Weekend in the Cascades (PIC HEAVY!)

Pritch

Pritch

Joined
May 3, 2006
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I managed to get away over last weekend. Usually when I camp, it is with my hunting partner or my wife. In each instance, we are usually very busy scouting/hunting or recreating. THis time I headed out solo so I could just fart around camp, test some survival gear, and relax.

I always enjoy the pics posted here of your time outside so I thought I should return the favor.

First, the area that I went to is one that I have hunted and camped in several times. (Good thing, since my partner took my topos without telling me!) 2nd and 3rd generation Douglas Fir and cedar with a little old growth. Alders and the like near streams.
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One of the things that I wanted to do was set up my new SilTarp. It is a SilNylon shelter that weighs a mere 12.5 oz and rolls up to about the size of a soda can! It can be set up using only a single pole, such as a trekking pole, but I wanted as much room inside as possible. I opted to suspend the peak from a bipod. The front flaps overlap to create a weathertight enclosure.

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This shot shows how I used poles to increase the roof height at the back end of the shelter. This design is very streamlined and sheds wind very well.

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Here I have unhooked the flaps to show the interior. Note the Tyvek tarp inside. (More on that later!)

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Here I had set up the shelter using my "shooting sticks" as a central pole. It resulted in a lower, wider shelter. I like the flexibility.

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Rather than overlapping the flaps, they can be extended outward, creating a vestibule for cooking. (CAUTION! SilNylon is really flamable!) I'll post some more pics in a couple of minutes.

-- FLIX
 
I had time to "smell the flowers" this time, but thought photographing them would be more fun. Don't ask me what they are. Maybe Doc can help us out.

This little guy was no bigger than a dime.

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The flowers on this one were huge! Each flower 'cluster' was bigger than my fist.

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Sorry guys. I'm just having fun with the macro setting on my new camera!

-- FLIX
 
This stream ran next to my camp.

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Here is another shot of the Tyvek ground cloth. It is 4' by 8' and has been dyed to "Sea Foam." I got it from Goodling Outdoor.

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I installed grommets at each corner, not so much because I intend to use it as a tarp, but rather to assist in stretching it out inside the shelter.

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I got a really nice suprize after I broke camp and was on the way out. I'll post those pics in a minute.

-- FLIX
 
Looks like a great location. I like the idea on the Tyvek ground cloth.

Thanks for sharing the pictures. :thumbup:
 
Throughout the weekend, I had caught fleeting looks at elk, usually cows with calves. I saw some cougar scat and saw some great bear prints in a sand bar, but couldn't find a way down the steep bank to take photos.

As I was driving out, I saw these two blackies. As usual, they bolted as I a drove closer, but then they stopped, giving me the time to snap a couple of pictures.

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As I drove past the hill they were climbing, it occurred to me that I might be able to sneak up and intersect them again.

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These guys walked right up to me! I had the wind in my favor and I know how to be still, but this was unusual. Finally, I started talking to them and letting them see me move. The doe moved on, but the little forkie just started stomping and cocking his head like a curious pup! He finally marched off in disgust, probably because I wouldn't throw a stick!

-- FLIX
 
Great pics, looks an awesome place !
That first flower is a Red Columbine, here is one I took, mines nowhere near as clear as yours ...
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A little off the subject but do you know of any cabins for holiday rental in that area that you would recommend ?
 
Thanks guys.

Pitdog,

The cabin we stayed in up near Mt Baker was great. It should be closer for you to get there than it is for us! The place is called "The Logs." We enjoyed it so much that we're heading up again over Labor Day weekend as well.

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-- FLIX
 
Looks like home-- heheh--- it is home :) Great job on pitching the tarp. If you can whip up a good taut shelter like that you can camp anywhere.
 
great pics....:thumbup: that is some beautiful country....:eek:

what model siltarp is that... i really like the O.D. green.....:D

mike
 
FLIX said:
I had time to "smell the flowers" this time, but thought photographing them would be more fun. Don't ask me what they are. Maybe Doc can help us out. Sorry Flix, but except for the Columbine (although a different species), I don't recognize them as growing here in Ontario. However, I believe the white flowered plants are Bear Grass ( Xerophyllum tenax) I remember reading something about them in a basket making book.

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The flowers on this one were huge! Each flower 'cluster' was bigger than my fist.

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Sorry guys. I'm just having fun with the macro setting on my new camera!

-- FLIX
Click to expand...

And the pink flowers picture looks familiar, but I don't know what it is. Pitdog is more likely to know as I would think the flora would be similar where he lives.

Doc
 
mtnfolk mike said:
great pics....:thumbup: that is some beautiful country....:eek:

what model siltarp is that... i really like the O.D. green.....:D

mike
Click to expand...

Mtnfolk Mike,

I should have been more specific. This is actually the "SilShelter" from Integral Designs. REI carries it, but only in the grey color. I really like the option to have a fully enclosed shelter. That is much harder to do with a flat tarp.

I went with the olive because I like the option of keeping a very low profile when solo camping. This shelter would be really easy to "brush in," especially when set up low and wide.

-- FLIX
 
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