This was a solo six day backpack trip in August of 2008. I've been to the Wind River Range in the past, but never with such fantastic weather. Normally I have to wear a rain coat 50% of the time. During this trip I never even took the rain coat out of my backpack!
My original plan was to head from the Elkhart trailhead on the Highline trail to Elbow Lake. However, I had equipment failure at upper Jean Lake. The shoulder strap on my backpack started to rip off. I made a repair, but decided it was best to turn around at that point (instead of continuing further). Retreating was probably a wise choice, because my backpack "repair" started disintegrating by the end of the trip. I made a Plan B of day hiking to Island Lake and Titcomb basin. It had been about 10 years since I had last camped in Titcomb basin. The scenery is spectacular; it was great to refresh my memory. I didn't recall seeing so many wildflowers on past visits.
My shortened backpack mileage allowed for more day hikes (with a lightened pack). Without that heavy backpack, I can cover a lot more miles. It's a lot more fun hiking minus the 10 ton weight digging into my shoulders and hips.
Despite the name "Wind" River, it was only windy one evening. I actually could have used some wind to help with the mosquitoes at some campsites. I saw very few people on the Highline trail (four to be exact). My campsites were completely private; no other tents were within screaming distance. There weren't any frog or insect noises at night; it was completely quiet. Very unnerving when you're out in a tent by yourself in the complete quiet and then suddenly.......you hear a noise.... I rationed my I-POD so I could listen to some Podcasts each night after dark (and not listen to any scary outside noises that I could imagine might be a bear).
The broken pack strap did not dampen my enthusiasm; it was a great trip. The Wind River Mountains are spectacular--see for yourself in these photos. I'm already planning return trip in 2010!!!
Click a picture to see a larger view
and explanation.