As with our last camper, the very first mod we did to our Milan was to install a solar system.
I am no longer a Popup Backpacker…
No, I haven’t stopped backpacking. But we will no longer be camping in a popup trailer.
If you have been reading my posts over the past few months, then you know that our 2006 Fleetwood Niagara tent (popup) trailer was severely vandalized on July 1st. After 3 months our insurance company finally settled with us, declaring the camper was a total loss. The pay-off was equitable and we are now the proud owners of an Eclipse Milan Metal Travel Trailer 26RLS.
Autumn
Been wandering around the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. A few pictures before the rains came. Still a couple weeks away from the full color of autumn. By then I will be walking in the deserts at home.
“You need a new TV”
Wow, has time flown by! It has been over a month since the last post, other than my condiments rant a couple days ago. Things have been busy. Three weeks spent all over Pennsylvania, some hiking, my 40th Class reunion at the USAFA, some other stuff to share later, and a new TV.
Buying a new TV was not on my short list of things to do. But apparently it had to be done.
Condiments, Ethics and Morality
What’s Up With That?
I have noticed that among the backpacking community, many folks find the small condiment packages given out by fast food restaurants, to be convenient items to take on backpacking trips. I don’t use them (even with my fast food), but can see the utility.
So my first thought would have been to go to Costco and buy a case of my favorite individually packaged condiment. It would have never occurred to me to grab hands-full of condiments to be used backpacking. Apparently my thought process is different than many others, or perhaps they haven’t thought about it much.
Contemplating the Fastest Known Time
What’s Up With That?
Recently a woman hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail (over 2,600 miles) in 61 days. The average hiker who completes this trail usually takes 6 months to do it.
Recently a couple men completed the 211 mile John Muir Trail in something like 5 days. A hike most people do in a couple weeks.
These are just two examples of the quest for the Fastest Known Time.
My Wife Won’t “Let” Me Go Backpacking (solo)
AND NEITHER WILL MINE!
A little over a week ago some poor chap, posted on BackpackingLight.com that his “wife isn’t exactly warm to the idea of me going out alone.” Seems he couldn’t find anyone to go on a trip with him.
Continue reading My Wife Won’t “Let” Me Go Backpacking (solo)
The Mountain Beckons
This week I have been working in my home office. Outside my window, the mountains are calling to me, but I can’t go. There have been phone calls to make, reports to read, and emails to send. It is like a prison cell; only I can see the real world outside my prison window.
During the week the trails are empty, waiting for the onslaught of weekend hikers. They beckon me to come up and visit, but I can’t. A rational person would go up during the week and come back to work on the weekend, but I can’t. All I can do is go outside my door and take a picture.
So where shall I go this weekend to get my fix? Decisions, decisions.
Backpacking Gear Is Getting Boring
A couple days ago I was writing a post about the stoves I use on most trips. I guess the point was that people spend too much of their time talking, playing, and reviewing stoves. Just buy a freakin’ stove and be done with it.
Most of my posts are for my kids, and when it comes to things backpacking, the posts are for my son Joe who also backpacks.
I suppose I have done my share of gear talk, but I am really, really getting bored with backpacking gear.
Where Has The Water Gone?
What’s Up With That?
There was a time when most people mostly drank water. Oh, such things as sodas, milkshakes, coffee, and tea were consumed; but they were special treats. This has changed.
All around me I see fat people. Obese kids. Obese adults. It is disgusting. It is so bad, Mayor Boomerang in New York City tried to regulate soft drinks. I don’t agree that the government should regulate our purchase decisions. People have quit drinking water and replaced it with soft drinks and the ilk. It is time to take care of ourselves and not rely on the Government to do it. It all starts with water!