Sounds like my solo trip four years ago. Saw no one day 2-5 in the Silver Pass/Bighorn Lake area. As soon as I hit the trail below Izaak Walton Lake, 20+ people in less than an hour.

What was your pack weight and pack size? I'm around 30 lbs. for up to a 8-9 day trip.

Your old 8R has been on a few weekend bp trips, works great.
Duane