2020 Bob Marshall Wilderness Open

I’ve never taken a drysuit on the Open.  I’ve also been very conservative with avoiding whitewater that isn’t very far within my comfort zone (walking the whole lower Middle Fork in 2013);  I’m also hard pressed to think of a year when I didn’t get really, really cold in the boat at least once, and there have been several times I’ve deliberately pushed hard up against the boundaries of hypothermia.

The newer Alpacka seats have gotten heavier, but they also do a nice of keeping you out of the water in the boat and away from the cold water under the boat.  To say nothing of the prospect of seriously bruising your ass on a rock.

I have to say that conditions look likely to be gnarly.  Potentially on a 2014 level of high water and rotten, rain-soaked snow (there was a reason no one finished that year).  Probably not on the level of the 2012 blizzard, or the 2018 record high water, but could get close to either or both.  Kinda glad I’m headed elsewhere for the next week.

Tom, given the avy hazard, what route are you taking from the South Fork to the Continental
Divide? I hope you don’t mind me asking :)

Rob,

Im not sure on my route yet. I think the safest route would be Larch Hill but who knows. Im wondering if Dave C has the best plan.

Kyle,

Congrats on a classy route!!! I was glad to see you starting early Monday morning and figured you encountered some spooky pitches. I remember rolling down that trail  heading into the white river spring of 2018 to find a massive avalanche debris field with trees everywhere. It was in the switchbacks near the 380 trail intersection. Thanks for the beta

My inreach:

https://share.garmin.com/mlockitski

Matt,

I’ll see you up there possibly.  Looks like you’re taking the same route I plan on doing. We likely won’t get started until Saturday afternoon though given the vehicle drop situation.

The trail around Gibson at the end should be nice and sloppy. Oh the memories

My Spot: https://maps.findmespot.com/s/X1YJ

Heading in Saturday afternoon with a few others.

Speaking of livestock near Gibson, watch out for any pack strings or riders on the cliff sections. It gets really tight. Try to find a wider spot for them to pass. Hopefully not too much westbound traffic by the time most of us are nearing the finish though. And remember that when you think you’re almost to the boat launch with a beer in reach, the lake just goes on and on and on…don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Sounds like we might be able to catch up with some of you at Point Pleasant (from a distance).  Probably heading up Friday evening. It’s a pretty small campground though, so it’s possible we’ll be nearby instead and just roll over to start.  Unless they swung one out since, there’s not a sign on the highway, so keep your eyes peeled. If you’re heading north and cross soup creek, turn around and head back.  There are 6-8 campsites.

The water levels are about to break the 2008 records. Be careful out there everyone!

Good luck out there Mike!

Hey folks –

Longtime dreamer, first time BMWO’er here. Excited to join in the fun; starting out first thing tomorrow morning. Here’s my tracking link if anyone is curious:

https://share.garmin.com/natebender