A pictorial of desert rambling.
How many miles did you hike?
We humans have an extraordinary ability to communicate. Not communication by speaking or body language; but communication through other mediums such as narratives, poems, music, painting, music, sculptures, etc. We can capture the essence of our feelings, sight, smell, sounds, textures and unlimited emotions and thoughts. We can communicate satisfaction, achievement, joy or even sadness. Walking in wild places brings out many of these things and the best in us.
Packrafting — to do or not
A packraft is a small but durable inflatable raft that can be carried in a backpack. Some weigh less than 5lbs and many under 10lbs. A packraft can make lake or river crossings easy for the backpacker, even when such a crossing would be next to impossible. A packraft can also allow the hiker a varied trip, where rafting a river can be combined with hiking. Such multi-function gear can make a very complicated route (in terms of logistics) easy and extremely enjoyable.
Personal Locator Beacons
Over the past 10 years or so and new piece of equipment is gaining popularity with hikers – the personal locator beacon. These devices weigh 4 or 5 ounces, and can send a satellite signal if a hiker is injured, lost or in danger. The signal is relayed to search and rescue personnel who can mount a rescue operation. Most of these PLB’s and similar ilk cost close to $300 and require a subscription. A Google search can provide you with all the information you need to learn more.
It seems to me that today many hikers are so risk adverse; they cannot venture out without all manner of emergency or back-up equipment to keep them safe. Equipment alone doesn’t keep you safe; skill keeps you safe. Some folks are so paralyzed with this risk-aversion; they seem to be waiting to die, instead of getting out into the wilderness and living life.
Joshua Tree Two-Day Grand Loop
Gear, gear, and more backpacking gear
Review of the gear I use on my backpacking trips.
Above: The backpacking, hiking, camping, and boating equipment I have accumulated over nearly 50 years. To see what I use today continue reading…
Searching for Palm Trees
This weekend, with our balmy spring weather I decided to go searching for palm trees — or rather palm oases to be exact. And to be more precise, I already knew where they were, since I have hiked the area extensively over the years. I also explored a few side canyons I had not been in before.
The high temperatures were over 100F, which is okay as long as you have plenty of water. When visiting a palm oasis, plan on there being no water available unless you can verify water from a reliable source ahead of time. Palm Trees do not rely on surface water to survive and the water can be dozens of feet below the surface.
In the temperatures I encountered, most people need at least two gallons of water per day, so plan accordingly.
Anyway, it was a fun trip.
Balls and Sunshine Ripped-off on the CDT!!
Sunshine and Balls, a well known long distance hiking father and daughter team, had their water cache stolen yesterday. Apparently other hikers stole it. This is beyond comprehension. I hope the thieves read this. My message to you is that your are less than scum. What goes around comes around, and I hope you get yours in the end. You can read Balls’ post here.
Boston, Marathons & Terrorists
Boston
I am a runner. I don’t run competitively any more, but I run. I am a student of distance running. And because I am a runner, two days ago I decided to visit the site of the April 15, 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Until I got there, I wasn’t sure why I was making this trip.
No comments here…
A friend of mine sent a note saying that John Abela over at HikeLighter.com had posted a nice note about my Trailstar article on his Facebook page, and there were some comments that it is unfortunate that I don’t allow comments on my website. I can’t verify these comments, since I don’t belong to Facebook. If this is the case, then thanks for the consideration and kind words.
There are few reasons I don’t allow comments on this site
- I would have to monitor and manage them
- I already have a job
- I don’t need more work in my life
- I am not trying to drive traffic to my site — I have nothing to sell
- The site is primarily for my children and a very small circle of friends and they have my email address and phone number
- The site might be useful for those who have similar interests