Post-trip GEAR REVIEW 15KG WEIGHT LIMIT *took to Nepal but had to cut due to weight limit#things I took on the trek but didn’t need/use marmot long hauler duffel bag – large zpacks arc blast 52L pack zpacks 0F wide long bag with draft tube*thermarest xtherm long foam sit pad *gossamer gear 1/8″ pad toilet kit: (snow stake, tp, hand … More Gokyo – Cho La Pass – Everest Base Camp Gear List
It doesn’t really matter that I can’t remember the words to almost any song. But people burst out in song and they are magically bonded for life. Oh well. Even the star spangled banner seems a little foggy. And it’s not just that I’m getting older. This thing has been this thing for as long … More Backcountry Ninjas on the Brain – 11 Days Until Departure
CDT Gear List oz. lb. zpacks 52L arc blast with hip belt pockets 18 zpacks 0F wide long bag 27.1 zpacks solplex tent w/stakes in big agnes stuff sac 19 64.1 4.0 thermarest Xtherm long 16.5 gossamer gear 1/8 pad 3.2 gossamer gear polycryo ground cloth 1.4 cocoon pillow 4.1 msr pack towel half 0.7 … More CDT Gear List II
You know those days. The days that stand on the shoulders of all other days. The days that find you looking back through time with a new lens and entranced on the spiraling playground slide of the future. The days where time does in fact come to a stand still and indelible bookmarks are logged … More The Days That Change Your LIFE
You see it all the time – 10 reasons to do this or that, 9 ways to be successful, etc.. We humans sure love to number things. There’s even 7 Great Ways to Poop Outdoors that’s got a great picture of a deer taking a shit. Ok, the deer is probably peeing but whatevs. I … More 10s Are All The Rage – Ode To Warmth
10 Reasons to Go Hiking and Backpacking with an Umbrella Thanks to Francis Tapon for writing this thorough blog on the backpacking umbrella. I’ve had a Golite umbrella (now collectors item) for the last 6 years but haven’t really gone down the path of considering it an essential piece of my gear setup. My main … More 10 Reasons to Go Hiking and Backpacking with an Umbrella
In 2009 during my first trip through the Pacific Crest Trail ‘desert’ – which is really patches of chaparral connected by mountain ranges – I said “never again”. My slow trudging seemed excruciating, the heat unbearable. New to the thru-hiking lifestyle my pain was abundant and incessant. The time spent whistling through the crisp cool … More Nuevo México
Yesterday, the rushing Robinson Creek bounced its poetic words full of cheer and wonder off the canyon walls. What was a nearly stagnant, algae-filling water source two weeks ago has found new life. Nothing like a little downpour to get this life blood flowing. Here on Smart’s Mountain we got about 8.5 inches of rain … More The 64 Day Countdown Begins
My mom drops me at the bottom of the mountain where the road turns from dirt to pavement. A mere 5.5 miles and 20 minute drive from our house. I jump out, grab my 18 lb. pack and trekking poles before she departs for San Francisco. I do an about-face, ready for my climb back … More The Mystery of the Abandoned Crutches
October 21 Mileage 0 San Francisco to Ukiah My day starts with the daunting task of fitting my bike into my mom’s already partially full FJ Cruiser. 30+ minutes later, I’ve get everything in there without having to remove my front tire. Success! Hannah and Coincidence pick me up and then we head to Crissy … More Day 12: From Sunny Bay to Mountain Home
Journey Return 