Bozeman, MT—Last week I had the opportunity to capture a glimpse of life in the backcountry with students participating in a Montana Wilderness School (MWS) expedition. Four teens and two instructors were on days 14 and 15 of what would be a 20 day trip in the field—hiking for over 100 miles, summiting several iconic peaks, and camping each night with bear spray close at hand (this area has one of the highest concentrations of grizzlies in the nation). Students were cooking their own meals, taking turns in leadership roles, and planning their route each day without the use of any electronic devices or cell phones. The also followed strict “Leave No Trace” principles to reduce their impact on the sensitive wilderness ecosystems.
On a sunny Monday morning, I hiked in 5 miles to meet them with Co-Founder and Program Director, Josh Olsen. We were in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, a congressionally designated wilderness located in western Montana. As MWS describes it to students:
“The Bob” as it is known consists of over a million acres of wilderness and extends for 60 miles along the Continental Divide. The Rocky Mountain Front contains some of the last untouched native prairies in the northern Great Plains and is home to abundant wildlife and unmatched beauty. The 149-mile Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River flows through the rugged and secluded plains, carving the impressive Missouri breaks. The entire region is rooted in history being the homeland of many tribes of plains Indians. The river is forever tethered to our past as it served as the thoroughfare for Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery.
After spending two days and a night with the kids, I couldn’t help but be impressed by both their physical abilities to hikes dozens of miles a day carrying a 50lb pack, as well as their spirit of team work, humor, and overall eagerness to learn from the instructors and respect their environment. Thanks to MWS for hosting us and allowing me the opportunity to follow along on their inaugural wilderness expedition. We wish them great success as the program continues to expand. Below are a few shots from the journey. Full portfolio here.
