Thankful

After deciding to attempt to hike the PCT next year, one of the most incredible things has been getting help and advice from some truly wonderful people.  I've learned a huge amount and continue to be amazed by how willing people are to share their knowledge.  Friends, family, hiking buddies, and the internet hiking community- you all sure makes my life feel much richer.  I had no idea I'd get this level of support.  So this Thanksgiving, I just want to tell you all that I'm so thankful for you.  <hugs>

For example...

How will I recharge my iPhone for my upcoming PCT trip?  I plan to use the phone as camera and GPS (in conjunction with paper maps) to save weight.  But as a weekend backpacker who has always used paper maps and a separate camera on the trail, I felt like I had a lot to learn.

Several knowledgeable friends have been helping me out.  They shared which batteries or solar chargers that they use and the pros and cons of different systems.  Leave it to an electrical engineer to give me this answer:

Ask the time of day, learn to build a clock. Special thanks to Peter for this one.

This shows why charging the iPhone battery when it gets down to about 20% and bring it up to 80% to saves about 10% overall.   Gadgets and gear come and go, but if you understand the science- basics of electricity in this case- then you can go a lot further.  I'm so thankful when people are patient with me and take the time to share this level of detail.

Learning to use the iphone as a GPS, with a lot of help.

Trying out the new iphone photo app and HDR functions recommended by another friend.

BIG THANKS EVERYONE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park in South Carolina has the largest remaining old growth bottomland forest remaining in the country.  The trees get so big because the area floods several times a year, bringing in nutrients, and the result is the high concentration of “champion” trees.  I visited the park for the first time this weekend on an overnight backpacking trip with my friend Susan.  We loved the impressively tall trees, gorgeous bald cypress and tupelo floodplains, and the fun off-trail opportunities.  It was remarkably different, though no less spectacular, than my other favorite spot to see big trees, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in North Carolina.

Tupulo and bald cypress.

Craning our necks to take in the impressive height of the trees.

After obtaining our backcountry permit, we purchased John Cely's map of the Congaree at the visitor’s center.  This map is an exceptional hand-drawn map with exquisite detail not only of the trails and the water features, but also the large trees, forest types, muck, and old roads.  A highly knowledgeable ranger showed us where to find the famous big trees in the park- some can be seen from the boardwalk and established trails, but we were surprised when ranger encouraged us to go off trail to find some more remote ones as well.  The trip became a fun bushwhacking treasure hunt!!

Cely's map with the park ranger’s color-coded annotations was priceless for exploring Congaree.

We set out to find the Harry Hampton Cypress tree, leaving the established trails to follow our map and compass.  We felt like explorers in this pristine forest. (Is this what the country looked like back in the days of John Muir or William Bartram?)  There were enough water features and fallen giants to navigate around to make it challenging, and because old growth forest is more open, it was (relatively) easy walking (compared to more mountainous areas of the southeast).  We log-walked, waded through, and leaped over “guts” (the local term for small creeks), and squished through the muck.  The rewards were solitude and the feeling of utter exhilaration at successfully arriving at our intended destinations.  After the freedom of bushwacking, it’s always a bit sad to go back to established trails.

Harry Hampton Cypress tree with 7 foot tall “knee”

After locating a few giant trees, we set our compass bearing for the Congaree River with the intention of camping along its banks.  It took us longer than we anticipated to get through some of the deeper guts.  We also spent time watching the wild pigs rooting around- fascinating to see how strong they were as they dug up the ground, leaving a wake of destruction across the forest floor.

No wet feet for us!

 As it started getting dark, we kept on bushwacking in the fading light.  We were encouraged by subtle changes in flora that indicated we were getting close to the river-  more pawpaw, a few patches of privet, a few more tangles of vines.  I kept straining my eyes ahead to see if I could spot an opening in the canopy to signal our proximity to the river.  (And I pulled opened up my new iphone and used the Gaia GPS mapping app to check our location- something new for me for my PCT plan).  And, finally, there it was, the glimmer of setting sun sparkling off the Congaree River. 

A few rain sprinkles didn’t amount to much and it was warm enough to sit out in the dark- incredibly lucky for November.  We listened to crickets and owls, and watched the glowworms for several hours after the sun went down.  The temperatures plummeted overnight but at least it cleared up for a view of the moon.

Sunrise over the Congaree River

Fall was an ideal time to visit the park because there were no mosquitoes and and the colors were gorgeous.  There were a few asters blooming and a lone lady's tresses (sorry photo didn’t turn out- please bear with me as I learn to use the camera on my iphone).

While two days allowed us to do many of the trails, Congaree is definitely a place I'd love to explore more in the future and it'd be great to go back with a canoe or kayak.

Beech providing some lovely fall color.

Trip Details
-We hiked the 2.5 mile boardwalk, Oakridge Trail (some of the largest trees were here), and Kingsnake Trails (lots of solitude).  These established trails are highly recommended, adequately blazed and signed at all junctions.  Bushwhacking was even more fun, but be sure to be come prepared with compass, navigational skills, and gaiters. 

-If you go, call ahead because several times a year the area floods so trails can be underwater or muddy. 

-Get a free permit for backcountry camping and stop by the visitor’s center to buy John Cely’s detailed map (note it is not waterproof so bring a large ziplock to keep it dry).

**Special thanks to some of the Nature Ramblers for recommending Congaree to me and for the tip about John Cely’s Map***

PCT training: Bartram in the rain

Cold and wet but still smiling at Rabun Bald.

The first thing on my to-do list to prepare of the PCT is to get in the best shape of my life.  Building strength and endurance slowly prevents injury.  Plus, exercise relaxes me so I don’t get overwhelmed by all the things I want to do to make the leap from weekend-backpacker to long-distance backpacker.  

Starting with my physical preparation reminds me how far I’ve come these last four years since I started backpacking.  Which also helps me feel more confident in my abilities.  I’ve doubled my previous maximum daily mileage of only 14 miles, and am comfortable with over 20 mile days with a full pack.  This progress was in part due to training, but much of it was due to nutrition and technique.  After I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia, I completely changed my diet, and after much work (i.e. using a glucometer to measure my blood sugars while backpacking), I credit much of my ability to hike longer distances to a diet that keeps me properly fueled.  Likewise, I have worked hard on my form after I had an over-use injury to my knee, ended up going to a physical therapist who taught me about body mechanics and the importance of alignment for avoiding injury.  These experiences showed me that learning to hike smarter is just as important as putting in the physical work.  I'll continue to look for ways to improve my technique.

This weekend’s solo training backpacking trip
I went to Warwoman Dell for a solo backpacking overnight on the Bartram Trail out and back to Rabun Bald, 2nd highest peak in Georgia.  28 miles round trip, averaging a steady 2.8 miles per hour even including all my stopping to look at tree foam, make adjustments to my umbrella, and learning how to use my iPhone as a GPS.  The weather cooperated with non-stop rain and cold, perfect for testing my not-dying-of-hypothermia skills.  To make it more challenging, I got a late start to get in some morning trapeze practice, and also loaded up my pack with 10 more pounds of extra food and water, and could tell I’ve been getting soft with my lightweight pack.  Guess that’s the end of my lightweight pack days- from now on, I’m going to keep adding that extra 10 lbs to my base weight so carrying 5-7 days of food doesn’t come as a shock!  Hopefully this, in addition to my morning daily runs and trapeze/silks "cross-training", will help me get into shape for the PCT.  

Training plan for the next 5 months
In addition to the weekly backpacking trips, I'm also arranging some trips to work on particular skills (i.e. carrying a bear canister for a week on the BMT, snow skills course in Colorado, backpacking in arid conditions in Arizona).  My other goal is not getting injured, so I’m building in rest and being careful to listening to my body.  I started to keep a training log spreadsheet to keep me motivated- especially on these cold dark rainy mornings when it’s not quite as tempting to get out of bed.

Camped in the coldest, windiest spot I could find.  And still cozy warm.

Foothills Trail: Around Whitewater Falls

My friend Still Waters joined me for a few hours at the start of my weekend backpacking trip.  From the Bad Creek Parking area for the Foothills Trail in South Carolina, we rambled along side trails to the big trees at Coons Branch Natural Area, and then out to Upper as well as Lower Whitewater Falls.

Tree hugger at the pocket of virgin forest at Coons Branch Natural Area.

I was bubbling with excitement about my plan for the PCT.   I’ve been working on my gear list, sewing some new gear, increasing the intensity of my workouts, and was full of ideas.  I talked poor Still Water’s ear off, but she said she was glad to see me out of my rut and back to my usual joyful self again.  

Look at the awesome new convertible mittens/ gloves that I constructed (0.5 oz less than the old gloves plus they cover my wrists and have two layers of fleece!!!!).

... and here are my new tarp skins made out of an old pair of tights!

Still Waters.

After Still Waters headed back home, I set out on the Foothills Trail towards the Thompson River and Hilliard Falls, which were both running really low. What a contrast to when I’d seen them flowing strong back in January!   

Leaves were at least a foot deep in spots, and I laughed to myself about "postholing" through the leaves. 

In fading light (hello daylight savings time), I scampered up a hillside to find a stealth campsite.   Setting up my tarp (and especially taking it down) was much faster with the new tarp skins.  I'll likely make another set with a lighter-weight material, though I rather like how the orange and black striped fabric contrasts with the real-tree camo print of the tarp. 

Packing the tarp into the new skins.

The next morning, I backtracked to Upper Whitewater Falls (even though I did the whitewater corridor the previous day, it’s worth repeating that section), and then continued on to SC 281, before turning around and heading back to my car at Bad Creek. 

Gorgeous fall foliage at Upper Whitewater Falls.

It’s strange to think about doing a continuous hike, rather than my usual out and backs (this trip involving out and back and out and backs too- another favorite!).  I always marvel at how much more I notice going the opposite direction, how different the trail looks in different light, how much easier the trail is going uphill rather than downhill (especially in thick wet leaves). What is it going to be like seeing new terrain every single day!?!?  Guess I'll find out...

Shakedown #1: Gear Angst

My friend Renee/ Pathfinder (that you might remember from previous trips here and here and here) just completed her successful thru hike of the Appalachian Trail this year (congrats, Renee!!!!), and came down to visit because she is planning to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014 as well.  We went on a two night backpacking trip up at the Standing Indian Loop in NC.  This was our first shakedown trip for the PCT, and new gear items filled our new packs.  Oh the new gear angst...

Gear angst =  a trunk filled with 4 shelters and 3 packs for 2 people ("just in case” the new ones don’t work)

We've both been researching and getting advice about gear changes we'll need to make for the PCT.   For me the hardest thing is knowing how many years of trial and error it's taken me to feel so well-adapted to the conditions here in the southeast, and knowing how different the conditions out on the PCT are.  I worry that the ways I've found to lighten my pack (like not bringing things like a stove or campshoes) won't work as well for me when I'm on the PCT.  Fortunately, we calmed down a bit once we got on the trail- always relaxing to get out into the woods where we're both in our element. 

Pathfinder enjoying the Kimsey Creek Trail.

We camped our first night a short ways from Standing Indian shelter.   Our new Gossamer Gear Mariposa packs had felt great (we both had matching packs!).  Temperatures dipped into the 30's and the new tent and new DIY top quilt functioned flawlessly.  Gear angst significantly decreased, and goofiness, grinning, and giddiness prevailed.

Nice tight pitch on that Tarptent Notch!

New DIY top quilt can also be used as stylish evening stole.

New Gossamer Gear Mariposa Pack

Obviously, the problem with a shakedown hike on the AT is that it doesn't test our gear under the conditions we will face on the PCT.  To get a closer approximation, on the second night we purposefully camped at the windiest, coldest place around, the summit of Albert Mountain.  Somewhere we NEVER would have chosen under normal circumstances.  Though the winds howled all night and the shelters got soaked from being in a cloud, there was a sense of supreme triumph that we stayed warm once again! 

Albert Mountain.

I know I say after every trip I do with Pathfinder, but the best part about the weekend was how much fun it is to hike with her.  It's incredible to hike with someone who has such similar priorities while backpacking, is as exuberant as I am about being on the trail, and who can have lengthy conversations about hiking philosophy, the mental aspects of hiking, endurance, and technique-- some of my favorite topics and which I think are critical for the PCT (more on these in future posts). 

Overall, this trip was a great way to kick off the PCT planning!

Ice cream at Spring Ridge Creamery.

Trail Info:

The Standing Indian Loop starts at the Backcountry Information Sign, climbs up the Kimsey Creek Trail, goes north on the Appalachian Trail, and then follows the Long Branch Trail back to the trailhead.  Here is a link to when I did this loop in the summer. 

Disclaimer:

I am a Trail Ambassador for Gossamer Gear, a manufacturer of ultralight backpacking gear.  Gossamer Gear may provided me with this Mariposa backpack to use.  However, I don't receive any financial compensation from Gossamer Gear, am under no obligation to make favorable reviews, and all reviews are based on my own opinions. 
 

Planning for the PCT in 2014

I’ve been talking about doing a long-distance trail for years.  With my job over at the end of the year, I’m finally going for it!  I will set out to hike the 2,663 mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Mexico to Canada through the Sierra Nevada and Cascades starting in April of 2014.

PCT planning (and AT practice hikes too.. pay no attention to the CDT info- not sure how that got there <grin>).

Though the Appalachian Mountains have been my stomping grounds for the past dozen years, nothing stirs my soul like the sight of the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest.  These are the mountains of my childhood, and whenever I see them, I feel a strong sense of home and of belonging.  Whenever I visit places like Crater Lake, Stehekin, or Lassen, I always wish I could stay longer.   

Never actually having done a long-distance backpacking trip, I’m excited, scared, overwhelmed, overjoyed, and most of all thrilled to be *finally* doing it. <yippee>

Stay tuned for updates on planning and training...

On a trip a few years ago with my folks to Stehekin, Washington, near the PCT.

2nd DIY Karo Top Quilt

Making my own gear continues to be a process that I find very fulfilling.  With the arrival of cooler weather, it was time to sew a new top quilt.  It can be a challenge designing gear without a pattern, which is why making prototypes helps the process.  My DIY summer quilt (detailed here) served as a prototype for this new winter quilt project, though it's also a completely functional piece of gear.  It was an interesting process to improve upon the earlier design and though I've only taken it out on the trail for one night, so far I love the 3-4 inches of cozy down softness.

***Update 7/16- This quilt has kept me warm in my hammock for over 2000 miles and counting. A favorite! ***

The new DIY winter top quilt

Reflections on the first design:
First I'll digress a bit about the prototype/ summer quilt.  This was my first time using a top quilt rather than a sleeping bag, and I was delighted with how much faster it was get settled into my hammock since I didn't have to mess with a zipper or all that bulk.  I'm definitely a fan of quilts!

I also initially had my doubts about the karo quilt design.  But as it turned out, the karo baffle design did a great job holding the down in place while also allowing me to shift down during use (usually to the feet, sometimes to the sides when it got too hot).  Because I started with a summer weight quilt, it required less down, so the first design only cost me $51.  Fortunately, I ended up liking the design, but I'm glad I started with more inexpensive materials.  Since it was for summer, I erred on the side of making it too small since I figured the risks were low.  I found the size of this quilt fit like a glove, saving me weight and bulk.  

While using my first karo top quilt, I brainstormed ways to improve the design for a second quilt for winter.  I knew I wanted a sewn footbox, a slightly roomier cut, and, after our season of record rainfall, moisture-resistant materials.

Strips of masking tape stabilize the baffles while sewing them.

Materials:
I was reluctant to spend a ton of money on materials, but then my folks sent me a check for my birthday.  So I immediately put in the order for my first choice of all the materials. (Thanks Mom and Dad!)

    Fabric: 5 yards of 0.67 oz/yard2 Argon fabric from Dutchware, $50 + $2 S&H
    Down:  15 oz of ARD+ DWR 850 fp from Underground Quilts, $150 +$10 S&H
    Baffles: white tulle, leftovers from previous projects.

    Total cost of materials: $200 + $12 shipping.

First the fabric.  To be honest, I got really frustrated since I couldn't just go out to a local fabric store to compare all the lightweight fabric choices that I read about (here and here).  I ended up using a new fabric called Argon that got favorable reviews on Hammock Forums (here and here).  They said it is more breathable compared to M50, but it still has a DWR coating, and is incredibly light.  Argon turned out to be nice and soft, and easy to sew.  It was more slippery than the 1.1 ripstop I used for my first quilt, but it was way more manageable than silk or satin.  Using a new (sharp) smaller needle was important, as was sewing at a slow speed and using a wide stitch.  I wouldn't hesitate to use Argon fabric again.   

I'm also trying out the new DWR treated, 850 fp down from Underground Quilts.  I made more of a mess stuffing the down since it came sewn into ripstop fabric, compared to the super-easy static free bags I got from Wilderness Logics.  Not a big deal if I'd been using the vacuum method of stuffing down instead of doing it by hand, but at least the bathtub contained everything.  Still, I was very happy to get hold of the DWR down and I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs.

Size:
My first quilt is a narrow 40 inches wide- sufficient in summer but for winter I wanted something that will cover me even if I'm sprawled out so I went with 45 inches at the top.  I know some people use draft stoppers, but I omitted them since didn't have trouble tucking the quilt around me because of the way my hammock hugs my body.

Another decision was the baffle height.  I aimed for a quilt that would be slightly lighter than my current 35-degree sleeping bag (23oz total with 8 oz of down).  So I started with a target weight of 20 oz, and from there I calculated the loft and baffle height given my dimensions.  The big advantage of a quilt in a hammock is it uses less shell material, saves the weight of the zipper, and concentrates the down up above, rather than compressing it on the sides and below.  So for a similar weight, I should get more warmth compared to the sleeping bag.  At least in theory.  Assuming I'm wearing a hat.

Finished specs:
                                 Summer quilt (shown for comparison)                New winter quilt    
    Weight:                 11.4 oz (5 oz 850 fill down)                                       19 oz (14 oz 850 fill down)                    
    Quilt size:             75" x 36" x 40" (draw cord footbox)                           70" x 36" x 45" (sewn footbox)              
    Baffle height:        1" (but ended up being about 1.5")                           2.5 to 3" (for 3-4 inches of loft)               

Summer quilt (left) and new winter quilt (right)

Footbox:
To make the sewn footbox, I used the same overall karo design as my summer quilt, expect I sewed the sides together at the bottom and added a circle of fabric at the bottom.  I cut the outer fabric longer than the inner shell to give a differential.  Then I added a circle of baffle to hold the down in place inside the footbox. I pretty much made it up as I went along and had to add a few pleates in the fabric to get everything to fit together, but overall it turned out great.
 
Final thoughts:
Making prototypes and revising designs is an integral part of the DIY process.  Thinking through the features to incorporate requires reflection on techniques and provides a deeper understanding of one's own hiking priorities.  It's especially rewarding seeing progress through all the different design versions.  If you're thinking of making your own gear- I really encourage you to give it a try- it's easy when you start with a prototype. 

For more information and inspiration for your own DIY projects:

     Check out the DIY section of Hammock Forums and the MYGO forum at Backpacking Light.

    Go on a Hammock Forums Hang- this is the place to meet a bunch of DIY'ers and creative folks.