Linda Returns from Yellowstone

Linda returned from a four-day trip in the Yellowstone backcountry on March 28th. Her gear list, as she described it: the borrowed tent from her sister (confirmed to be a REI Half Dome 2 from 2007 based on her description and my research into REI tent design history), Merrell boots, the Patagonia Torrentshell I own but she had borrowed, and her original grey Osprey pack.

She was gone four days. The weather included one significant rain event (confirmed via the historical weather data I pulled for the area and dates). She came back. She was fine.

What She Said About the Trip

The route was more challenging than expected in one section. The REI Half Dome held in the rain — "it's old but it works fine." The boots were comfortable throughout. She saw a bison at approximately 200 meters, which she described as "impressive." She ate freeze-dried meals she packed herself and described one of them as "surprisingly not bad."

What I Said About the Trip

I asked about the rain event. She said it lasted approximately three hours in the evening and the tent kept everything dry. I asked about the bison distance — 200 meters is within the recommended minimum distance per NPS guidelines, she was aware of this. I asked about the route section that was more challenging than expected. She said the trail was washed out in one section and she went around it.

I have 11 pieces of gear that would have improved her experience. I know this. The bison distance was correct. The route problem was handled appropriately. The gear performed. She came back fine.

The May trip is still scheduled. I am in the logistics research phase. Linda asked if I wanted to join her for the next one. I said I was thinking about it. She said "okay."