Also, I got in some Memory cards and adapters for my camera.
Still need to get going on my training. Promise to start just after the New Year begins. That will give me two and a half months. Hope it's enough.
H
Saturday, December 29, 2012
A little more trail prep.
Yesterday I bought a Marmot Approach Jacket. Looks great for wind, rain, and cold. Should work great for layering as I got it large enough to fit over my fleece vest.
Also, I got in some Memory cards and adapters for my camera.
Still need to get going on my training. Promise to start just after the New Year begins. That will give me two and a half months. Hope it's enough.
H
Also, I got in some Memory cards and adapters for my camera.
Still need to get going on my training. Promise to start just after the New Year begins. That will give me two and a half months. Hope it's enough.
H
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Real Shoes this time
Shoes mentioned in the previous post are actually a pair of knockoff Crocs from Walmart for $9. They are very light weight and should make good camp shoes for the hike.
On Friday we drove to Phoenix, out of boredom mostly, and I bought a pair of mid cut hiking boots. They are higher that my others by just a little, are waterproof, and weight in about five ounces heavier for the pair. After my walk yesterday I could feel the result of the extra weight! Both are Merrill’s, and are the same style, Moab Ventilators, just a low vs. mid cut. The boots are waterproof and that should be helpful on the A.T. I sure don’t waterproof boots in AZ.
Also, on a resent trip to Costco, I picked up another pair of the carbon fiber hiking poles. There is a good chance that I will need to replace at least one pole, if not both, somewhere on the 2,200 mile A.T. next year, so I thought a couple of spares would be in order.
My hiking/training regiment has suffered since I returned from my trip east. I have done the four mile walk three time in the last couple of week, without the pack, but that's all. Maybe my enthusiasm just peaked too soon!
H.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Over the Mountians and through the woods!
As usual I was up with the sun. The night is sure dark in the woods. One of the SB hikers decided to stay in the shelter while the other, the owner of the dog, set up his tent. I didn't do much for breakfast but I did make a cup of coffee and enjoyed it even if it was instant. The dog owner was up and we talked just a little and I mention that I had planned to hike to the next shelter and back today but changed my mind. Not sure I could do it (12 miles) in one day and did not want to stay for two more days.
Sage was up and talking about trying to find a shuttle from the dam to Cherokee for a mail drop. If she did not make it to New Found Gap, in the Smoky, on time she would have to wait until Monday. I volunteered to give her a ride if she could not get a shuttle. She took off a little ahead of me but I'm sure she made it to the dam hours before I did. (I forgot to ask).
I thought I would make better time going back but I was mistaking. It was just as tough going down hill as it is going up. I only cut about thirty minutes off my time. I didn't have to rest as often or as long but it was still rough.
Arriving at the dam, I saw a day hiker that came by the shelter a while before I left this morning and he told me a young lady was asking about Two Stix. We walked to the VC parking lot together where our vehicles were parked. Driving around toward the VC I spotted Sage and gave here the ride to Cherokee. On the way I learned that she was only seventeen! The day before she just said "between junior and senior year," and I just assumed college. She did not talk or act like a high school girl and she diffidently has it all together. Her plan is to do 1,600 miles before school starts. Good luck, Sage!
I enjoyed the drive to Cherokee and helping Sage with a little trail magic in advance of my hike next year. After dropping her off at the Post Office I headed over the mountain toward Knoxville to get in as many miles on my homeward drive as possible. It was a neat drive through the park, but, the views were limited because of the trees. I made it to Kingston, TN for the night and after checking into the motel I went out and got a Papa Johns pizza and brought it back to my room. 1,800 miles from here to home and three days are my plans.
Sage was up and talking about trying to find a shuttle from the dam to Cherokee for a mail drop. If she did not make it to New Found Gap, in the Smoky, on time she would have to wait until Monday. I volunteered to give her a ride if she could not get a shuttle. She took off a little ahead of me but I'm sure she made it to the dam hours before I did. (I forgot to ask).
I thought I would make better time going back but I was mistaking. It was just as tough going down hill as it is going up. I only cut about thirty minutes off my time. I didn't have to rest as often or as long but it was still rough.
Arriving at the dam, I saw a day hiker that came by the shelter a while before I left this morning and he told me a young lady was asking about Two Stix. We walked to the VC parking lot together where our vehicles were parked. Driving around toward the VC I spotted Sage and gave here the ride to Cherokee. On the way I learned that she was only seventeen! The day before she just said "between junior and senior year," and I just assumed college. She did not talk or act like a high school girl and she diffidently has it all together. Her plan is to do 1,600 miles before school starts. Good luck, Sage!
I enjoyed the drive to Cherokee and helping Sage with a little trail magic in advance of my hike next year. After dropping her off at the Post Office I headed over the mountain toward Knoxville to get in as many miles on my homeward drive as possible. It was a neat drive through the park, but, the views were limited because of the trees. I made it to Kingston, TN for the night and after checking into the motel I went out and got a Papa Johns pizza and brought it back to my room. 1,800 miles from here to home and three days are my plans.
"Whether
you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right." - Henry Ford (1863-1947)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Lots of PUDS!
I got up early enough but messed around and didn't get away until after 0930. One of the family group gave me one of their maps which showed the elevation profile and POIs for the section from the dam to NOC, (Nantahala Outdoor Center). It really came in handy since I had no local maps of the trail. The bad news is it showed the steep climb I would have to make right out of tent.
It took me just over six hours to do the 6.5 miles to the Cable Gap shelter with about 1.800 feet in elevation gain, not counting all the extra ups and downs. The lake elevation is ~1,800 feet, the peak at 3,600 feet, and the shelter is at 2,880 feet. The steep 1,800 feet gain was in the 2 - 5 mile section of the day's hike. I found a great water source at about three miles in and change out all of my water in order to get rid of the chlorinated water I was carrying. The only wildlife of note was a Pileated Woodpecker, the largest one I have ever seen. (Reading up on them later and learned that they can get rather large.)
I got to the shelter around 1600 and had a good long rest before making dinner. Soon after dinner and cleanup and reorganizing, Sage, a NBF (north bound female) hiker joined me. She had planned a thirty mile day but settled for twenty two. I talked about going to the next shelter and back the next day, doing twelve miles. We chatted off and on about our hikes and was joined later by two SBM hikers with a dog.
Near dark I was rested enough to pack it in for the night.
PUDS = Pointless Ups and Downs!
It took me just over six hours to do the 6.5 miles to the Cable Gap shelter with about 1.800 feet in elevation gain, not counting all the extra ups and downs. The lake elevation is ~1,800 feet, the peak at 3,600 feet, and the shelter is at 2,880 feet. The steep 1,800 feet gain was in the 2 - 5 mile section of the day's hike. I found a great water source at about three miles in and change out all of my water in order to get rid of the chlorinated water I was carrying. The only wildlife of note was a Pileated Woodpecker, the largest one I have ever seen. (Reading up on them later and learned that they can get rather large.)
I got to the shelter around 1600 and had a good long rest before making dinner. Soon after dinner and cleanup and reorganizing, Sage, a NBF (north bound female) hiker joined me. She had planned a thirty mile day but settled for twenty two. I talked about going to the next shelter and back the next day, doing twelve miles. We chatted off and on about our hikes and was joined later by two SBM hikers with a dog.
Near dark I was rested enough to pack it in for the night.
PUDS = Pointless Ups and Downs!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Finding the right spot on the trail to do an overnight.
After finishing up a two week whirl wind trip visiting my kids, grand kids, and my siblings in KY, I left Mary's and headed south to Knoxville and points beyond. My plan was to find a point on the Appalachian Trail to do an overnight hike. I stopped at the TN visitor center and got a little info and maps. Decided to go to Fontana Dam, NC and do my hike from there. Stopped at a Walmart somewhere south of Knoxville to stock up. On Hwy 129 going into the mountains there was a section called THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON. Lots of quick and sharp curves and a magnet for motor cycle riders. I asked a group of bikers if there was a special event going on and they said, "No, this is just a normal day!" It was a great drive. I lost my coffee mug at a pull out after leaving it on the pickup "step", but back tracked and was able to find it.
Got to the Dam visitor center and checked it out. Decided to hike south, away form the GSMNP. After a false start the wrong way, (It just didn't look right) I went back to the VC and talked to the "information" person. which was pretty useless, I decided the trail followed the road at least a little ways. I met a hiker, with no gear, who pointed me to the blue blase trail to the shelter and soon I was setting up for the night.
At the shelter a family group of hikers (six adult men and four of five kids) that started the NOC (Nantahala (River) Outdoor Center). There was also a single male hiker, a Jamaica from Atlanta, that had hiked form Springer Mt. His plan was a flip flop thru hike, hiking from both ends to the middle, due to the late start. Two other young guys hiking from Springer joined us later. Their plan was to hike to a couple of more weeks and the parents would pick them up.
Dinner time I used my new propane micro stove w/piezo electric lighter. Sure faster than the CatCan stove. I had the spegetti which I had dehydrated before. It was great! The Asian Stir Fry is still in my backpack for later.
I was going to leave the fly cover off of the tent but felt at least three drops of rain just as it was getting dark so I put the fly cover on, using a flash light. There was no more rain.
Got to the Dam visitor center and checked it out. Decided to hike south, away form the GSMNP. After a false start the wrong way, (It just didn't look right) I went back to the VC and talked to the "information" person. which was pretty useless, I decided the trail followed the road at least a little ways. I met a hiker, with no gear, who pointed me to the blue blase trail to the shelter and soon I was setting up for the night.
At the shelter a family group of hikers (six adult men and four of five kids) that started the NOC (Nantahala (River) Outdoor Center). There was also a single male hiker, a Jamaica from Atlanta, that had hiked form Springer Mt. His plan was a flip flop thru hike, hiking from both ends to the middle, due to the late start. Two other young guys hiking from Springer joined us later. Their plan was to hike to a couple of more weeks and the parents would pick them up.
Dinner time I used my new propane micro stove w/piezo electric lighter. Sure faster than the CatCan stove. I had the spegetti which I had dehydrated before. It was great! The Asian Stir Fry is still in my backpack for later.
I was going to leave the fly cover off of the tent but felt at least three drops of rain just as it was getting dark so I put the fly cover on, using a flash light. There was no more rain.
Friday, June 8, 2012
How much can I carry
Some new gear before starting my trip east. I decided to buy and try a Micro gas stove with piezo lighter. At the same time I ordered a set of dry sacks. These were both form Amazon.
I saw the same set of dry sacks at Walmart, so I picked up another set. Also found a ground cloth (sealed nylon) and pack cover while I was there. Will be looking to try them out.
Made it to Moab in good time so I stopped at Gear Heads Outfitter, a place we bought some stuff from when in the Canyon Lands/Arches area this spring. While there I bought a Lexan cup w/cozy, for coffee mostly, and an aluminum wind screen for the stove, then continued to drive on for two hundred more miles!
I saw the same set of dry sacks at Walmart, so I picked up another set. Also found a ground cloth (sealed nylon) and pack cover while I was there. Will be looking to try them out.
Made it to Moab in good time so I stopped at Gear Heads Outfitter, a place we bought some stuff from when in the Canyon Lands/Arches area this spring. While there I bought a Lexan cup w/cozy, for coffee mostly, and an aluminum wind screen for the stove, then continued to drive on for two hundred more miles!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Is it too early to start drying food for next year?
I hope not! I ordered and received a 1000 watt food dehydrator this past week. Today I started making Jerky, (I know it too early for that, but this is practice!) and also did some spaghetti w/meat sauce. It has been in a few hours and not ready yet. The beef may have been too thick. I tried some a little bit ago and the taste was fine.
Also this week I moved the big pots that we had our herbs growing in and I dug up a herb garden. about two feet by eleven feet. Put in some sage, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and other herbs, two tomato plants, and three bell pepper plants. Had to cover it up last for what I hope will be the last cold spell this spring. The airport had 38* and Weather Underground had 27* when I got up this AM. Don't know which was right, maybe both, but if we got the average of the two, that would have been at the freezing mark, not good for just planted herbs.
Also this week I moved the big pots that we had our herbs growing in and I dug up a herb garden. about two feet by eleven feet. Put in some sage, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and other herbs, two tomato plants, and three bell pepper plants. Had to cover it up last for what I hope will be the last cold spell this spring. The airport had 38* and Weather Underground had 27* when I got up this AM. Don't know which was right, maybe both, but if we got the average of the two, that would have been at the freezing mark, not good for just planted herbs.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Mort Stuff
Did La Sal loop rd to Sand Flats rd coming in to the back of Sand Flats area. Nice drive.
M Bought a lumbar pack for camera gear on short hikes and I got a $12.00, 48 ounce Nalgene water bag. I'll will be great for carrying water in the car as a backup to our water bottles which we carry all of the time. I will most likely buy another on in order to have 96 ounce capacity when needed on the AT hike next year.
M Bought a lumbar pack for camera gear on short hikes and I got a $12.00, 48 ounce Nalgene water bag. I'll will be great for carrying water in the car as a backup to our water bottles which we carry all of the time. I will most likely buy another on in order to have 96 ounce capacity when needed on the AT hike next year.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Hike two, day two. Up to the Island in the Sky!
Up at 0600. breakfast, break camp, and gone by 0800. Was wondering if I had enough water and food to make it to the top but then I found a little of a spring and got about half pint of water. It was just too slow. A while later I found a good one. The water was great, specially after the river water. So I filled up, even replaced most of the river water, later to realize I should have replaced it all. I was 100 times better and I needed it.
Up the wash a little longer and got to the 3.5 mile marker and had to decide which rought to take around the Upheaval Dome. I chose to go right, the shorter, steeper climb. 3.5 miles vs. 4.9 miles. That meant I was half way to the top. It was a tough climb. Literately steep stair climbing and boulder scrambling. I had to stop and rest lots of time. My food was running low, just had some dried fruit and nuts to make it to the top. I thought I had more gator aid but realized last night there was no more. Sure could have used it today. Needed some quick energy. Nuts just don't do that.
Long an tough climb with not a lot of scenic views.. not a do over. On the Chesler Park hike, I used the photos ops as a chance to rest, this time I used the rest stops for a chance to take a photos. Topped the rim after two very long rest stops, taking off the BP and laying down in the shade, and a lot short ones. Came over the rim at 1530, was planing a 1700 summit, so was pleased with the time. M came along about 1725, a little late, but, she had made me a sandwich and brought a banana, and I had time to get a good rest. The sandwich was much need and so was the banana.
I had started on my last bottle of river water just as I made the top. It felt like the sediments were resting in my stomach. M had lots of ice water with her and that was what I needed... along with the sandwich.
All in all, a very good practice hike with an over-nite and moderately heavy backpack. My recovery time on both overnight hikes was very short, back to normal the next day. I now know that I can do the Appalachian Trail next year. I do need to figure out how to handle the cold and rain for the first couple of months and then deal with the high humidity after that. Guess I'll just have to adapt!
Up the wash a little longer and got to the 3.5 mile marker and had to decide which rought to take around the Upheaval Dome. I chose to go right, the shorter, steeper climb. 3.5 miles vs. 4.9 miles. That meant I was half way to the top. It was a tough climb. Literately steep stair climbing and boulder scrambling. I had to stop and rest lots of time. My food was running low, just had some dried fruit and nuts to make it to the top. I thought I had more gator aid but realized last night there was no more. Sure could have used it today. Needed some quick energy. Nuts just don't do that.
Long an tough climb with not a lot of scenic views.. not a do over. On the Chesler Park hike, I used the photos ops as a chance to rest, this time I used the rest stops for a chance to take a photos. Topped the rim after two very long rest stops, taking off the BP and laying down in the shade, and a lot short ones. Came over the rim at 1530, was planing a 1700 summit, so was pleased with the time. M came along about 1725, a little late, but, she had made me a sandwich and brought a banana, and I had time to get a good rest. The sandwich was much need and so was the banana.
I had started on my last bottle of river water just as I made the top. It felt like the sediments were resting in my stomach. M had lots of ice water with her and that was what I needed... along with the sandwich.
All in all, a very good practice hike with an over-nite and moderately heavy backpack. My recovery time on both overnight hikes was very short, back to normal the next day. I now know that I can do the Appalachian Trail next year. I do need to figure out how to handle the cold and rain for the first couple of months and then deal with the high humidity after that. Guess I'll just have to adapt!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Hike two, day one, ...Going down!
What a day. Dead tired at 2030. I just finished dinner and clean up and set up tent. Had to rest three hours before that. What have i gotten it to?
The hike down was very scenic, lots of photos. Six miles to Zeus & Moses. Saw them and at first didn't realize it was, then it dawned on me how far I had hiked down.
About a mile later I got in some much needed rest and a Gator Aid punch drink. Revived, I was ready to go again. While getting into harness a lady went by on a bike, a group followed not far behind.
Saw a collard lizard, took 25 photos, 2 came out good, rest were just a little blurred.
Got to the river @1500, had to fight my way to the water, filtered about five liters but it still had lots of sediment.
Started along White Rim Road, found the wash to follow back up. Made about one mile from the river, through deep soft sand, and with ten pounds of extra water, it was tough, so I started looking for a camp site. Found one around 1645 or so and just collapsed. Thirteen miles was bad enough, but, to end it with ten extra pounds of water and then trug a mile in deep sugar sand was too much. Took my shirt off to use as a ground pad and rested thirty minutes before I unrolled the tent and and laid the sleeping pad on top of it. Three hours before I could set up camp and fix dinner then to bed. Midnight before was rested enough to go to sleep. Stars were nice until the moon came up to dimmed them out.
The hike down was very scenic, lots of photos. Six miles to Zeus & Moses. Saw them and at first didn't realize it was, then it dawned on me how far I had hiked down.
About a mile later I got in some much needed rest and a Gator Aid punch drink. Revived, I was ready to go again. While getting into harness a lady went by on a bike, a group followed not far behind.
Saw a collard lizard, took 25 photos, 2 came out good, rest were just a little blurred.
Got to the river @1500, had to fight my way to the water, filtered about five liters but it still had lots of sediment.
Started along White Rim Road, found the wash to follow back up. Made about one mile from the river, through deep soft sand, and with ten pounds of extra water, it was tough, so I started looking for a camp site. Found one around 1645 or so and just collapsed. Thirteen miles was bad enough, but, to end it with ten extra pounds of water and then trug a mile in deep sugar sand was too much. Took my shirt off to use as a ground pad and rested thirty minutes before I unrolled the tent and and laid the sleeping pad on top of it. Three hours before I could set up camp and fix dinner then to bed. Midnight before was rested enough to go to sleep. Stars were nice until the moon came up to dimmed them out.
Monday, May 7, 2012
So much fun, lets do it again!
Went into the park this AM, got my permit amended for an overnight hike, 20 mile loop down to the river and back with 2000 ft el gain. Plan to leave about 0800 tomorrow and back topside by 1700 the next day.
We also did the main drive loops an overlooks. Shafer road (trail) was being graded, or repaired, when we drove by.
We also did the main drive loops an overlooks. Shafer road (trail) was being graded, or repaired, when we drove by.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Not the right stove!
Drive to Moab today, Salt Flats area.
Stopped in town at an outfitters, picked up a little stove w/fuel tabs, and a few carbiners. (Edit - Stove did not suit my needs, will look for a pocket rocket)
The Gearhead outfitter is a great place. They have just about anything you need. Will be back. Everything is expensive there, but that is the result of everything being a specialty item, and well made for the need. Walmart quality just won't cut it out on the trail, bike, boat, or climb! You need stuff you can depend on.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Hike one, day two, ... The morning after.
Up at six after a restless night with sleeping pad and bag. A very warm night, 65*F when I got up. I had breakfast and coffee and on my way by 0800.
About 4-1/2 hours to cover the five miles of up and downs to the trial head where M would be waiting. And beautiful vistas in every direction the whole way. I walked on one side of Chesler Park, would love to do the whole loop one day, just didn't have time today. As I told M, I used the photo ops as an opportunity to rest. It was overcast, which made for good hiking, but not for good photos. Maybe next time.
M was waiting and we head home (RV) and the nice hot shower sure felt good.
It was a very successful training hike. I was tired, but not overly so, and the recovery time was much less than I thought it would be. I had the right amount of food and water. Sure wish water had been available along the way so I would not have had carry so much, but, that the way it is. The pack felt good, and better as it got lighter with less water.
About 4-1/2 hours to cover the five miles of up and downs to the trial head where M would be waiting. And beautiful vistas in every direction the whole way. I walked on one side of Chesler Park, would love to do the whole loop one day, just didn't have time today. As I told M, I used the photo ops as an opportunity to rest. It was overcast, which made for good hiking, but not for good photos. Maybe next time.
M was waiting and we head home (RV) and the nice hot shower sure felt good.
It was a very successful training hike. I was tired, but not overly so, and the recovery time was much less than I thought it would be. I had the right amount of food and water. Sure wish water had been available along the way so I would not have had carry so much, but, that the way it is. The pack felt good, and better as it got lighter with less water.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Hike one, day one... "The Gods too are fond of a good joke!" Aristotle, (384-322 BC).
Up kinda early this AM. After coffee and a little breakfast I finished loading in the rest of the BP gear including food water and clothing. With 1-1/2 gallons of water my pack was getting heavy.
M and I drove down the Colorado River overlook, almost made it all the way before the "road" just got too rough for our little Suzuki, but we almost made it.
We then drove over to the trail head and had a sandwich for lunch.
Noon, I started up Elephant Hill and about 10 percent up I was wondering "What the Hell am I doing." About 20 percent up I noticed the lens hoodie that M had loaned to me was missing. Back down half of my archived distance I find it. The Hiker Gods are having fun at my expense... just before reaching it I stepped on loose gravel and did a nice butt plant. Fortunately, I was close enough to reach the hoodie without getting up first. Getting up with full pack is not easy, but I managed some how and was on my way to the top of the hardest hill I have ever climbed due to the weight of the backpack.
It took me forty five minutes to do tthe first one point five miles. I was surprised I covered it so quickly. I stopped for a much needed rest and removed my pack. The Hiker Gods had to get one more laugh in. My new water bottle that goes with my Steri-Pen was missing. It must have gotten knocked out of my pack when I fell on Elephant Hill. I'll never see that again.
As I was getting back into harness two 4x4s came by. People were nice enough to confirm that I was OK. There was a major climb there and a spotter got out for the climb. Talking to rear car driver I ask, with out any hope, if they happened to see a water bottle on Elephant Hill. They had and had brought it with them. I guess the gods had laughed enough.
I got to Devils Potholes tent site about 1500. Rested for a while before setting up the tent. Inflated the Sleeping pad, got in the tent and rested for over an hour. The pad felt great, I was laying on my sleeping bag, and that felt good too. In five o'clock shadow, I got up and walked around. Took a mile and a half RT to the car camp to make use of their facilities then made dinner and did the journal. Time to read a little and go to bed..
M and I drove down the Colorado River overlook, almost made it all the way before the "road" just got too rough for our little Suzuki, but we almost made it.
We then drove over to the trail head and had a sandwich for lunch.
Noon, I started up Elephant Hill and about 10 percent up I was wondering "What the Hell am I doing." About 20 percent up I noticed the lens hoodie that M had loaned to me was missing. Back down half of my archived distance I find it. The Hiker Gods are having fun at my expense... just before reaching it I stepped on loose gravel and did a nice butt plant. Fortunately, I was close enough to reach the hoodie without getting up first. Getting up with full pack is not easy, but I managed some how and was on my way to the top of the hardest hill I have ever climbed due to the weight of the backpack.
It took me forty five minutes to do tthe first one point five miles. I was surprised I covered it so quickly. I stopped for a much needed rest and removed my pack. The Hiker Gods had to get one more laugh in. My new water bottle that goes with my Steri-Pen was missing. It must have gotten knocked out of my pack when I fell on Elephant Hill. I'll never see that again.
As I was getting back into harness two 4x4s came by. People were nice enough to confirm that I was OK. There was a major climb there and a spotter got out for the climb. Talking to rear car driver I ask, with out any hope, if they happened to see a water bottle on Elephant Hill. They had and had brought it with them. I guess the gods had laughed enough.
I got to Devils Potholes tent site about 1500. Rested for a while before setting up the tent. Inflated the Sleeping pad, got in the tent and rested for over an hour. The pad felt great, I was laying on my sleeping bag, and that felt good too. In five o'clock shadow, I got up and walked around. Took a mile and a half RT to the car camp to make use of their facilities then made dinner and did the journal. Time to read a little and go to bed..
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Drove from Canyon de Chelly to the Needles district of Canyon Lands. Got settled in just a mile or so from the highway on the Lockhart Basin Road in the Indian Creek Rec area just out side of the park.
We drove in to the visitors center and I got a back country permit to do an overnight hike. I settled on four and a half hike to Devils Potholes from Elephant Hill to the tent sight. Most of that part of the hike is on the Elephant Hill 4x4 road. The next day would be through Chesler Park. We looked to drive EH road road before but it was just too much for our car.
We got back to the RV and while M was preparing dinner I started packing my BP. After going to bed I realized that I had left some stuff laying out side and had to get up and bring it in before it blew away...
H
We drove in to the visitors center and I got a back country permit to do an overnight hike. I settled on four and a half hike to Devils Potholes from Elephant Hill to the tent sight. Most of that part of the hike is on the Elephant Hill 4x4 road. The next day would be through Chesler Park. We looked to drive EH road road before but it was just too much for our car.
We got back to the RV and while M was preparing dinner I started packing my BP. After going to bed I realized that I had left some stuff laying out side and had to get up and bring it in before it blew away...
H
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Canyon de Chelly
Got in my hike today. Hiked into the canyon one and a half miles and ab out six hundred feet elevation loss. Regained it on the back. Sure do use different muscles than on flat land. Tomorrow will tell.
Walked into the canyon, about an hour and a half round trip. M was walking around on the rim and slipped and skinned her knee.
Walked into the canyon, about an hour and a half round trip. M was walking around on the rim and slipped and skinned her knee.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
On the road agian
Left home yesterday around noon and made it to Holbrooh, AZ. Tday we drove through Pretrified Forest NP, anit aw beautiful. decided to stay one more night here to let a storm go by (it's gone) an get some rest (we did). Will head on up fto Moab tomorrow!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
You know you are getting old when....
The day got off to a bad start. When I make my coffee I put hot water in the mug to heat it up so as not to cool the coffee too quickly. This morning my brain must have done a reset, and I dumped the coffee out thinking it was the hot water! Had to start all over...
Did my hike at 0630 so I could be tire all day.
Went to costco to get Ms glasses and, looking for a parking space, I backed up to let someone out, and then just drove past the empty space. What can I say, I turned 65 today. M had a good laugh!
Did my hike at 0630 so I could be tire all day.
Went to costco to get Ms glasses and, looking for a parking space, I backed up to let someone out, and then just drove past the empty space. What can I say, I turned 65 today. M had a good laugh!
Monday, April 23, 2012
We now have a tent!
Got the tent today. Got it set up in the shed. Looks big enough for me and should be light enough.
M got her little books and her glasses come in so we can get them tomorrow an be off to Moab the next day. The weather is looking great for the next two weeks.
M got her little books and her glasses come in so we can get them tomorrow an be off to Moab the next day. The weather is looking great for the next two weeks.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Yes, we have no tents today!
Up at 0530 and decided to do my hike a little early. I also added another four pounds to the pack. It did not add much to the time, only a couple of minutes. I got on the scales be with everything, and then just before showering, and there was a thirty pound difference... When leaving the garage after taking off the backpack it really felt like walking on air. The first time I have felt that.
Checked USPS on line and still no word of my tent. I may have to forward it after all. We’ll see.
Made a trip to Costco and stopped at the P.O., no package. I did find some “trail food” at World Market that was not half salt. At Walmart it all had 1200 1300 mg sodium...
While at Walmart, I returned a tent (unopened) that I had ordered online. I had bought it for practice and trials runs, but, I should have my “real” tent in a couple of days and we have decided to wait until in comes in as M has some new eye glasses coming in also. We might as well wait for everything. She is also expecting a book that she had printed of the process that she and her sister went through in making their quilts of photos that M had taken. Two very beautiful quilts.
It is a warm afternoon but my hike is done....
1700... Hot afternoon. I tried to nap, but no way. Napping is just not my style! I just feel tired...
1900
Rib eye and baked potato for dinner... life is good.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Out for delivery...
Well, the backpack, sleeping bag, and pad, any way.
Keep getting excuses for the Ebay tent seller. Grandmother died, just got home, will get it in the mail tomorrow. Two days later, just got home, not like me to be late, will get it in the mail before going to bed. Like the post office is open til midnight! Finally got a tracking number this AM. Checked on line, the PO only has electronic data entered, not the package. Planning to leave town on Saturday and PO is not open here on Saturday. Will most likely have to have it forwarded to Moab, where we will be for a couple of weeks. Am hoping to get in some good practice over-nite hikes. I need the practice. But first, I need my tent!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Friday April, 13
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Yesterday, or was it the day before, I took all of the hiking gear and supplies to the shed and weighed and photographed them. I’m up to 33 pounds already, allowing 8.6 pounds for base gear not purchased yet. Such as:
This is an attempt to enter data using voice recognition. If I could take this on the trail with me I could keep my journal up to date in real time and it would go so much easier. If I could use this on my kindle keyboard I could dictate as I Hike.
H
Saturday, April 14, 2012
I bought a retractable USB 2.0 kit which contained four USB connectors and one retractable USB extension cord. I am hoping this will fill all my connection needs. The USB charging cable I ordered for the phone did not work so I make one using the phone end of an old 12 volt adapter and the computer end of a USB cable, cutting and soldering them together, and have an eight inch USB adapter for my phone that works great. I may redo it and make it 3 or 4 inches shorter and weigh a few grams less.
I picked up a package of Starbucks Via coffee yesterday at Costco and thought I would try it today. Guess what! It tastes just like instant coffee! Of course, I have never really been a fan of Starbucks, anyway! But this may just work on the trail.
I am doing four miles hikes, every three days, with about 20 pounds worth of backpack. I have four of those in and ready to kick it up another mile or so, whatever the next leg of the road is.
This morning I was shopping on the Internet for a sleeping bag that could go to 15°. I found a TNF (the north face) cat’s meow synthetic fiber that weighed in at 1 pound 8 ounces. I was thinking of a warmer bag, but, if I leave in February, I may need a “warmer” bag.
H.Sunday, April 15, 2012
Yesterday, or was it the day before, I took all of the hiking gear and supplies to the shed and weighed and photographed them. I’m up to 33 pounds already, allowing 8.6 pounds for base gear not purchased yet. Such as:
Base Gear
| |||
Tent/Tarp
|
1
|
40.00
|
40.0
|
Sleeping Bag
|
1
|
40.00
|
40.0
|
SB liner
|
1
|
5.00
|
5.0
|
Foot print
|
1
|
10
|
10.0
|
Back pack
|
1
|
40.00
|
40.0
|
AL Tent Stake
|
8
|
0.3
|
2.4
|
My goal is to stay under 30 pounds total pack weight and I have more things to add. Not much room left! Weights are listed in ounces. Would love to come in under weight, but I don’t know If I can afford that!
…Fast forward a few hours…
OK, after I did a four and a half mile hike today, I ordered the base gear, finally! This is what it looks like. Individual weights are listed in ounces and the total in pounds. The tent weight includes allowances for stakes and tie lines. So coming in at 9.2 pounds isn’t too bad, I guess! Pack weight is looking to be around 31.2 pounds total pack weight with food and water. Add another five pounds for clothing that I will be wearing, shoes, and hiking poles and the total comes to 36.6 so far. I would like for that number to be under 35 pounds.
Base Gear
|
Lbs
| |||
Tent/Tarp
|
1
|
42.00
|
42.0
| |
Sleeping Bag
|
1
|
44.00
|
44.0
| |
SB liner
|
1
|
5.00
|
5.0
| |
Foot print
|
1
|
10
|
10.0
| |
Back pack
|
1
|
34.00
|
34.0
| |
AL Tent Stake
|
0
|
0.3
|
0.0
| |
Nite IZE Tent lines
|
0
|
0.5
|
0.0
| |
Sleeping Pad
|
1
|
12.00
|
12.0
| |
9.2
|
I found the tent on Ebay for $279, $90 off list, which is the best price I have seen. The others I ordered from BaseGear.com. The sleeping bag, a Cat’s Meow synthetic weighing in at 44 ounces was on sale for $150, down (no pun intended) from $200. The backpack is a Granite Gear Crown V.C. at 34 ounces, for $160, after a 20% off (of $200) for first order. The sleeping pad is a Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLite listed at $160, but I got the 20% discount for it also, bring it to $128. Adding in $48.79 for faster shipping brought the damage for the day to $765, after rounding. So the waiting begins!
This week we plan to take off for Moab, UT for a few weeks. I will give me a chance to get in some real trail miles and hopefully some overnight time in the tent and sleeping bag. Here’s to hoping it goes well!
H.
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