Photos A Walk in Nature

[Pt-Luso]

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[DirtDawg]

Sunny & a calm 64°F on February 16th in West Central Illinois...

Definitely prime weather conditions for a walk in nature, whether it be simply in the backyard, fussin' with sticks at the axing block...


or

...wandering through the local city park, and taking in sights that are now visible with the absence of foliage.


As my eyes gazed skyward to view what I initially thought to be a wedge of Canada Geese, and I brought the 600mm camera lens up for a closer view, I noticed a bit of an anomaly with said formation.


And as my eyes showed a questioning look, a nearby young lady and fellow birdwatcher informed me that they were Snow Geese. Sending out a big thank you to that young lady now because, if it hadn't been for her, I might still be trying to identify said birds. I had never seen Snow Geese previously.


As if the day couldn't prove more interesting, look what was out enjoying the sun and warmth on this day. Yes, February 16th in West Central Illinois.


Winding down the afternoon adventure with two of my carries for the day.
First up: Pretty much my daily carry of late.
Case Tested XX
Amber Bone Medium Stockman 63032 CV
Circa 2004


...and my favorite Victorinox Walnut Huntsman for carrying in a Victorinox leather belt pouch on my hip.


Now Get Out There and enjoy some nature. Be safe. Be blessed. And don't forget to report in here at the end of your journey.

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[DirtDawg]

Anyone else been out for a walk in nature lately? I've been busy at my workbench, cleaning up some axes and knives, but I have made it out a few times this winter. Some of those times I stop to take a snapshot. Up until last week when I visited this area and found that they are cutting down nearly all vegetation around the pond, this was one of my favorite local urban hiking spots. It will never look the same again.

In my pocket on this day in December of 2025.
Case Tested XX
Amber Bone Medium Stockman
63032 CV
Circa 2004


On my hip, same day - Victorinox Walnut Huntsman


And simply because I was wishing for a better photo backdrop than my workbench, this Kabar 1232 U.S.A.
It had been gifted to me by the widow lady down the street and I had just gotten it cleaned up. It really is a handsome knife, and other than some scuffs and mildew, it wasn't in bad condition. A bit of Saddle Soap and Neatsfoot Oil really made the leather components pop.


Now here's an interesting story. I had found this fishing rod along the pond shoreline last summer. It had been left in the weeds, but looked like it was nearly new. I propped it up so it could be readily seen and left it in case the owner came back. As I was walking in the fall, I spotted it again. It looked like it had fallen into the weeds, so I propped it up once more and went on my merry way.

Fast forward to December... As I was tramping about in the snow, I noticed something black, thin, and straight lurking in the snow-covered weedy shoreline. As I reached for it, I knew it was going home with me this time. They say that a spincast reel is backlash-proof. Don't believe what "they" say. This thing had a terrible backlash and I nearly didn't get it apart. I cleaned it up, lubed it, and re-spooled the line back on. I will drop it off at the Salvation Army Thrift Store this spring, in hopes that someone will put it to good use. Yes, it's a cheap outfit, but I remember catching a lot of panfish on a cheaper rod and reel as a kid.


Now, GET OUT there and enjoy nature. Don't forget to report back.

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[DKIN]

I've been day-hiking the Bartram Trail, starting at the Georgia terminus and going north. My last few trips have been just over the border into North Carolina. Right off, the elevation is a different beauty and a different beast up there.





Here's an uncharacteristic stretch of trail that's flat and not full of dang rocks:


I've been carrying a new Axial Alpine Ultralight. I haven't actually used it yet, but someday!


Last weekend's hike went across the spine of the Fishhawk Range, looking down into the Tessentee Creek area.


The hike back was a doozy. I had 12 miles with 2500 ft. elevation gain for the day. I can't get enough of it, though.

 

[lambertiana]

I've been day-hiking the Bartram Trail, starting at the Georgia terminus and going north. My last few trips have been just over the border into North Carolina. Right off, the elevation is a different beauty and a different beast up there.





Here's an uncharacteristic stretch of trail that's flat and not full of dang rocks:


I've been carrying a new Axial Alpine Ultralight. I haven't actually used it yet, but someday!


Last weekend's hike went across the spine of the Fishhawk Range, looking down into the Tessentee Creek area.


The hike back was a doozy. I had 12 miles with 2500 ft. elevation gain for the day. I can't get enough of it, though.

Nice country.

 

[DKIN]

Nice country.

Absolutely, I can't wait to get back. There's a lot of new-to-me trail in western N.C. that's just within striking distance.

Your posts on Sequoia and the High Sierras knock me over. That's the dream! Someday I get out there.

 

[lambertiana]

Absolutely, I can't wait to get back. There's a lot of new-to-me trail in western N.C. that's just within striking distance.

Your posts on Sequoia and the High Sierras knock me over. That's the dream! Someday I get out there.

I have permit space on a seven day backpacking trip August 9-15. Just sayin'.

I have done two week long backpacking trips on the AT in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

 

[DKIN]

I have permit space on a seven day backpacking trip August 9-15. Just sayin'.

I have done two week long backpacking trips on the AT in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

That is awesome! Thank you! As much as I'd like join you, I don't think I'll be ready for that kind of trip by August. I'm still working up to my first overnight. Hopefully, I get that much sorted out this spring. Once I get ramped up, though, I'll check-in with you to see what's happening.

 

[lambertiana]

That is awesome! Thank you! As much as I'd like join you, I don't think I'll be ready for that kind of trip by August. I'm still working up to my first overnight. Hopefully, I get that much sorted out this spring. Once I get ramped up, though, I'll check-in with you to see what's happening.

I do at least one week long trip every year, in addition to many day hikes and overnights. Of course, anyone who wants to join on these trips would be vetted to see what experience they have. Having someone decide days into the trip that it is beyond their ability is never a good situation. Been there done that, which is why I vet potential participants now.

 

[DKIN]

I do at least one week long trip every year, in addition to many day hikes and overnights. Of course, anyone who wants to join on these trips would be vetted to see what experience they have. Having someone decide days into the trip that it is beyond their ability is never a good situation. Been there done that, which is why I vet potential participants now.

No doubt, vetting and more vetting. I know every week-long trip must be a different bag, but can you give me an idea of the mileage and elevation gain you might do on an average day?

 

[lambertiana]

No doubt, vetting and more vetting. I know every week-long trip must be a different bag, but can you give me an idea of the mileage and elevation gain you might do on an average day?

This year's trips would be typical. I have two long trips planned. The first is a five day trip with the young men from church. Only 33 miles with a net total of 9900' vertical up (and since it is a loop from the same trailhead, 9900' down). Trailhead is at 7800', two passes at 11,600', one at 11,200', low point is 7100'. Camps range from a low of 7100' to a high of 10,400'. Possibly add a few more miles and a little more vertical to incorporate an 11 mile parallel "trail" that sees very little use and fades in and out.

Second trip is seven days. 49 miles, net total vertical 9000' up. Two of the days off trail (but compared to a lot of the off trail I do, they will be easy days, with a mix of talus and granodiorite slabs). Low point is trailhead at 6700'. Camps range from 7100' to 10,500'. Two passes, 10,200' and 11,200'.

 

[jfk1110]

This year's trips would be typical. I have two long trips planned. The first is a five day trip with the young men from church. Only 33 miles with a net total of 9900' vertical up (and since it is a loop from the same trailhead, 9900' down). Trailhead is at 7800', two passes at 11,600', one at 11,200', low point is 7100'. Camps range from a low of 7100' to a high of 10,400'. Possibly add a few more miles and a little more vertical to incorporate an 11 mile parallel "trail" that sees very little use and fades in and out.

Second trip is seven days. 49 miles, net total vertical 9000' up. Two of the days off trail (but compared to a lot of the off trail I do, they will be easy days, with a mix of talus and granodiorite slabs). Low point is trailhead at 6700'. Camps range from 7100' to 10,500'. Two passes, 10,200' and 11,200'.

Sounds like HEAVEN.....

 

[DKIN]

L lambertiana Those trips sound great! That is some serious trail time. I could do one, maybe two, long days at time right now. So, I've got some leveling-up to do.

 

[lambertiana]

L lambertiana Those trips sound great! That is some serious trail time. I could do one, maybe two, long days at time right now. So, I've got some leveling-up to do.

When I was younger I regularly did twice as much on such trips, but it gets harder as time goes by and I want to enjoy the trip.

 

[DKIN]

When I was younger I regularly did twice as much on such trips, but it gets harder as time goes by and I want to enjoy the trip.

I can't even imagine. I'm always going to be more of a leisurely sight-seer than a high-mileage hiker. If I can work up to week-long trips like you describe, though, I'll be happy.

 

[lambertiana]

I can't even imagine. I'm always going to be more of a leisurely sight-seer than a high-mileage hiker. If I can work up to week-long trips like you describe, though, I'll be happy.

I've never been a high mileage hiker. Some people around here are really into that. Two years ago when I was on a six day trip doing the Rae Lakes loop (48 miles, 7000' total vertical, high point 12,000') we were passed on the trail by a twenty something girl carrying only a small day pack. She was doing the entire thing in one day. When we saw her she was already more than 3/4 of the way done. And then there are the people who do the JMT (221 miles, 46,000' total vertical, high point the summit of Mt Whitney 14,508' and multiple high passes in the 11,000'-13,000' range) in less than four days, the record is 72 hours 47 minutes. In 2004 we were camping on the JMT on Bear Creek and a 75 year old guy came running into our camp. He was trying to break his personal best time for the JMT (5 days). He was carrying only a small day pack. He said that he would run until midnight, sleep until 3 AM, and then get back up and run until midnight.

I go to the mountains to enjoy it, those folks are just grinding through it.

 

[DKIN]

L lambertiana Those are some awesome and crazy stats! It's all relative, I'm sure. I'm still pretty new to this, but it's amazing how quickly you get used to longer, steeper trips. I'm not even pushing that hard and the gains are surprisingly good. I feel that age creeping up, though.

I go to the mountains to enjoy it, those folks are just grinding through it.

Love this, I'm right there with you. I'm not out to rack up miles and bag peaks.