Spring Break

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will fall off like autumn leaves." -John Muir

Just a little inspiration as I prepare for a few days of hiking in the desert next week during Spring Break. It is really amazing to think of John Muir, 100 years ago, trekking over 10,000 foot passes with some biscuits and his wool coat. I am sure he also like to tell a tale or two to keep his readers in suspense (like the story of surviving a blizzard by hiding out in a hot spring...). It does put into perspective the idea of what one really need to survive comfortably in the wild. With that in mind, tomorrow I will dust off all of my old gear and pack for three days of backpacking at Mt. San Jacinto. There is still plenty of snow at the top of the mountain (13-15 feet of snow at the apex of approx 10, 000 ft)but the ranger I talked to yesterday seemed to think that we should find reasonable hiking and camping at a lower elevation. It may be three day of post-holing in the snow (or more like one day!) but it will be great to get out there and have 'get the good tidings of the mountains...'

For those who are interested in the up and coming hikes (2 days/one night) in Sonoma and Pt Reyes, would you please drop me a line, comment or email to let me know if you are going on both or just one of the weekends. The dates are on the schedule page of the Trek for a Cure website and also on the blog archives. That would be great!

Keep it Green and Muddy!!

More ruminating about gear... tents!

I have been really rethinking my Mountain Hardware Hammerhead tent. I have used this tent for quite a few years and have loved all of the bells and whistles that this tent has to offer. Two huge vestibles for starters- my original thought was to be able to break down my mountain bike and slip it under a vestible if needed (this was on a road trip to Canada a few years ago). The tent also has the most magnificent star viewing capabilities, I can unzip the ceiling of the tent (sans fly) to look at the stars, and on and on... I love this tent (except the condensation-ugh!). But it is a 7lb beast with the footprint, too heavy!!

I just found a great new possibility without the big bucks (still, not cheap tho)- it is the Vapor Light 2 by Sierra Designs. For 299.00 dollars and 3lbs 4ozs, it has it all! All the reviews I have read about this tent have been primo- light, easy to set up, and durable under windy and rainy conditions. Not to mention that is had minimal condensation problems.

I also looked at some other ultra light tents but they are a little too rich for my blood. But, if I could swing it I would look at the Nemo Morpho 2 or the Tarptents- most of the high tech tents that are weigh less than 4 lbs run up to $500.

Now I am on to reassessing my cookware!

Keep it Green and Muddy!

Thinking about gear...

I just picked up the latest Backpacker magazine's Gear Guide- always a favorite of mine 'cause I love to check out the new and 'tested' gear. This year the Gear Guide has a whole new meaning for me- I am looking at the Ultralight gear that is out there and really processing what can I give up in weight and what am I willing to spend to go light while on the trail. I do love some of those creature comforts while backpacking but I am kinda of getting older and, boy howdy- I do not want to carry a 40 pound pack 220 miles. So, I am ditching my Jack Wolfskin pack and thinking about going for a Gossimer pack. It is about 4 lbs difference in weight- probably more, actually... those German bags are heavy but they have just about everything you need, a tone of outside pockets, separate compartment for your sleeping bag, excellent support and cushioning for your back, etc...

On the Fundraising front- Trek for a Cure has raised close to 10 thousand dollars so far!!! This has been an amazing show of support!! I have just had a few hundred postcards about the Trek printed (actually, they were donated to Trek, thank you Janene and Robert)so if anyone can think of businesses or folks to send them to, let me know and I will drop some in the mail to you. I have been busy leaving stacks at sporting good store.
The donation gift tees should be printed in a couple of weeks. This has been a little bit longer than I had planned but well worth the wait. Tom Killion has been generous and allowed me to use the block print that is on the website for the shirt, too. The shirt will be amazing!! I am waiting for the final design from Jason at Ink Monkey and I will let you know when they are available (it will also be posted on the website).

Keep it Green and Muddy!

Back on Line!

I did not realize how I depend on my internet- We had no connection for about 5 days and Wow! I had to use the phonebook and other antiquated objects. Anyway, I just wanted to update everyone about the hikes coming up. There will be a backpacking trip - as previously posted- on the 24th and 25th of April. This hike will take place near the Sonoma Mts and it is entirely on private property (thank you, Mary!). I would love to hear who is interested in joining this hike. It will be about 13 miles total and I understand that there are some fantastic views of bridges at the top of the hill!

Another hike will be the 15th and 16th of May. This trip will be in the lovely Pt. Reyes National Seashore! Peter had secured a permit for 6 hiker to camp at Sky Camp (hmmm...maybe we need a few more). We will be hiking about the same mileage for the two days-13 to 15 miles. If you are interested in this trip- please let me know or just leave a note on the blog!

Look forward to hearing from you!

Keep it green and muddy!

Hello Hikers!

Welcome to the Trek Blog! I thought that this would be a great way for folks to keep informed on the latest about gear, trail food ideas and general information about backpacking trip opportunities. I will begin to post interesting links about the JMT and other cool backpacking stuff on the blog, too!

That said- It was so great to share and evening of excellent company, food and trail talk with everyone a few weeks ago! What a great group of trekkers! I know that we are equally excited to get out on the trail (after the snow has melted a bit, anyway...). On the fundraising aspect of Trek for a Cure- there has been incredible interest from folks all over the country-and Canada!! People are writing in to give support (financial to the Foundation and in spirit) about the upcoming hike. So, pass the word!

There is an opportunity for an upcoming hike- it would be a 2 day and one night trip. I was thinking of some place close for a first hike in order to dust off those boots and shake out those sleeping bags. The dates are April 24th and 25th. Please let me if you are interested in joining the hike. Peter and I have extra gear and there are others who may have packs/boots/pads etc. to share. Please feel free to write in with gear needs or if you have extra gear you would like to offer. It might be nice to try some stuff out before purchasing your own, too!

Keep it green and muddy!
Annette