Here’s the problem with renting gear, especially footwear: blisters, sometimes big ones. I found that out with agonizing pain last week when backcountry skiing along the east side of 10,921-foot Emigrant Peak in the Paradise Valley. The warm spot on the heel of my left foot started early in the hike up the mountain. Duct tape over the raw spot couldn’t help. So what do you do? Suffer through it, at least if you don’t want to look like a wimp. All whining aside, the route up Emigrant Peak is spectacular. I didn’t make it all the way to the top, but I probably could have if I didn’t want to come back down. The nice thing about the location, other than the awesome views, is that it’s only a short drive to Chico Hot Springs for a warm soak and a cool drink.
To read more about the outing and see some cool photos, check out my story in this week’s Billings Gazette at:
http://bgz.tt/jnlqs(Article written by Brett French – Outdoors Editor for the Billings Gazette)
