Last week I noticed that daytime highs in the southern section of Joshua Tree National Park were predicted to be in the high 80’s F. There was only one choice… go!
Desert in Autumn
I Need My Space
Over the past few months I have hiked in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and of course California among other places.
Other than California I found most trails to be in dense forests and most travel confined to trails, as cross country travel is difficult at best. These places are often confining, the sky is often hidden by a canopy of trees, and views are only possible by climbing up to a peak. Instead of forest duff, one deals with rocks and roots.
In spite of these obstacles, those places I traveled are beautiful in their own right and highly recommended.
But I prefer open spaces. Spaces where I can at almost any time position myself to see for miles and miles. The open spaces I am referring to are deserts.
Desert Time
Spent this weekend camping in the desert with Joyce. The previous two weekends we camped in the mountains where the nighttime temperatures dropped in the 30’s F. So instead of wearing layers of clothing and down coats, we were able to sit outside at night in shorts and T-shirts.
‘We’ need a new TV
A few days ago I posted an article titled, You need a new TV. I shared the conversation Joyce and I had about a possible new camper, and her perception that we need a new TV, or Tow Vehicle.
As it turned out, she was correct. We ended up getting a new camper and the new tow vehicle (TV), does an excellent job towing it.
After we took delivery of our new camper, Joyce declared, “We need a new TV!”
Milan 26RLS Solar System
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.