APRIL 17, 2008: Great Western Loop Event in Bozeman MT

This looks great! I hope there is a good turnout for you there from the Bozeman set!

Went up to Flagstaff last night to catch the presentation, an excellent slideshow

Didn't know about that. I woulda been there. :-(

He'll be at the Grand Canyon tomorrow night giving the same presentation

Cool. I can probably make the Tucson one on Saturday.

Where can I find out details of the Tucson presentation? It just happens that I will be in Tucson this weekend. I'd love to catch this. Thanks.

Infos are at the website of Andrew Skurka (->andrewskurka.com)

Tucson, AZ | Sat, April 12, 9:30am | Summit Hut

I plan to catch Skurka's presentation in Boise on April 30. Thanks for the link!

Backpacking Light hosted Andrew Skurka's Great Western Loop at Bozeman's Emerson Theater on Thursday, an event that drew more than 200 people from the Montana outdoor community!

Andy and I had a great time, with a good turnout as well, at the Trail Clinic on Friday morning, too.

Bill Stadwiser will post some photos here later this afternoon :)

Ryan

Bozeman-based folk artist Chris Cunningham performs Backpacking Light's "Look for Me in the Mountains" for the crowd before Andrew speaks.

Ryan Jordan and Andy Skurka take a moment to pose prior to the presentation.

Ryan greets the crowd of over 200 as he introduces Andrew.

200+ people gather at the Emerson Arts Center in downtown Bozeman, MT to see Andrew Skurka. See the guy looking towards the camera in the foreground? That's Big Al, Chris Cunningham's dad.

The morning following the presentation, Andrew Skurka and Ryan Jordan teach a free course on lightweight gear. Here, Andrew shows the crowd different shelter systems.

Andrew explains that shelters need not be complicated in order to keep you dry.

Andrew shows off a lightweight backpack while those attending take notes on his suggestions.

Ryan Jordan emphasizes how useful trekking poles are to the lightweight backpacker. Here he shows off BPL's brand new STIX trekking poles, each weighing about 4.0 oz.

Here, Andrew answers specific questions about the Great Western Loop and gives advice based on his own gear systems.

Ryan Jordan explains the basics of alcohol stoves and takes time to answer questions.

While explaining the joys of packrafting, Ryan pokes fun at the photographer for missing a shot of him with a drysack over his head.

Great shots of Andy, Ryan and all the attendees at the BPL event. It's wonderful to hear there was such a turnout in Bozeman.