Another adventure trying to build miles up for both of us to be thru hike ready. This week we drove out again to 5 mile pass and parked the truck at the Beau and Arrow road. From there we hiked up and down three little wee hills and as we knew they were tiny we were still getting a workout. Ben's pack Beauty weighed almost 50 pounds, mine around 30, and Teller coming in around 15. We hiked our goal of 2 miles and made camp. We weren't freezing until we stopped moving! So we bundled up, had dinner, and read until we were sound asleep. Waking up in the morning it was about 18 degrees and I have never seen a tent freeze like ours was. I was surprised boogers weren't stuck to our faces. We woke up at 530 am, made breakfast broke camp down, threw the stick for Teller and hiked on out. Watching the sunrise was the best part of the adventure this time. 

After lunch and a movie with Mum and Dad, we headed out on the road to begin step one of preparing us for the PCT in a couple years. We drove to "5 Mile Pass" which is West of Eagle Mountain and Utah Lake, and just over the county boarder into Tooele. Went South on Pony Express until we chose a parking place at random, and began our trek to the top of the plateau. 

The area in know for ATV trails, and in the summer the hills are buzzing with the sound of dirt bikes and 4-wheelers. But this Saturday afternoon in January, the silence was deafening. The hills in the distance were covered with snow creating a picturesque landscape. 

It was a short but challenging hike, perfect for our first outing. Although it started raining after camp was set up and continued through the night, the weather was remarkable for the time of year. 

We fell in love with backpacking. Let the adventure begin!