March 2021 – Hiking Vicariously

Ursack Major XL

Earlier I mentioned picking up the Ursack Major XL as my food bag for use in the non-Sierra sections, as bears and other critters are present in other parts of the trail as well. Above are a couple of videos on their proper use. It is recommended to use them with an OPSak, which isContinue reading “Ursack Major XL”

One week to go

Today I finished up my last shift for the next six months. I still feel like I’m supposed to get up early and return to work tomorrow. Coincidentally, it is National Doctor’s Day. Nice to go out with a bang. I’m taking bets on how full the inbox will be on my return. Hearing ofContinue reading “One week to go”

Two weeks to go

First, a gear review. I picked up a set of bone conducting headphones (Aftershokz ). There’s always a tradeoff in situational awareness while listening to music on the trail, which usually results in nearly getting run over from behind by mountain bikers on the Boise foothill trails with annoying frequency. Remember, just because you’re paranoidContinue reading “Two weeks to go”

Shipping day

Yesterday I shipped out my Southern California supply boxes. The website logo comes in handy to separate them out from the other hundred flat rate packages.

Mt. Whitney

About 20 years ago, my dad and I summited Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Starting from Whitney Portal at 3:00 AM, it was a challenging hike even by PCT standards: 22 miles round trip with a 6000 ft. elevation gain to 14,500.

Packing efficiently

When I first started loading my pack for training, there seemed to be no way to fit everything in the available space. Darwin gives some good advice on efficient packing.

Training tips

Some good pre-trail tips and other trail information from Marmelade. Mac’s PCT page at Halfway Anywhere has been a great resource for me as well. Today’s training hike was a bit tougher-14.2 miles with a 3200 foot elevation gain.

Sierra Gear

Once reaching Kennedy Meadows, I’ll need to add some gear for the Sierras. The food bag will be traded out for the BV500 Bear Canister, which is a mandatory carry item until around Lake Tahoe. I’ll also be adding the Microspikes and an ice axe. Fortunately, it looks like it won’t be a high snowpackContinue reading “Sierra Gear”

Training update

Yesterday was a 13 mile hike with a full pack and a 2000 ft elevation gain. I felt OK this morning, and more confident I’ll be ready for April 7th. Upper Hulls is in much better shape, with only a few stretches of packed ice and snow in shaded areas.

Hiking Oregon

Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Area is a state day use park on the central Oregon Coast in the United States. It is centered on a large bowl naturally carved in a rock headland which is partially open to the Pacific Ocean. Waves enter the bowl and often violently churn, swirl, and foam.[1] Outside the bowl, ocean conditions are attractive toContinue reading “Hiking Oregon”