrain, and their unflagging energy..thank you for these wonderful videos.
Our dog Timber knows the drill when we're backpacking, when the packs are on, it's time to walk, and once they come off, get your rest while you can! Thanks for watching!
I dig it!
Right on! Thanks for checking it out!
Yup, lovely spot to celebrate.
Indeed it was!
Spellbinding cinema and music. You have the "eye" brother. Your work is exciting to me.
Go Cats beat the Griz next year....Still in the playoffs. See your work next season, my friend.
And three peat UGA.
Thank you! Best of luck to the Cats in the playoffs! Once we hit playoff season, I expand my cheering to all of the Big Sky schools.
@@mountainwanderer Yes. NDS is a monster.
And three peat UGA.
What a great trip and another beautiful area. 16 degrees here in Northern Vermont. Time for the winter gear to come out of the closet. Thanks for another great video and Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Take care, Al
Winter in Northern Vermont - Thank is something I would love to experience! Thanks for following along all year! Happy Thanksgiving!
How far north, Pumpkin Village? Northeast Kingdom north?
@@birddogfarms6981 Franklin county
Beautiful! Log tacos for the win. But don't say the season's over. Winter camping is almost here!
We're ready for winter! Just waiting for some more snow to fall!
The music on your video's is so awesome, not to mention your adventure, thank 😊
Thank you!
Okay Travis I have to say man I have so enjoyed your videos this year. You have had a fantastic year of adventures. I hope someday to make it out to your area and hike and backpack with you. (Yes I invited myself LOL ) thanks for the wonderful places you’ve shown us
It has been a great season of adventures! If you ever get out this way I would be honored to show you some of our backyard here the Rockies!
Best video yet... takes me back to good places. Thanks and appreciate all you do.
Thank you! It is a special time of year to up in the high country.
Beautiful forest
Thanks for watching!
Those views at the lake are so beautiful.
Me and my buddies are planning a summer trip out West. Colorado or Utah or Montana are our choices. I showed them your channel and the great places you go to out there. Always love your videos brother 👍🏻👍🏻
Right on! If you hit western Montana I'd love to go on a trip with you! You've got a lot of great options in those states for epic trips! I'd throw a shout out there to Wyoming. The Wind River Range is incredible!
As a young'n I remember my dad talking about how he and others would drive the State Line Road. Also fishing the Bonanza Lakes.
That would've been some really wild country in those days!
Thanks for naming sports and exposing them.
Thank you for watching!
Good for the soul 🙏
Amen to that!
You are pissing me off😜. I was looking at maps and these lakes and figured this needed to be on the bucket list early next year. I was going to ask your wife if you had ever been to the Bonanza Lakes. 😫 Can’t to hear where you are off to next year.
You can ask her now! She's been there! Well worth the trip though the fishing was really slow!
Cascade area is nice. I prefer the Idaho side more/St. Joe River. Less people. Going to Broken Leg next year for an overnight.
I was really surprised there were no other trucks at the trailhead! I plan on spending more time in the St Joe country next year.
Can you please play the song at the end of your " panjang " hiking trip on your next video, it is soooo awesome 😊
I don't know if I'll use it on the next one, but I've used that song on a quite a few videos through the years!
Keep the free spirit strong, my friend; slan go foill(bye for now) 🔥🌧🌈
It is strong within me!
You're killing me man!! How's that new iPhone working out? Rick
I didn't have it on this trip..😢
Barred Owl.
.."who cooks for you". is the call.
Thanks for letting me know - it was pretty amazing when he flew in!
Take me with you I have better whiskey and fishing gear
😂 - Fred missed the mark on the whiskey on this trip for sure!
@@mountainwanderer lmao
Looks like a great season closer! Street tacos and fly fishing? Sign me up! Hit me up sometime, I’d love to plan a trip up there! You got a few extra weeks out there. My season ended first week in October. Just been hiking to stay in shape for splitboarding. Watching this made me miss backpacking already. 🤘⛰️🥾🍂
We've been able to extend our season late into October the last few years. About 5 years ago we went in early October and were hiking through 6" of fresh snow! Looking forward to getting some turns now!