Full of gems like: " “Hello bears, we are coming through! I am too skinny to eat, keep to your berries! Go away, I taste like crap! The guy in front of me has better marbling in his meat anyway!”
heh, heh :)
Thanks for the honorable mention Brian. Great TR!! I'm sorry about our change of plans at the last minute that weekend.
Did not realize you had some adventures with that redneck in the pick up (I'll need to have a talk with my uncle - sorry man!).
Thanks! And my marbling thanks you too. Meeting up with "your uncle" was just another special part of the trip. ;- ) The lingerie in the hotel room made up for all of that. And Annie wore some too! :-)
I've come to the realization that when my wife is with me, plans just have to change. I took her backpacking in one of my favorite places this year, with a mind to summit a peak that I had not done yet. But, due to her limitations we ended up having a leisurely walk through the canyon instead. But, time with her in the mountains is more valuable. Besides, it's all beautiful, not just the summits.
And the incident with the truck, I just cannot believe how unpleasant people can be. To imagine that he followed you all that way just to curse you out. He must truly have had nothing to do.
Yeah, he was one of the real winners in life. And you are right about what is more valuable. Still what are the odds to have bad bugs in late August, run into 5 bears, have the stove conk out all on her first trip out. At least it is a big laugh in retrospect (although her mom is now mad at me for taking her to the bears). :-)
I'd consider it a good day if I saw bears while hiking - not something bad. They are common in the North Cascades area, the Olympics, Mt. Rainier, etc. I do carry bear spray in a mesh pocket that I can reach while walking with my pack. Never had to use it on a bear. If I'm seeing bears that adds to the adventure.
On bugs: use 100% DEET. It works. They don't bite - they don't even light - cause you're covered in toxic poison. It doesn't take much - a very small amount can be smeared a long way since it's oily.
Thanks for the Lighthouse link. The tent weight is good (3.3 lb) but it doesn't look too aerodyanmic.
Stove died? Make a very small wood fire. It will dirty your pot, but it works. I use the MSR XGK stove and it works every time. I'd probably get a whisperlite for use in the lower 48 if I were buying right now.
You SHOULD have filed charges against the guy in the truck. Actually I can't say what should REALLY have happened to him, but you can imagine. I've had nearly identical encounters like the one you described. The good lord has blessed us with a generous helping of a-holes. Huh? It says we were created in his image? How's that work?
Yep, I thought the bears were cool too. And they really were not interested in us, just the blueberries.
I had DEET too, she decided on a parka at camp to combat the bugs instead as she has seen how that stuff can melt plastic.
I was in a nasty storm on Granite Peak recently and the wide side of the tent was against the winds and it held up great. I would recommend it. They also have a version with the door on the narrow end called the First Lite or something like that too. I know they don't look too aerodynamic but I was surprised how well it did in a nasty wind and hail storm.
I found the stove on a more recent trip that I want now. MSR Pocket Rocket. Used it recently on a trip to NH and ME and it was great. Plus, no line to get clogged which I think was my problem on Black Peak.
Yeah, I would have liked to press charges but it would mean I would have to prove he did something illegal, tailgating me with brights on, which is what he denied to the cops. So, it would be word against word with no evidence. Ah well, another road rage winner.
The pocket Rocket is an excellent stove. However I have the Primus Omifuel which I like better due to the fact that the stove sits on the ground rather than on top of the canister. Yeah it weighs and cost more. But then again having the options of any type of fuel is so awesome for me.
I also like the fact that i can boil 1 liter of water in about 3 minutes @ 9000'.
Great trip report.
Just took my wife on her first backpack trip in yosemite's lyell canyon area. And also took her up to the base of Mt lyell with 4 miles of trail gaining a little over 3000' of elevation. She's a tough cookie and did it very well, and again I learned to take it slower than I would with one of the guys on a "PUSH".
Brian Jenkins - Jan 19, 2007 12:45 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Black Peak Trip
Thanks for the nice words. I'll have to check that stove out. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words! Yes, her knee was doing well even before we got back to the car. It is the uneven ground that triggers something. She is good now, thanks.
A fun one to read. Thanks for the sharing and the guy in the pickup reminds me of a situation Bob Bolton and I had coming out of Owyhee county Idaho when a local chased us into the town of Jordan Valley and chewed Bob up one side and down the other for something that was totally innocent. The guy was an idiot and yet Bob handled it really well and calmed the stupid guy down.
Dean, you just need more NHRA and NASCAR stickers on the car to blend in with locals in these places.
...or that stylish sack that I've seen hanging from hitches on some picks ups!! Now THAT's CLASSY (big with the ladies)!!!
Great photos ad well wrtten. I was hanging on every word, thoroughly entertained. I hope to meet Annie some day. All things considered, you both handled it very well. The mountain looked like a lot of fun, too.
Thanks, Aaron. Of one thing I am sure, we will make a trip to Colorado in the not-too-distant future. She moved here from Colorado Springs and really misses the area and would love to visit.
rpc - Sep 14, 2006 6:01 pm - Voted 10/10
Laughed my ass off!Full of gems like: " “Hello bears, we are coming through! I am too skinny to eat, keep to your berries! Go away, I taste like crap! The guy in front of me has better marbling in his meat anyway!”
heh, heh :)
Thanks for the honorable mention Brian. Great TR!! I'm sorry about our change of plans at the last minute that weekend.
Did not realize you had some adventures with that redneck in the pick up (I'll need to have a talk with my uncle - sorry man!).
Great pics too!
Brian Jenkins - Sep 14, 2006 7:15 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Laughed my ass off!Thanks! And my marbling thanks you too. Meeting up with "your uncle" was just another special part of the trip. ;- ) The lingerie in the hotel room made up for all of that. And Annie wore some too! :-)
rpc - Sep 14, 2006 8:12 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Laughed my ass off!Thanks for that image Brian: you in a teddy. I'll be skipping lunch today...and dinner too!!
rpc - Sep 14, 2006 8:13 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Laughed my ass off!Just hurled into the garbage can in my cube.
:)
rhyang - Sep 14, 2006 8:38 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Laughed my ass off!That song had me laughing out loud too :)
Brian Jenkins - Sep 14, 2006 9:39 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Laughed my ass off!So you are saying I should NOT post those photos to this TR then, Radek? ;- )
BeDrinkable - Sep 14, 2006 7:41 pm - Voted 10/10
Oh man ...I've come to the realization that when my wife is with me, plans just have to change. I took her backpacking in one of my favorite places this year, with a mind to summit a peak that I had not done yet. But, due to her limitations we ended up having a leisurely walk through the canyon instead. But, time with her in the mountains is more valuable. Besides, it's all beautiful, not just the summits.
And the incident with the truck, I just cannot believe how unpleasant people can be. To imagine that he followed you all that way just to curse you out. He must truly have had nothing to do.
Brian Jenkins - Sep 14, 2006 9:27 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Oh man ...Yeah, he was one of the real winners in life. And you are right about what is more valuable. Still what are the odds to have bad bugs in late August, run into 5 bears, have the stove conk out all on her first trip out. At least it is a big laugh in retrospect (although her mom is now mad at me for taking her to the bears). :-)
climberska - Sep 14, 2006 8:07 pm - Hasn't voted
Black Peak TripExcellent report.
Just a couple of comments:
I'd consider it a good day if I saw bears while hiking - not something bad. They are common in the North Cascades area, the Olympics, Mt. Rainier, etc. I do carry bear spray in a mesh pocket that I can reach while walking with my pack. Never had to use it on a bear. If I'm seeing bears that adds to the adventure.
On bugs: use 100% DEET. It works. They don't bite - they don't even light - cause you're covered in toxic poison. It doesn't take much - a very small amount can be smeared a long way since it's oily.
Thanks for the Lighthouse link. The tent weight is good (3.3 lb) but it doesn't look too aerodyanmic.
Stove died? Make a very small wood fire. It will dirty your pot, but it works. I use the MSR XGK stove and it works every time. I'd probably get a whisperlite for use in the lower 48 if I were buying right now.
You SHOULD have filed charges against the guy in the truck. Actually I can't say what should REALLY have happened to him, but you can imagine. I've had nearly identical encounters like the one you described. The good lord has blessed us with a generous helping of a-holes. Huh? It says we were created in his image? How's that work?
rpc - Sep 14, 2006 8:11 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Black Peak TripStove died? Make a very small wood fire.
not allowed at this altitude and unless it's life or death, why?
Brian Jenkins - Sep 14, 2006 9:38 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Black Peak TripYep, I thought the bears were cool too. And they really were not interested in us, just the blueberries.
I had DEET too, she decided on a parka at camp to combat the bugs instead as she has seen how that stuff can melt plastic.
I was in a nasty storm on Granite Peak recently and the wide side of the tent was against the winds and it held up great. I would recommend it. They also have a version with the door on the narrow end called the First Lite or something like that too. I know they don't look too aerodynamic but I was surprised how well it did in a nasty wind and hail storm.
I found the stove on a more recent trip that I want now. MSR Pocket Rocket. Used it recently on a trip to NH and ME and it was great. Plus, no line to get clogged which I think was my problem on Black Peak.
Yeah, I would have liked to press charges but it would mean I would have to prove he did something illegal, tailgating me with brights on, which is what he denied to the cops. So, it would be word against word with no evidence. Ah well, another road rage winner.
Thanks for the nice words!
Lextalion - Jan 18, 2007 4:25 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Black Peak TripBrian,
The pocket Rocket is an excellent stove. However I have the Primus Omifuel which I like better due to the fact that the stove sits on the ground rather than on top of the canister. Yeah it weighs and cost more. But then again having the options of any type of fuel is so awesome for me.
I also like the fact that i can boil 1 liter of water in about 3 minutes @ 9000'.
Great trip report.
Just took my wife on her first backpack trip in yosemite's lyell canyon area. And also took her up to the base of Mt lyell with 4 miles of trail gaining a little over 3000' of elevation. She's a tough cookie and did it very well, and again I learned to take it slower than I would with one of the guys on a "PUSH".
Brian Jenkins - Jan 19, 2007 12:45 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Black Peak TripThanks for the nice words. I'll have to check that stove out. Thanks!
Ejnar Fjerdingstad - Sep 14, 2006 8:40 pm - Voted 10/10
EnjoyedI really enjoyed reading your trip report. Very funny, very well told. I hope your girlfriend's knee recovered rapidly!
Brian Jenkins - Sep 14, 2006 9:42 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: EnjoyedThanks for the kind words! Yes, her knee was doing well even before we got back to the car. It is the uneven ground that triggers something. She is good now, thanks.
Dean - Sep 14, 2006 10:31 pm - Voted 10/10
Great storyA fun one to read. Thanks for the sharing and the guy in the pickup reminds me of a situation Bob Bolton and I had coming out of Owyhee county Idaho when a local chased us into the town of Jordan Valley and chewed Bob up one side and down the other for something that was totally innocent. The guy was an idiot and yet Bob handled it really well and calmed the stupid guy down.
rpc - Sep 14, 2006 10:50 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Great storyDean, you just need more NHRA and NASCAR stickers on the car to blend in with locals in these places.
...or that stylish sack that I've seen hanging from hitches on some picks ups!! Now THAT's CLASSY (big with the ladies)!!!
;)
Aaron Johnson - Sep 14, 2006 10:50 pm - Voted 10/10
Well Done!Great photos ad well wrtten. I was hanging on every word, thoroughly entertained. I hope to meet Annie some day. All things considered, you both handled it very well. The mountain looked like a lot of fun, too.
Brian Jenkins - Sep 15, 2006 4:10 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Well Done!Thanks, Aaron. Of one thing I am sure, we will make a trip to Colorado in the not-too-distant future. She moved here from Colorado Springs and really misses the area and would love to visit.
Aaron Johnson - Sep 15, 2006 10:35 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Well Done!Looking forward to it! Let me know when it's going to happen!