The Light Situation

Here in the Gulf, I'm learning a lot about base camp lighting in an off grid situation.

The reflector sheet is actually an emergency blanket tucked around my two burner propane stove. It seems to really help and the warmth it generates is remarkable. I can really tell the difference when some of the panels are zipped shut on the vestibule. Of course, my candles are short and in no way damage the tent.

This base campfire is about 12 inches in diameter. Take a look on my YouTube channel for more details. For some reason, embedding those videos here seem to crop them.

Far in the upper left hand corner, you can see two yard lights, each with a solar panel designed for recharging the batteries, embedded on top. Recently purchased in an effort to provide a bit of light during the long dark nights, each one emits one lumen of light. Its actually enough. However, sometimes during the day, its so dim at my base camp, the lights go on and wear down the battery. I found I must carry them to the river to recharge the batteries. But for a total of $9.47 (including tax) I feel its a decent deal.

This base camp has proved to be very comfortable and weather proof. So far no mice. I credit that blessing to keeping a meticulously clean camp, sweeping my vestibule and washing my tent floor often, never eating in bed, keeping all foods in plastic bags, then sealed in solid containers with tight fitting lids.
When ever I return from a ridgerun or days off, I check all my gear, clothes, bedding, and kitchen compartents for new critters that may have birthed in my absence. Keep your fingers crossed for me.....
A previous ridgerunner reported mice had set up housekeeping in his stove. That would really piss me off!

Shoe Review On Location

I spend 10 days off grid and in my spare time, analyze what's working, what I need, what could be useful information. Here's a short video of the shoes I had on location as of a week ago. Then, when someone abandoned a set of blue crocks, my size, I adopted those as well. As a ridgerunner, I find my pack must be light for the return trip to base camp. Often I'm carrying abandoned gear or trash. Please, if you pack it in, pack it out, even if its broken. Most trails are maintained by volunteers who spend time cutting blowdowns and improving drainage so the tread way is passable. By removing your trash and unwanted gear, carrying it to the next town, you help others enjoy their time in nature.

Video of Abandoned Gear on AT

Live action with a new ridge runner! I take these photos as a learning activity, showing what people buy and carry on their first week on the Appalachian Trail.

One thing I noticed, alot of bar soap and weapons abandoned. Good! No one needs a Bear Grills machete on the AT.

Abandoned Gear Alert

As the ridge runner, one of my jobs is to pack out gear left alongside the trail and in trail shelters. I am stationed at this time just 14 miles south of Katahdin. Thru hikers are realizing, apparently, they do no need a Bear Grills machete, an ax, a dozen stuff sacks, and heavy waterproof assortment of plastic containers (use zip lock baggies).

Also being abandoned, bars of soap (thankyou) bath salts, sling shot, cordage, dried beans, hats, and serious jack knives.

Clothing and even 8 packages of Ramen noodles, quarters and heavy metal rings, a 2014 data book, torn rainpants.

I post this list to help other hikers re-evaluate their packs, and for goodness sakes, don't let an outfitter sell you this stuff for a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail.

The first couple nights on a thru hike are the shake down. Hikers congregate, compare notes and bruises, pack weights and foods. Some plan to get through the 100 mile with out a resupply by local merchants offering such for fees. You can do this, embrace the challenge.

Give yourself 7 to 10 days of travel time. The serious hunger doesn't set in the first week. You'll be in Monson before you know it.

Just a few notes, from my side of the fence to save you some money and aggravation. 

First Week As A Ridgerunner

This is the oldest shelter still standing on the Appalachian Trail. Its located at the Horn's Pond Campsite. There are also two other lean-tos there, as well as a dozen or more level campsites, each one marked off with scree walls to help contain each site. As may long distance hikers know, there is a tendency for campsites to sprawl into the forest, even encroaching on fragile alpine growth,

During my first week working on the AT as a Maine Caretaker/Ridgerunner, I helped reset stone into the soggy pathway, remove debris from clogged drainage systems to encourage a drier path. Even if its muddy, hikers are supposed to trudge on through. 

I've met a few section hikers already heading to Katahdin. Theirs will be an icy footpath, although the recent steady rains have made a huge dent in the piles of snow.

At Horn's Pond Campsite, poised in the sub-alpine zone, are two outhouses, composting privies that help break down waste to fertile, non hazardous material.

Its laborious enough, with moving it three times to the final drying rack, before committing it back to the earth. While helping transfer the third batch, which had reached a hot 140 plus temperature during the "heating" cycle, we uncovered a family of mice. I now see firsthand while only human waste, toilet paper and and wood chips belong in this system. Those handiwipes and casings for tampons are nasty to pick out and dispose of properly. They do not degrade at all.

After a day of work, sitting down to record the day's activities, drink a cup of coffee and relax is done on the covered caretaker's platform. We're off the grid. No electrical but there is cell service on top the mountain.

The information board on location has a great hand drawn map. There is no fee at this site, either.