Did some long overdue updates

Check out my description of the 2 night trip to Shenandoah directly below, and then go down to the picture of the tarp shelter - it's been written up as Gear of the Week. Updated info on backpack picture.

Rocky Mountain Run - Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Parked the truck in early afternoon Friday, went down 3 miles and then went another 1/2 mile off the trail. Located the site I was after, set up shelter, fed the dogs, ate, set up line over trees to hang food (to protect it from critters - especially bears). In the evening, found a decent radio station, snacked (high energy food to help keep me warm), sipped bourbon, stared at the moon and stars and the brightly lit forest for a couple of hours before turning in.

Saturday, took my time getting up, but by the time I did (9-ish?) there was still some frost on some of the gear, fed dogs, fixed breakfast, drank lots of hot green tea. Decided to enjoy the comfort of the sun warmed shelter for a while, so napped till noon. Got up and grabbed a few basic items, packed the waistpack, went exploring. While exploring, took pictures, washed up, sipped bourbon (whoah! I felt it!), found 2 ticks. Back at camp 6:30, fed dogs, ate, polished off bourbon (hmmm, not much left), hung food, turned in early.

Sunday was warmer. Fed dogs, ate, packed, took our time getting up to the truck so it was fun and not real sweaty. Arrived home at 4:30.

Sunday, back at truck, departing, view towards Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten

Pool contained by fallen log

Camp at lower right

Exploring, Saturday

Home for 2 nites, and Gear of the Week: Tarp Shelter.

As you can see, it's a very basic, lightweight shelter. It weighs half as much as my tent, and covers twice the area. It has terrific ventilation, but that can be a drawback in the cold. There is no mosquito netting either, but mosquitos are usually not a big problem at the altitudes that I camp at in the mountains. The extra square footage actually can be quite handy when it comes to protecting all of my gear from the weather. When it does rain, I have to make sure that whatever plastic sheet or tarp that I'm using for a groundcloth doesn't extend beyond the edges of the shelter, because water can collect and run inside.

This shelter was made by MSR. It didn't include poles; MSR suggests using telescoping hiking poles adjusted to 4 feet (they're kind of like ski poles that you use as walking sticks - I have a pair but usually only take one for myself). I have used branches, but what I do now is carry some old sectional tent poles (2 sections each), if you look at the picture of my pack, they are strapped to the side of my pack, enclosed in a skinny blue nylon bag, and one end is sitting in the pocket with my bourbon flask. Also, you can see my hiking pole on the other side of the pack. Poles are not even necessary if one decides to hang the shelter from tree limbs instead.

Duncan likes to stick his head out from underneath so he can keep an eye on things, Alexis can easily come and go by scooting under even when the door is zipped shut - Funny dog and tent story: Alexis would sometimes get confused, when calling her out of the tent or into the tent, if she wasn't near the door. Apparently because the tent walls didn't have any effect on the sound of my voice, her ears were telling her brain that she could walk through the wall of the tent like it was a doggie door. She's headbutted the tent a few times over the years, to my amusement of course.

The kitchen

My burden, at campsite, Friday.

My new sandals are strapped against my rolled-up sleeping pad, on back. The yellow object on the ground is my GPS, another Christmas gift from Brother Michael (ca. 2000), I can leave home without it - but it's fun as well as helpful.

Beasts of Burden

Gear of the Week: Sandals

I'm real happy with my new Ecco (of Denmark) sandals that I got from Sierra Trading Post. They are very comfortable and so light it's scary.

I've been wearing sandals for light hiking/water sports/etc. since the early 90's. My 1st, 2nd, and I think 3rd pair were Teva's, and I would buy them again. I won't buy Merrell's (a well known hiking boot maker - I had a great pair of their boots) again, while getting your foot used to the straps every spring (especially when the straps get wet and gritty) is normal, the Merrell's shredded my heels like 4/5 of the time, and the soles didn't hold up.

Wearing sandals for easy hikes builds up the strength in feet and lower legs for the serious hikes when boots are worn. I don't care about walking thru mud or wading thru high water when I'm in my sandals. I wear sandals on the hours long drive to the mountains, so my sweat prone feet can breathe on the way, and I will end up starting the hike with dry feet in my leather boots. Also sandals make great camp shoes, a nice change after hiking all day in heavy boots. Get some and set your toes free.

Osprey, sounds like this

Osprey

Leaning Cedar

Running Cedar

Sunday

Sunday

Sunday