Vacation Day is Here

 I am home getting my gear gather up for my hiking trip and just wanted to let you all know that I will be gone for a week. I hope the weather holds up and not get so hot,but when you are out in nature,you expect things to get dicey at times,so always perpare yourself.

 I will write a trip report when I get back but now i have to finish packing,last then 12 hours to go.

 Take care and have a happy independence day

Pretrip Jitters

 I am going to do the Quehanna Trail in two weeks from today and I been having the jitters.

 Have I prepared myself for the trip. Yes,I believe that mentally I am ready and  primed to go. Physically,I should’ve been out training more,but with general life of work and kids,been too busy to do much. I will still be able to do at least 10-15 miles a day,if I just take my time.

  I have gotten my maps and info and read and reread every contour lines and have possible waterholes and camp sites marked. I even found some coords for the ole trusty gps. I have talked to many people about the trail condition and found some secret campsites that they won’t give out.

 I do have most of my gear ready but this is where I am having the problem. I am thinking I won’t need this and then change my mind. The food list changes almost daily and I still don’t know what I want to eat.Yes,I love to eat,but gotta think about the weight I be carrying. The clothing part is easy,wear the same clothes from day 1 to the finish and an extra shirt for a change in a few days. I have at least 6 pairs of socks. I still even bring the fleece jacket for just in case. Yes, I will keep a fresh pair of clothes at the car and find a place to shower for the ride home.

 Here is basically what I be bringing: One Rei 2 man tent, thermal pad, one change of clothes, pocketrocket stove/messkit,My big mug,first aid kit/and meds,1 2 quart hydrating bladder and a 12 oz empty pop bottle for small drinks of water,maps,gps,camera,and a small notebook. Yes, I still working out my meals but hopefully work it out by trip day.

 I have a trip plan laid out for the family with contact numbers and directions and location of about which spot I be in on that day.

 I think it just funny how many times that I keep changing my mind of what I need and getting all nervous,but once I am on the trail and get myself to relax,I just enjoy the trip and admire the views. I guess I am a worry wart and want to have a perfect trip and don’t forget anything,but we all know that we do.

 14 days and counting and getting pumped up and can’t wait to get out in the woods.

 

Why Backpack?

 Ever since I heard about the flooding in the midwest, I got a little concerned because my hiking partner haven’t responded in a couple of days. Luckily he lives a little North of the flooding and got alot of rain but little flooding in his area.

 He was busy getting ready for a canoe trip and haven’t been home much is why he hasn’t wrote.

 Today, He said he was still ready to do the 75 mile Quehanna Trail Loop with me and he plans on waiting for me to show up at the trail head. I still would’ve gone even if he couldn’t since this trail been on my mind for two years and I would give anything to take this personial challange

Most people would say 75 miles with a backpack and why. What about the wild animals? What if you get hurt? How well do you know the person? Where did you meet this person? What if they kill you?

 I will say this in my honest way possible. I really enjoy just being able to get off the most beaten path,where only few people has gone. The tourist traps has gotten so out of hand with junk they are selling and no upkeeping the land around the trap. I am so sick of dealing with rude people ,who don’t care about the property also and litter/destroy the area and desecret the whole area. Don’t get me wrong I have visited many tourist traps myself.

I really like going in the deep woods away from the hustle bustle of everyday living and forget about the everyday stress of life.The sound of the woods like the gentle breezes through the tree leaves is like a calming soothing voice that lets your mind wander to happier thoughts. The smell of mother earth as she is growing and dying at the same time has a energy to itself. Listening to the gentle brooks and streams is totally relaxing. The sounds and sights of the bugs and critters in their domain is so fun to watch as they live their simple life of survivial and playfulness. The sun warming up the day and being able to feel the warming power of the sun is like an energizing force on a cool morning.

I love just watching the views from over a mountain cliff and feeling like the top of the world and then being in a valley feeling like I am the smallest thing on the planet.

When I get done with a trip,I feel like i conquered the world and sp at peace with myself that it takes me a couple of days to get back in the grind of life. Don’t get me wrong but living everyday just working,paying the bills and busy with lifes clutter. I can’t wait to get back into the woods.

The question about wild animals and getting hurt out in the woods is no different then being around your own house. Its just that you have to be more aware of whats happening around you and know how animals are to be able to protect them and you from harm. You just have to remember the animals were in the woods before you and they trust you to let them live their lives.

The one question about the people ,I have hike is by forums and yes,we talk back and forth for a long time getting to know each other before meeting on the trail. We all in the same reason and that is being able to relax and have fun and still acheive our personal goal in life. Most dangerous people are usually not that far in the woods and you are more likely run into them on the roads.

Yes,I really believe that while backpacking. You set your personal goal and are able to sort out the stress of life and arrange them into easier bits. You also got to let your imagination go so you can watch an ant carry that piece of food,the spider spinning its web,The hawks /eagles floating on air thermals,the squrriels playing in the leaves,and so worth.

I really have a hard time able to see the same thing at home and still get the same feeling for it then while out on the trails.

So,If you want inner peace,see the unspoiled sights,nature at work,personal goal achievement and meet alot of people,who enjoys god’s work. Go Backpacking feel your gods power at work.

 

 

Outdoor Learning Blog under construction

Hello, All outdoor Folks. I wanted to start a blog for a while and now want to get this started. I hopefully can break things down to which catergories related to what outdoor activities. I am no way a professionial person,but I am willing to share my ideas and what I learned to everyone and everyone does the same.

So all please be patient with me,while I am learning to set up the blog page and getting things organized.