Chocolate Moose greets team on return to town

Dispatch from Dan Solmon — July 30, 1997

Our last morning in the wilderness. We woke hearing rain on our tents.

The weather returned to the hut just as we did. We hurriedly packed all the gear, as we were to be helicoptered to the Gold Arm bridge at 8 a.m., weather permitting. When the helicopter came we loaded our gear and the first of two flights took off. The helicopter traveled down Palmer Creek, doing in five minutes what took us five days.

Back at Gold Arm we breathed oxygen-rich air, which seemed altogether muggy. The vile black gnats were back in force. Both conditions made us long for the hut and the high country.

As soon as we landed we loaded the van — which had been shuttled up to this spot — and drove to our cached kayaks. We loaded the van in record time and sugared ourselves with all the trail food originally intended for the return kayak voyage. A short drive took us out of the woods and into Golden. We were now accompanied by Bill's parents and younger sister, Skylar.

The return to civilization commenced with check-in at the Golden Best Western. Bathing was our first priority. Our odor was surely too strong for most to tolerate. After showering, we went to a restaurant called the Chocolate Moose for our first real meal in weeks. The huge lunch most of us consumed was a welcome reprieve.

A move out of the wilderness is a double-edged sword. With the return of beds, quality food, and television comes in-town logistics. We must plan the route to Astoria, write myriad thank-you notes to sponsors, and soon de-issue gear. For now we will reap the amenities of town and deal with the chores later.