Hammock Hangers Respond Please

Five years ago I created this video. It shows how to rig a flat tarp into a solid shelter. I use hiking poles, and know many other hikers do.

 

I was surprised by this comment, which showed up 8 months ago. It seems pretty obvious the guy hasn't even used a hammock. Last summer I met plenty of hammock users who needed pads underneath to keep from freezing their butts off. what do you think?


Holy Fuck! You are carrying needless equipment. You have aluminium walking sticks and metal tent pegs? And you sleep on the ground? What is wrong with you? Carry less. In my back-pack I have 3 ziploc bags that weigh almost nothing and take up very, very little space. One contains a parachute fabric hammock, the other a 6 x 4 groundsheet and the last para-cord. When I set up camp all I need are 2 trees about 8 feet apart. Sling the hammock & tie down. You are now above ground level (preventing heat loss & minimizing unwanted animal contact). Tie a rope one foot above your hammock and drape and secure the groundsheet. With rocks and sticks that are free! You can now secure all of your equipment: accessible, dry and within reach. You will sleep like a baby because you are not on solid ground and don't have to worry about snakes, creepy crawlies, alligators, Mormons, and such. WTF? What has happened to common sense? If you need a walking stick, cut one, don't buy one!!!! 

Winter Thru Hike of PCT

In March 12th, Thursday paper, I read the story of Justin Lichter and Shawn Forry's successful thru hike of the Pacific Crest trail. What makes it remarkable is they did it southbound, over the winter.

Ok. Wow. Having hiked the entire PCT (2000-2001) I know somewhat of what they went through. I can't imagine doing the passes in the JMT, though. They were snowy and steep in June. And that was a low snow year.

You'd need more calories, for sure, slugging over the trails in skis or snowshoes. I guess sometimes you'd be crossing massive streams on ice instead of wading waist deep.

Maybe nothing is impossible anymore, given the right equipment and mindset. The article told how they prepared by testing gear and researching food drops, given its not the season for resorts to be open. It also mentioned both were extremely experienced backpackers.

Kudos to the brave twosome. I remember reading the question posted, Is a winter thru hike on the CDT possible. I now believe it is.

Of Moose and Men Released

Finally, Of Moose and Men-Ridgerunning in Maine's Hundred Mile Wilderness is finished. I created this "trailer" to commemorate the experience. In the interest of full disclosure, I don't really have this bad of a temper. Really, I don't.

Sometimes the film gets cut off at the right side, so if  you wish, you can watch it on You Tube.

In Paperback  or for Kindles and laptops,  this new book is 396 pages of full on Appalachian Trail,  hiker heavy stuff. When co-worker 'Ivan' used to introduce me as "a recovering thru hiker",
I'd reply, "I'm not recovering from nothing! I'm proud to be one of them."

Here's what he wrote me yesterday: Hey Carol! Congratulations on the book! I laughed so hard reading the preview of the first chapter. I was funny how you told my mouse story and how you references my pride in my dresser! I even liked the name Ivan! You really have a talent for story-telling! Dan read half and said it was great. he read it on a plane and everyone asked him why he was laughing so much.

If you read the book, I would very much appreciate it if you would write a review for me on Amazon.com.
Thanks and Happy Trails!

Search And Rescue Truck for Sale

Today, I trained with Idaho Mountain's Search and Rescue Unit.

 We learned how to set up base camp and command centers. While there, I took photos of the old truck they have for sale. Their new trucks are larger and can haul more gear. The 'old' 901 has a tag of $6,800. However, I was told that if someone came with $5,000, they could buy it.

 

Its a '96 Chevy. The miles and phone numbers are listed below. These guys really take care of their stuff, so I know the truck has been maintained. All funds and proceeds go to further the all Volunteer organization.

Call them if you're interested. Mention my name if you like. Its a small world. You never know who might be looking for this very rig. It would make a great backcountry camper because the sides open up, as well as the back. It can seat 5. It has the lights on top, too.

On the Home Stretch

First, let me apologize for my lack of entries. I've been writing like nuts, intent on getting this book finished. Estimated availability for Kindles and paperback: March 15.

Writing, proofing, polishing and fine tuning after my beta readers give suggestions is taking way longer than I figured, but the end result, Of Moose and Men-Ridgerunning in Maine's Hundred Mile Wilderness , should be worth it.

The cover isn't ready, but it will have a giant Moose on it. If I met you last summer, you might be in the book. If I changed your name, it's for your own good. If I didn't change your name, please don't sue me, I only said good things about you.

There are surprises. Some folks in the book have been contacted and warned. Some have not.

Above all, if you read the book, I would appreciate a review online because it helps spread the word. We independent writers need all the help we can get.

 

I'll do some promotional sales. A few free download days. A trailer for YouTube. Bottom line, I think its my best work to date and I hope you enjoy it.

I big thanks and shout out to Maine Appalachian Trail Club, who I love dearly, especially the CARE committee who hired me for that perfect job.

Happy trails.

Learning Curve and Knowledge Base

In preparation for my next seasonal gig, I've been researching how to get my Geo and Motor Home five hundred miles down the road.
The obvious answer? Tow it. Get a dolly. Get a trailer.
So yesterday I went to an RV dealer. While these guys are expensive, they know their stuff. Here's what I learned.

 

 

A dolly is cheaper than flat towing a car. The guy told me for $3,600, I could have a hitch and brand new dolly, suitable for towing a small car.

But, he warned, this situation is so tedious with all the lights and hook ups, removing and storing said dolly on location, that most "older" folks just don't want to deal with it. They tow their cars, but leave them hooked to the motor home rather than unhooking everything and running around, only to hook it all back up again.

 

Flat towing is the ticket, he said. It just so happened, a customer heard our conversation and agreed. "I had a dolly. I hate it. Flat tow your car."

 

What's that cost? Well, for $4200 we can have you ready to go.

I gulped. Not going to happen. "Well, talk to me. the Geo?"

"Yes, we install brackets and electric braking in case the thing comes loose from the motor home."

Humm. My mind was working. The Geo has been diagnosed with a fatal tranny. I've vowed to drive it until it bites the dust, however long that may be, but bottom line, not sticking any  more money into  it. "Keep in mind, if you're flat towing, you can not back up, not even an inch. If you get in a spot that you can't pull through, you'll have to unhook everything, move the car first, then back up the motor home, re-hook and try again."

Wow. That's a head full of info.  

"What about a new car, only manual transmissions?"

"Don't take anyone's word for it, you've got to check the owner's manual and make sure it can be flat towed. Even some automatics can be flat towed, but check the owners manual before you lay down any cash. Had a guy come in with a brand new car, said the salesman promised it could be flat towed. He lied. The purchaser lost several thousands re-trading that car."

"Humm," I murmured. "Maybe I'll just get a motorcycle."

With that I left, pondering the car situation. Maybe I'll get a scooter or a bike. Or, for $4200, I could get a friend to drive it to location and I pay their airfare back.

 

So, let me throw the question out there:

any ideas???

 

 

 

Look Before You Sit

In an effort to get back in hiking shape, I've been putting serious time at the local gym. I really like the place and the hours are good. Watching the calories slowly add up for the intense effort expended makes me realize how sweet backpacking is. Never have to kill myself in order to enjoy a cupcake.

I have my routine. When I get to the gym, I claim a locker, put my smart phone, ear buds, reading glasses, water bottle and wash cloth on the bench nearby. Then I change, weigh myself and groan. How did I let these pounds jump on my body?
Over the holidays, silly. All those chocolate covered yummies, nuts and drinks?
Yup, I grimace. Never again. Hiking weight is healthy weight.

Just as I prepare to lock my locker, I turned to see a massive woman sit right on my phone, washcloth, ear buds, etc. For a moment she seemed oblivious to the fact, but then, something must have finally registered. She rocked to one side, lifting a cheek, revealing my stuff. "Oh," she said, and nearly pushed my phone onto the floor.

I gathered my stuff as she repositioned herself, wondering how she lost so much sensation in her a$$.

Winter Walk on Greenbelt

While waiting for various personal things to get done, I took a long walk today on the Greenbelt. This trail hugs the Boise River and is sometimes difficult to find access because the parking along the few streets it crosses is unmarked.

However, I found it at Eagle Road and River Meadow Rd. There, you cans hike west at least miles. Along the way, you'll meet bikers, roller bladers, joggers and tons of dogs.

Everyone is friendly. 

 The mountains rise in the distance while to the right, the biowaste treatment facility and other private property is fenced off. To the left is the river and fishing.

A guy parks his bike and went fishing. Unbelievably warm temperatures brought out scores of folks today. 

A sign warns of nesting herons. Its amazing how many nests were in a dozens tall trees.

One of my favorite views was of the island below. I could imagine wading out there for a picnic.

Another access points for this trail is Broadway Avenue, near the University. Beautiful homes have their backyards bordering this trail. I imagine they are equipped with alarms.

Blame It On the Fries

So I'm at the gym, killing myself on the elliptical trainer, checking calories burned, damning those French fries to hell and back.
Work out for an hour just to burn off that generous scoop of hot salty fries that appeared next to the sandwich I ordered at a dinky diner in Fairfield? Nope, never again. Not worth it. Last weeks tasty treat is this weeks abomination of stinkin' fat.
Headphones in place, Latin Dance Club pumping, I'm breaking February in hard. No one wants to hit the trail fat and weak. Let the pain begin.

Suddenly I hold my breath. The stench is worse than a skunk's worst discharge while sitting in a pile raw manure.
There's only one guy in the row ahead. Really? Really, you're going to act like you don't smell that?He's cute, strong and working out like a fiend. He's also plugged in to head phones and making out like the air quality didn't just drop to fatal levels.
I keep working out. Maybe the dude's eating lots of veggies. Broccoli will do that to you, or cabbage.

Eventually the odor dissipates and I can raise my nose from the fan venting on my face. Holy guacamole, within ten minutes another ballast shoots my way. I frowned. He didn't look like a broccoli kind of guy. In fact, I bet he plays football and hangs at the bar. I'm going to blame his trouble on Fries, too.

Maybe that's why all these machines at the gym have fans, aimed right at your face.

Mount Rainier Here I Come

It may seem silly, but I'm in the market for snowshoes.

Amazon.com is of course one of many places to start looking, and after my avalanche training I know backcountry skis have their limitations. read http://thefemalesurvivalist.blogspot.com for more on that adventure.

I can hear you all saying winter's almost over and I reply "SALES!"
And now the really big news. I'm going to work at Mount Rainier this summer, the snowiest place on earth. with snow possible any day of the year snowshoes might come in handy for the forth of July parade.
Here's what the National Park Service website has to say about this location:

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning six major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.

I'll have my motor home inside the park and expect to explore the Wonderland trail as well.

Now, here's what I learned this weekend, good stuff before I go shopping for this essential piece of winter gear:

I learned snowshoes must bear weight of body and gear, have easy on off bindings workable in sub zero, and adaptable to various boots.