windriderjr
Massachusetts
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Joined: 03/20/2007
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It's my birthday today. I'm giving myself a present, I'm going for a nice long walk in the woods. There is a trail that crosses Massachusetts from NH to RI called the "Mid State Trail". It's 92 miles from end to end. I'm starting a section hike on the northern end this weekend. I'll post a trip report when I get back.
The plan is to start at Mt Watatic and end at Mt Wachusett for the first section hike. It's a total of about 25 miles over 2 full days. I'm printing maps, loading the GPS with waypoints and a route, and organizing my gear. I'm not brave enough to go ultralight yet, so I'll probably be carrying about 40 lbs.
I'll be bringing my duck along and hopefully updating his website when I get back.
Wish me luck.
DW and I in our Gulfstream Amerilite 21MB
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just_dave
Bay City, MI
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Sounds great. I'm doing the same this year, though not as ambitious. Just a long day hike near the Holy Waters in Northern Michigan. I'm looking forward to reading you trip report. - Dave
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Good luck, and happy birthday!
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Wow, what a wonderful birthday present to yourself. You are going to have quite an adventure. Have a great time.
Chuck & Terry
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bondebond
Central Kansas
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I'm not jealous about having a birthday, but certainly how you're treating yourself. I'm about done celebrating the blessed event.
Myself, The Boss, and two wanna-be Bosses
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There are 10 types of people in the world: Those who can count, and those who can't.
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PopBeavers
San Jose, CA
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When I go backpacking, I try to stay at 35 pounds, but always end up around 40 to 45.
My daughter (27) and I did 38 miles in 3 days of the Pacific Crest Trail July 2007 and had a great time.
Enjoy the solitude.
Wayne in San Jose
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Skid Row Joe
On the road in America
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Hey, I need to drop 10 pounds, so I want to spur you on! Go for it!
I have a sweet tender nature, however I enjoy sharing my thoughts and opinions.
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brownja
connecticut
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Joined: 09/05/2003
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40 lbs sounds about right, if you're not doing without any of the essentials.
I went on an overnighter a few weeks ago and was near 60 lbs.
It was wicked hot and I was unsure of the availability of water, so I was carrying 8 litres. Wife also loaded us down with about 3 times as much food as we needed.
Going out again this weekend.
Got a water filter so no need to carry as much. Got a lighter tent (see tarp tent thread).
With tent, ground cloth, sleeping bag, foam pad, stove, flashlight, first aid kit and a moderate amount of food, I'm still going to be close to 45 lbs.
I do have to carry the sleeping bag and foam pad for my son, but even so...
Have fun.
Cheers,
jb
1990 Winne Chieftain 31 - Ford 460.
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windriderjr
Massachusetts
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DW worries when I do these things alone. I'm also diabetic and use an insulin pump so I get to carry all the stuff for that. I didn't weigh my pack this morning, but it feels about right. Here's what I'm taking:
Tent (Sierra Designs Lightning 4.5 lbs)
Sleeping bag (Marmot synthetic)
Stove (MSR Pocket Rocket and fuel canisters)
kitchen (1 0.8 liter aluminum pot from an old mess kit; 2 sporks; pot gripper, aluminum stake to lift the lid of the pot, 2 lighters, plastic mug, infuser for coffe and tea. All in an insulated lunch bag.)
Food (freeze-dried Pad Thai, Pasta Premavera, Chili-Mac, and spagetti. Oatmeal for breakfaast. I put all that and anything a critter might think is food into a "Bearvault 400".)
2 head lamps with extra batteries.
1 base layer top and bottom for sleeping.
1 change of clothes.
sandals for campwear.
Water filter, water bottle and bladder for the pack.
First Aid kit.
a Thermarest compressible pillow (I'm 51, I deserve it)
12 oz flask of bourbon a paperback book, and my ipod.
Anything stinky gets put in the bearvault and placed about 200 feet away from the tent. It gets moved during the night about half the time.
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windriderjr
Massachusetts
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I'll post a link to a better TR, but the short version is I ended up twisting my ankle with 3 miles to go to the 1st camp. My buddy picked me up at the next road crossing.
It was a wonderful day for the most part but pain will slow an old guy like me down. I stopped when it wasn't fun any more
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