Tamarack on the Clark Fork

A whirlwind of new people, experiences, and sensory assault. Here we go!

I met my excellent co-instructor Casey and my boss Robb. Both wonderful people in Missoula yesterday. Did a whirlwind debrief and then stocked up on supplies in Missoula before meeting our students today. There are 10 of them - 7 guys and 3 girls. They come from schools all over the U.S. Montana, Oregon, UNC Asheville, Vermont and more. And have varied backgrounds, but a common interest in learning about this amazing place we inhabit now. The Yellowstone to Yukon Ecoregion of North America along the rugged spine of the Rocky Mountains.

Our journey began not far outside of Missoula amongst many errands and introductions. Being 4th of July weekend we had a hard time finding an uncrowded campground but eventually found a nice spot on a stretch of the Clark Fork River beside Lewis & Clark National Forest. Montanaaaa!