Hello Parents!
Thus far, this trip has been one heck of an adventure—hence the name! We exited the backcountry today, and the crew is currently showering and doing laundry in the town of Gardiner, a small tourist hub just outside the North Entrance of Yellowstone. This stop was much needed, and all we’ve heard from the group over the past two days has been: “Oh man, that warm shower is going to feel SO good!” Of course, throwing on a clean pair of drawers doesn’t hurt either.
We’ve covered some ground since our first update. After entering Yellowstone National Park—our home for the rest of the trip—we completed our first backcountry stint to Grebe Lake and Ice Lake. It was a stellar send that included trail miles, character-building, unfamiliar challenges (yes, I’m referring to the backcountry bathroom setup), and, most importantly, some epic fishing.
Before that, we spent two nights at Madison Campground, filled with hoots, hollers, and late-night laughs from inside the tents. Campfire conversations, hammock hangs, can jam (a frisbee game), fly box showcases, and even a morning black bear sighting made it a memorable stay. On our first full day, we fished a few “secret” streams nearby, then returned to a dinner of chicken stir-fry and the first of many s’mores around the fire.
After a solid night’s sleep, we woke to a breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes—served in rounds of two, then two more, then two more—and set out for a full day of fishing. With four guides and 12 campers, and considering the smaller size of these streams, we split into two groups. This 3:1 camper-to-guide ratio is ideal and gives us the chance to focus on each individual.
Half the crew headed to the Gibbon River to target brook trout, and the other group fished the infamous Firehole River—named for the hot springs and geysers that raise its temperature. In some stretches, you can literally feel the warmth where side streams pour in. Upstream fishing was on fire (literally and figuratively), and one of the groups found a true “fire hole” loaded with brown trout.
We had to battle some classic Montana weather early on—a passing rainstorm and colder temps—but neither the group’s spirits nor the fishing suffered. Afterward, one group headed back to camp to rest and snack, while the others played tourist, visiting Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. A few wagers were placed (flies on the line) to guess the exact minute of the geyser’s eruption.
Back at camp, hammocks were strung up between what seemed like every tree in sight as the group swapped fish stories. That evening, we packed for the backcountry, made sure gear was dialed in, and taught the crew how to properly pack a backpacking bag. We divided up group gear, prepped food for the next two days (stuffed into what we call “bear bags”), and made sure nobody brought 10+ pairs of underwear for a two-night trip. Dinner was bratwurst with grilled peppers and onions—greeted with initial skepticism but ultimately devoured. As always, seconds and thirds were available. S’mores followed, of course. They’re a staple at this point—our go-to dessert, and yes, you’ll be hearing more about them.
We aimed for an early bedtime, which has worked surprisingly well since everyone is coming from earlier time zones (Eastern and Central). That advantage has helped the group ease into early mornings and long days.
The next morning, we woke early, had a quick cereal breakfast, and hit the road toward the trailheads. This outing had two destinations: Ice Lake, home to Arctic grayling, and Grebe Lake, home to westslope cutthroat and protected trumpeter swans. Again, we split into two groups—Pod 1 and Pod 2—since backcountry regulations cap campsites at eight people.
If you’re wondering about your son’s route:
Pod 1: Doug, Owen, Jack, Nate, Sebastian, and Fulton
Pod 2: Cameron, Haines, Jack, Banks, Teddy, and John
Pod 2 started at Ice Lake Trailhead and hiked 1.5 miles to their lakeside camp. Pod 1 drove further to Grebe Lake Trailhead for a 4.5-mile trek into their own site. Around 11 a.m., a surprise storm rolled in—thunder, lightning, and hail. Pod 2 had already set up camp and took shelter in their tents, while Pod 1 was mid-trail. Fortunately, everyone was well prepared with rain gear packed on the outside of their packs.
Following lightning protocol, our guides brought the group into a dense section of trees, kept everyone spaced apart, and waited out the 20-minute storm. True to Montana fashion, the clouds gave way to blue skies and warm sun shortly after. Pod 1 continued to camp, set up, and dove into the usual backcountry routine: bear safety, Leave No Trace, wildlife ID, and backcountry bathroom etiquette. Then it was time to fish.
The action was immediate. Pod 1 started roping in cutthroat trout, with guides dashing between anglers trying to net fish fast enough. At the same time, Pod 2 was lighting it up at Ice Lake—grayling after grayling. To say they were catching would be an understatement. It wasn’t fishing—it was catching.
As the sun dipped below the trees, both groups gathered firewood, built campfires, and warmed up while keeping the mosquitoes at bay. Dinner was LFFE’s signature buffalo chicken mac. S’mores followed, again. Classic campfire stories, deep conversations, and a beautiful mountain sunset wrapped up the night.
The next morning, the two groups swapped campsites, hiking a shared six-mile trail that connects the two lakes. Pod 2 arrived at Grebe Lake around noon to find a buzzing Pod 1 camp—some of the crew already packed and ready to hike, others knee-deep in the water catching fish. After some quick goodbyes, Pod 1 hit the trail, and Pod 2 took over the action at Grebe. They caught their fill, and eventually, a few opted to ditch the rods and swim in the lake.
Meanwhile, Pod 1 took a well-earned lunch break at a scenic stream crossing—boots off, shaded trees, JetBoil out, and Top Ramen all around. They then continued on to Ice Lake, where they set up camp, caught more fish, and—just like their trailmates—took a dip in the lake. The evening was filled with sunset casts, a roaring fire, scary stories, and well-deserved rest.
This morning, both groups woke to bluebird skies and glassy lakes. Breakfasts varied—oatmeal, bagels, even more Top Ramen for some. Guides got their coffee fix while soaking in the final moments in the backcountry. Water bottles were filled, bear bags packed, and the hike out began.
Pod 2 retrieved the van and trailer left at Grebe Trailhead and picked up the rest of the crew at Ice Lake. Together again, we drove an hour to Crystal Cross Campground along the Yellowstone River, just outside the park.
Tonight, after showers and laundry in Gardiner, we’ll hit the local fly shop, toss the frisbee around the park, and cook up a classic hamburger dinner—capped off, naturally, with s’mores.
In the coming days, we’ll fish the Yellowstone River and Upper Gardiner, do some sightseeing, and enjoy more time around the fire. Then it’s off to Bridge Bay Campground in search of new water before heading into our second backcountry leg at Slough Creek—another epic fly fishing destination, where we’ll again split into two groups for an overnight.
We’ll share more in the next update. Thanks for following along!
Tight lines,
J, Jackson, and Cody
