Moving forward our guests will view almost every hike and backpack as an improvement over the rainy one they experienced in October of 2023. Even mediocre conditions will seem great. This isn’t a bad thing. It’s a fine way to form a realistic perspective. Backpacking in the rain isn’t the easiest or most fun, but it is part of the picture. And once acclimated to it — the par adjusted, so to speak — and one’s conditioned to fare well, it becomes more about survival. The choice elements step into view. The sound of the rain hitting the tent as but one example. It’s possible to discover actual enjoyment. This was a learning backpacking and our guests were new to it so what a great experience it was, with both its highs and lows, to be sure. Redline Guide Arlette Laan brought them to Ethan Pond, staying overnight. What follows is a summary penned by Arlette, along with several photos.
The weather may have been abysmal again for an intro to backpacking trip but the fall colors were amazing and the ladies had great attitudes, open to learning and braving the elements. After the continuous rain overnight we breathed a sigh of relief when the sun came out the next day. Temperatures had dropped but we had all the layers and stayed cozy and warm. These two were true beginners and I was very impressed with them. Not having hiked much at all, going for an adventure in challenging conditions. My hat’s off to them! —Arlette
