> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://blog.novaugust.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Sailing Wyoming's Seas - URL: https://blog.novaugust.net/wyomings-seas/ - Published: 2018-09-01T04:35:20.000Z - Updated: 2024-04-03T02:13:40.000Z - Description: It's been many years since I spent two consecutive months in Wyoming. Doing so in the summer meant ancient seas and contemporary riverways. - Author: Matt Enlow - Tags: Climbing, @alaskanem, post, Lander, @ken_hilton307, Wyoming, @megsmegge, sinks canyon, @rebecca.lewis.climbing, Wild Iris, @redgyps, alcova reservoire, Ten Sleep Canyon, #Import 2026-06-21 14:43 ## The ICF In the second week of July Captain Ahab and I set sail from Squamish to Wyoming (perhaps better known as *God's Rectangle*). Unlike the two week odyssey I partook on my way *to* Squamish, the return voyage was a mad blitz back to my home state in order to make it back in time for the 25th annual International Climber's Festival. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02419.jpg) To make it clear that I was a man with on mission, let me say: I burned an entire vacation day just on *driving* so that I could arrive in time. As with the year prior, I had dedicated myself as a fulltime volunteer for the festival. Unlike before though, I was smart enough to take the week off while I got after it. Further, this year, there would be a Ken Hilton. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02245.jpg) This fuggin guy The week flew by. Our schedule had back to back 1am passouts followed by 5am wakeups, with lots of improv inbetween. Sure, there was plenty of work, but there was also plenty of play. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02404.jpg) We have a winner. Pitches were hard to come by once the festival was in full swing. I demo'd a pair of BD shoes only to return them the next day. "What'd you think?" they asked me. Well, they fit really nice in my backpack. I had just come to the realization that I wasn't going to get out and do any climbing for the rest of the fest. Not that I'm complaining. I can climb Lander any time of the year; festival weeek is for festival work. Still, it's always a pleasure to squeeze in routes on an already-packed schedule. Before things had really gotten swinging, Squaretop provided two evenings' of just that. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02281.jpg) Just before sunset, just after a rainstorm - sneaking some in after rain shut down our one possible Iris afternoon ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/09/DSC02345-2.jpg) Ken and I were camping on the lawn of Dave and Lauren, friends of mine from the previous fest. In addition to having recently purchased property with luscious lawns, Lauren had accepted the position of executive director for the WyoClimbers association. There couldn't've been a better spot for the fest's two best volunteers. After our first night there, the lawn crew's game got real strong... Nicole G joined the gang. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02359.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02356.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02374.jpg) We three made the most gangster of bike gangs, and my heart was filled with joy every night as we wheeled our way through town, path illuminated by the setting sun. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02397.jpg) ## Ten Sleep Long time internet friends, first time callers. In March I was in Indian Creek. Ditto, I found out on the media sociale, my *frands* Anna and Peter. I managed to meet Peter while our trips overlapped, but Anna was still sleeping off the prior night when I came by her van. So no dice. Fast forward to the fest, and voila! We met, and Ken and I convinced her and Matt (her live-in asshole) to go to Ten Sleep. With those two strangers - who quickly became good friends, as climbers are wont to do - my month in Ten Sleep began. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02523.jpg) Matt and Anna, Canadian nerds. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02533.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02559.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02588.jpg) Ken had two things this summer, though perhaps they were they are ultimately one-and-the-same: bachelorhood and few responsibilities. He joined me for at least three weekends, even bringing along the small child on one of the trips. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02599.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02623.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02625.jpg) The fast (& fun) route to FCR Matt and Anna weren't the only new friends of Ten Sleep. The Ten Sleep Rock Ranch has hit its stride, and is now the heart of the canyon. I made more friends than I can enumerate, and that's saying something (I'm real good at countin'). Abby and Zach I met last year through Megan. As I settled in to life at the ranch we got to know each other just a *little* better. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC02788.jpg) Zach, Fortress of Solitude ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03235.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03509.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03518.jpg) Abby and Honeybear! **Cat** and **Bre** were strangers that got a full blast of Matt-and-Ken magic at the Back 40, which is the surest way to make an enemy or a new best friend. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03250.jpg) A bush, a cat, and a **bre*eze ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03291.jpg) Meeeeow. **Louie**, of TSRR fame, and I had been chatting for a few months via email before we got the chance to meet in person. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03581.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03649.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03713.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03663-2.jpg) In the latter half of my Ten Sleep time, **Emily** and **Jet** came out from Alaska. Funny to think Emily hasn't made it on here yet: we met back in Squamish, and I convinced her Ten Sleep was worth a visit. Jet was in for five days or so. After he took off, I was on the hook to be full-time climbing partner for Em. I'd like to think I fulfilled my duties admirably. The weather wasn't quite as kind to my friend though. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03789.jpg) Emily, **Rattlesnake Shake* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC03691.jpg) Jet, the same ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05134.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05129.jpg) Bailing for the brewery after a day of rain ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05136.jpg) The waterfall... **Jenna**, **May**,and **Jonathan** became friends of mine via the ranch. Climbers I never would've met if not for the community that Louie's place provided. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC04191-Edit.jpg) Jenna, **Happiness In Slavery* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC04314.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC04258.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05050.jpg) Abby, **Gorilla Tactics* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC04670.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC04771.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC04838.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC04982.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05033.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05018.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05130.jpg) **Home* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05138.jpg) Z's try-hard face ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05153.jpg) Z cleaning in a downpour - she real tough. Ken sent his proj right after. Also tough. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05173.jpg) **Water Into Wine* The coolest connection to happen was while Z, Ken and I were recuperating at the brewery. A woman walked up and asked, "Sorry, is your name Matt?" Danielle, Kevin and I had met two years before on my only trip to Smith Rock. They were even more fun than I remembered and laughed when they found out I'd been suitably impressed with them to immortalize their names on [the blog](https://blog.novaugust.net/portland-bend/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05189.jpg) Getting down with Danielle & Kevin's crew ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05192.jpg) Danielle ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05196.jpg) Goofy Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05202.jpg) Kevin and Ken and the crew ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05210.jpg) My last views of the canyon As with all things, my time in Ten Sleep came to an end. ### Alcova The next bit of sailing I did was the real deal. What words do I need when I have these photos? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05230.jpg) Shaleas & Shane ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05242.jpg) Shane's ISIS pose ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05246.jpg) Moments after I attempted to drown Ken. Fun fact: I'm naked. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05285.jpg) The crew. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05290.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05295.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05320.jpg) ### Lander From one river to the next? Back in Lander for the first time since the fest, I spent an evening climbing alone on the sandstone buttress. One day of strong climbing with the Lauren and Dave at the Iris, my only go on Burnt Beans and Coffee. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05323.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05324.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05327.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05345.jpg) I worked hard all weekend so that I could take an extra day off while Claire was out. She flew in to Riverton on Monday. We drove straight to the Canyon and I surprised her by handing her a rack. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05358.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05364.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05368.jpg) The next night we were up in the Iris, where we camped out for the rest of the week. Friday night we celebrated my 30th with a wild group of friends. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05390-HDR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05411.jpg) c-bear ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05439.jpg) Rebecca, hot pantsing hard ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05450-Edit.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05463.jpg) Hercules, a dog I've seen many times and only recently gotten acquainted with ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05488-Edit-copy.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05498.jpg) The birthday crew ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9b/95/9b955960-2312-4b04-8b46-7e66317cd0ed/content/images/2018/08/DSC05504.jpg) I walked to the van late at night to find... this?