Scotchman's Peak

On June 27, Kevin and several of his family members made the generational trek to the top of Scotchman's Peak, just outside of Clark Fork in Idaho. It all began with Kevin's great, great grandfather Heber Payne who was on the first pack mule train with the supplies to build a fire lookout just after the turn of the century. 

Each generation since has made the climb, and last summer Kevin and his brothers planned out the trip and invited all of the Payne family cousins. Most couldn't go, for one reason or another, but Kevin, Glenn, David and cousin Joe with his son, Nick, made the hike together, and Kevin, Joe, and Nick made it to the very top.

There was still quite a bit of snow, sometimes 12-15 feet, towards the summit. Amazing for the end of June. And other than some rather precarious hanging ice/snow cornices, there was no snow on the rocks at the top. I, obviously, did not take these photos. Joe had the presence of mind to take a camera. The shots from way up there are breathtaking.

Glenn and David made it to about 6000 feet, still quite an accomplishment. Kevin, Joe, and Nick met them about there where they all descended together. I kinda wish I had gone, but I am not losing any sleep over it. Maybe I will go when Melanie, another cousin, is ready to go.