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- May 3, 2006
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I’ve been wanting to get out for a solo backpacking trip since this spring but something has always come up to thwart me. Finally this last weekend I was able to get away. I tried out some new gear as well as putting some of my normal equipment through its paces. I’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and how I intend to adjust.
General Description: This hike is 68 miles from Seattle, just past the little town of Greenwater on the way to Mt. Rainier, It starts at 2,510 ft and climbs to 4,010 ft in 5.5 miles. (1,800 ft gain) The trail climbs through enormous Hemlock, Cedar and Fir as it follows the Greenwater River up past several enchanting little lakes. I had heard this was a popular hike and that on a busy weekend all of the campsites could be taken by midday on Saturday.
I managed to wrap up work early on Friday and made it up to the trailhead by 5:30PM. My hope was that I would be able to hike in Friday night, secure a good spot, and have all day Saturday for relaxation & bushcraft.
I recently returned my Kelty Redwing 3100 to REI and replaced it with a Mountainsmith Boundary. I took a chance of buying it online without first trying one on. It fits me quite comfortably and the capacity is just right for me. I also like that it is available in a subdued green, unlike many packs that are various loud neon colors. Once loaded, my pack weighed in at almost exactly 40 lbs, including food for three days and approximately 4 liters of water. Given the unseasonably warm weather we had last weekend, I could have left several items behind, and since this trail is constantly near water, it is unnecessary to carry so much water. The 2 liters in my hydration bladder would have been just fine.
The trail is uphill the whole way. It is not a murderous ascent, and would have been a pleasant workout without the pack and the VERY hot weather. At 5:30, it was still 95 F in the timber, with no wind. Although there were several cars in the parking lot at the trailhead, I didn't encounter anyone on the trail. It was fantastic to have the woods all to myself.
The river was good company, but seeing the Greenwater lakes almost made me want to call it good right there!
I made it about two and a half miles before I decided that I had better find a camp site for the night and continue in the morning. It was getting late and I was not covering nearly the distance I had hoped for. I found a cozy spot just off the trail near the river and called it good. As soon as I ditched my pack, I pulled off my soaked synthetic tee shirt and rinsed it out in the river. I then draped it around my neck to help cool me down.
These three sentries stood guard over my camp and made a fine spot for me to pitch my tent. In less buggy seasons, I would rely on my SilShelter, but in this instance I wanted to try out the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1.
I had just enough time to set up my tent and gather some downed wood before it got dark. I had Mountain House Spagetti & Meat Sauce for dinner. It was okay, but would be improved by throwing in some chunks of summer sausage, which I brought, and minced onions, which I did not.
Here is the best seat in the house. The pad is an Exped DownMat 7 and the chair kit is the Cyclone SL by Big Agnes. The pad weighs 28 ounces but given my screwed up back, was worth every ounce. The chair kit only weighs 6 ounces, which was certainly worth it for the comfort it provided.
I had a great time tending the fire, smoking a cigar, and watching the full moon rise between the mountains and reflect on the river. One of the benefits of this little heat wave is that it was too hot for the mosquitos. I sat around in a tee shirt and shorts, not really needing the fire for its warmth, but enjoying its company. For my first real solo, away from the security of a vehicle, it couldn't have been a better night. I certainly didn't need my sleeping bag. I slept on top of it in a long sleeved synthetic tee shirt and long johns. This wasn't for their warmth, but because I don't care for the clammy feel of nylon against my skin and I don't want my oils messing up the down.
I enjoyed my little camp so much that I took my time Saturday morning. I lingered over my instant oatmel with raisins and a cup of coffee. I settled for a Folgers Single, rather than dirtying the H2Jo and brewing coffee in my Guyot bottle. I didn't hit the trail until 9:30, by which time it was already starting to get hot. I noticed four little bites on my wrist, that looked like two spider bites, but the space between fang marks is about a quarter of an inch, a space I would typically associate with a small snakebite. They weren't too bothersome so I dismissed them.
Once I started back up the trail toward Lost Lake, I came across this beastie, who had her web set up parallel to the trail.
Her body size was about that of a grape, so I'm guessing that a similar spider could have delivered my bites. I probably walked through an occupied web and the spider got hung up on my watchband.
There were still a lot of wildflowers about. I'm not sure what this is, but I was struck by the way the leaves augmented the blossom. Kind of reminded me of embossed metal.
I stopped for a lunch of summer sausage and wheat thins, with dried pineapple and apricots for dessert. (Actually, the dried fruit was my energy food for along the trail as well.) The hiking was tough going but the scenery was breathtaking. After a while Quinn Lake came into view, but I pressed on, anxious to secure a camping spot at Lost Lake. After Quinn, the trail meandered through some rocky meadows. As interesting as this was, it was also the first really exposed part of the trail, and did I mention, it was really hot? I pushed on, knowing that my destination was close.
I'll stop here so I don't go over limit on pictures. More to come . . .
-- FLIX
General Description: This hike is 68 miles from Seattle, just past the little town of Greenwater on the way to Mt. Rainier, It starts at 2,510 ft and climbs to 4,010 ft in 5.5 miles. (1,800 ft gain) The trail climbs through enormous Hemlock, Cedar and Fir as it follows the Greenwater River up past several enchanting little lakes. I had heard this was a popular hike and that on a busy weekend all of the campsites could be taken by midday on Saturday.
I managed to wrap up work early on Friday and made it up to the trailhead by 5:30PM. My hope was that I would be able to hike in Friday night, secure a good spot, and have all day Saturday for relaxation & bushcraft.
I recently returned my Kelty Redwing 3100 to REI and replaced it with a Mountainsmith Boundary. I took a chance of buying it online without first trying one on. It fits me quite comfortably and the capacity is just right for me. I also like that it is available in a subdued green, unlike many packs that are various loud neon colors. Once loaded, my pack weighed in at almost exactly 40 lbs, including food for three days and approximately 4 liters of water. Given the unseasonably warm weather we had last weekend, I could have left several items behind, and since this trail is constantly near water, it is unnecessary to carry so much water. The 2 liters in my hydration bladder would have been just fine.
The trail is uphill the whole way. It is not a murderous ascent, and would have been a pleasant workout without the pack and the VERY hot weather. At 5:30, it was still 95 F in the timber, with no wind. Although there were several cars in the parking lot at the trailhead, I didn't encounter anyone on the trail. It was fantastic to have the woods all to myself.
The river was good company, but seeing the Greenwater lakes almost made me want to call it good right there!
I made it about two and a half miles before I decided that I had better find a camp site for the night and continue in the morning. It was getting late and I was not covering nearly the distance I had hoped for. I found a cozy spot just off the trail near the river and called it good. As soon as I ditched my pack, I pulled off my soaked synthetic tee shirt and rinsed it out in the river. I then draped it around my neck to help cool me down.
These three sentries stood guard over my camp and made a fine spot for me to pitch my tent. In less buggy seasons, I would rely on my SilShelter, but in this instance I wanted to try out the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1.
I had just enough time to set up my tent and gather some downed wood before it got dark. I had Mountain House Spagetti & Meat Sauce for dinner. It was okay, but would be improved by throwing in some chunks of summer sausage, which I brought, and minced onions, which I did not.
Here is the best seat in the house. The pad is an Exped DownMat 7 and the chair kit is the Cyclone SL by Big Agnes. The pad weighs 28 ounces but given my screwed up back, was worth every ounce. The chair kit only weighs 6 ounces, which was certainly worth it for the comfort it provided.
I had a great time tending the fire, smoking a cigar, and watching the full moon rise between the mountains and reflect on the river. One of the benefits of this little heat wave is that it was too hot for the mosquitos. I sat around in a tee shirt and shorts, not really needing the fire for its warmth, but enjoying its company. For my first real solo, away from the security of a vehicle, it couldn't have been a better night. I certainly didn't need my sleeping bag. I slept on top of it in a long sleeved synthetic tee shirt and long johns. This wasn't for their warmth, but because I don't care for the clammy feel of nylon against my skin and I don't want my oils messing up the down.
I enjoyed my little camp so much that I took my time Saturday morning. I lingered over my instant oatmel with raisins and a cup of coffee. I settled for a Folgers Single, rather than dirtying the H2Jo and brewing coffee in my Guyot bottle. I didn't hit the trail until 9:30, by which time it was already starting to get hot. I noticed four little bites on my wrist, that looked like two spider bites, but the space between fang marks is about a quarter of an inch, a space I would typically associate with a small snakebite. They weren't too bothersome so I dismissed them.
Once I started back up the trail toward Lost Lake, I came across this beastie, who had her web set up parallel to the trail.
Her body size was about that of a grape, so I'm guessing that a similar spider could have delivered my bites. I probably walked through an occupied web and the spider got hung up on my watchband.
There were still a lot of wildflowers about. I'm not sure what this is, but I was struck by the way the leaves augmented the blossom. Kind of reminded me of embossed metal.
I stopped for a lunch of summer sausage and wheat thins, with dried pineapple and apricots for dessert. (Actually, the dried fruit was my energy food for along the trail as well.) The hiking was tough going but the scenery was breathtaking. After a while Quinn Lake came into view, but I pressed on, anxious to secure a camping spot at Lost Lake. After Quinn, the trail meandered through some rocky meadows. As interesting as this was, it was also the first really exposed part of the trail, and did I mention, it was really hot? I pushed on, knowing that my destination was close.
I'll stop here so I don't go over limit on pictures. More to come . . .
-- FLIX
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