Despite some minor problems, and my losing my temper with my pack, it was a good trip. I’ve found a new great camping spot with wonderful views, and if I’m fit enough to do the trail, it’s not a problem.

In total I hiked 21 miles and had 1700ft of elevation gain.

What worked

• Daisy chain tree straps.
• New tarp tie-outs.
• Pop tarts!
• New water filter plug. I didn’t mention it but I made a new plug for the water filter before I left on this trip. It stops water dribbling out of the filter.
• GPS. Without it I would not have got round without some major difficulties.

What didn’t work

• My pack needs some adjusting, and my packing needs rearranging. The former so the straps stop slipping, and the latter so that it is easier to carry extra water when needed.
• My Deuter backpack. Fortunately, I worked that out before I left.
• The Gas stove struggled on the colder mornings, and it didn’t seem that much quicker boiling water than my Cat-can stove. I think it’ll stay at home in future.
• My trip planning. I went on two 15-mile hikes in 9 months, and after a two-month break, thought I’d be fit enough to easily hike five miles a day with some hefty (for me) climbs. No. Oh, yeah, and the elephant in the room, I’m pushing into my late sixties too.

Lessons Learned

• Print and take large-scale maps. I’d have been stuck if my GPS had given up the ghost.
• If there’s no trail to be found don’t waste time looking for it, get out the compass and hike.
• Spend a bit more time breaking in new shoes before going on a twenty-mile hike.
• I made assumptions about water availability and the state of the trail. Both were wrong. Plan for the worst of the probable conditions.
• Use compression sacks on my quilts to gain more pack-space in the winter. I’ll have room in my pack for water, which will make it easier to carry.

Fixes

• I could buy a bigger backpack. Zpacks no longer make the 65 Liter pack, now it is a 70 Liter pack. But (this is silly) I don’t like the color. Not to mention, the cost is astronomical ($400+). But They do make pads for the shoulder straps and also for the lumber support of my existing pack. I’m going to give those a try first an d see if they help with the fit. I’ll use a compression sack for my winter quilts leaving room for water in my pack, where the load is easier to carry.
• Different huaraches. I didn’t want to buy another pair of Luna Sandals, but the brand I’ve researched as replacements had sold out, and will not be available until mid-February.

Copyright © 2024 Gary Allman, all rights reserved.