The slow chase for a Teton Crest Trail permit
I've seen that scoring permits for famous backpacking spots now takes real time and effort. Last year, I set my sights on the Teton Crest Trail in Wyoming. I began looking for permits in January, but most summer weekends were already full. It took checking the site almost daily for a month to find a Tuesday slot in September. I rearranged my work schedule just to make that date work. The whole process felt like forever, but the hike itself was perfect. With fewer people on the trail, I had peaceful days and crisp fall air. Learning to plan far ahead has become my new normal for any big route.