The Bob Marshall crew has had a busy couple of days getting ready for the big adventure ahead. After a long airport day and plenty of travel, everyone made it to camp ready to settle in, eat some good food, and start getting to know each other. We kept the first night simple with burgers around camp, followed by s'mores around the fire. It was a great way to wind down after a full day of travel and officially kick off the trip.
The next morning started with bacon and eggs before we headed out for a full day on the water. We spent time swimming and fishing both the North Fork of the Blackfoot and the Blackfoot River, and the fishing did not disappoint. Cutthroat trout and whitefish kept everyone busy throughout the day, and we even managed to land and release a bull trout. Between fishing holes, swimming, and hanging out along the river, it was a pretty perfect Montana summer day.
We also had an important birthday to celebrate. Zander got to mark his 18th birthday with a stop at the local store for some soft serve, which was a definite highlight. Not a bad way to spend a birthday — with good fishing, friends, and ice cream in the middle of Montana.
Later that afternoon, a short rainstorm rolled through and gave everyone a good excuse to slow down for a bit. A few campers took advantage of the weather to sneak in a nap before we got dinner going. Once the rain cleared, we made fajitas and then headed back toward the North Fork to catch the evening bite. The river came alive again before sunset, and we squeezed in a little more fishing before heading back to camp for the night.
Day three began with bowls of cereal before we loaded up and headed to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Big Game Days conservation event. It was a great opportunity for the group to meet people from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Search and Rescue while learning more about the wildlife and wild places we'll be traveling through over the next week.
Montana FWP gave everyone the chance to practice using inert bear spray on a mechanical charging bear, which made for both a important lesson and plenty of laughs. Search and Rescue talked with the group about navigating waterways and traveling safely in the backcountry. We also spent time around a stocked pond where everyone could watch fish behavior up close and learn a little more about the species that live in Montana's rivers and lakes.
Afterward, we grabbed lunch in the park, broke out the hacky sack for a while, grabbed some flies, and made one final stop for last-minute supplies before heading back to camp.
Tonight is our final night of preparation. Packs are being organized, gear is getting one last check, and everyone is getting excited for what comes next. Tomorrow, we leave the roads and easy access behind and begin our eight-day adventure into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
The crew is ready, spirits are high, and we can't wait to see what the next eight days bring.
Until next time,
The guides and the guys
