Glacier Mountaineering Society

Wed, Jul 23 2014 - Sheep Mtn. & Brave Dog Mtn. & Soldier Mtn. (View Original Event Details)

Coordinator(s):		Dell Meuchel
Participants:		Dell Meuchel, Greg Notess, Laurel R. Vielle, Cecelia Notess, Rich Briles, Don Arthur, Sue Shannon, Gail Meuchel

Write Up:
Wednesday of GMS week, July 23rd the trifecta of Sheep, Brave Dog and Soldier was the objective from the Ole Creek drainage. A full compliment of 12 climbers was expected but a weather report of 80% pop and injury narrowed the group to 8. Greg Notess, wife Cecelia, Laurel Vielle, Don Arthur, Gail Meuchel, Richard Briles, his guest Austin Hughes and coordinator Dell Meuchel met at the Fielding Trail Head around 7:30 to begin the trek. A 16 mile round trip and 5,000 vertical awaited the climbers. The day began and ended in bright sunshine despite the dire forecast. The trip to Ole Creek was filled with enthusiasm and huckleberries to be had on the return journey. I discussed with Greg the hope of bridge at Ole Creek crossing which we dismissed with a laugh. As if on Que 30 feet from the ford a large tree had fallen to provide a bridge and a previous hike had tied on a hand rail. Glacier can be full of surprises. There was a bit of coordinator anxiety as a “large” tree, a landmark to leave the fielding trail failed to materialize. A sprint ensued in my search. The group thought I had “lost it”. The fabled tree was found and the traverse to the ridge went well. Well there was the discovery of a yellow jacket nest by the coordinator. Four stings and many expletive deleted sentences later all was well. The cloudless day left us with breathtaking views from Sheep and Soldier. Don was scouting a trip to St. Nick so his chief objective was met. We were later to Sheep than expected and the group decided to go to Soldier saving Brave Dog for another climb. Our NASCAR component, Richard and Austins decided to “sprint” to Brave Dog and meet us on the return to the Fielding Trail as they did. The “hucks” were delicious on the way out. We celebrated our success with Gail's famous Cowboy Caviar and beverages. A great day in the park with a fabulous group.

Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Tim Anderson at twamontana@gmail.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.