Hobby Thread - October 19, 2024 [TRex]

Welcome hobbyists! Pull up a chair and sit a spell with the Horde in this little corner of the interweb. This is the mighty, mighty officially sanctioned Ace of Spades Hobby Thread.

Blogging is happening live from a semi undisclosed location among Hordelings gathered in real life. Thanks to all for everything. You know who you are. If you are not here, you are missed.

We gave the Ace of Spades Wheel of Hobbies(TM) a spin and it landed on a theme of hiking for this week. The theme of Europe last week had a few hints of hiking in the content an comments and the Wheel of Hobbies (TM) apparently thought that a dedicated hiking theme was in order for the Hobby Thread.

Are you a hiker? Where do you hike or have hiked? Do you have favorite places to hike? Some hikes get headlines because they are known for being difficult or lengthy. Other hikes are an opportunity to get out for a day and enjoy the great outdoors. Do you have stories of past hikes? Do you have bucket lists of places you would like to hike?

Content below to get the conversation started, but looking for Horde participation. This is not a competition, so do not worry if your hikes are not the fanciest, most exotic, most difficult, or lengthiest. If meaningful to you, it will be meaningful to the Horde. The content is also not a ranking or a best list.

As per usual Hobby Thread etiquette, keep this thread limited to hiking. Politics and current events can wait for other threads. Play nice. Do not be a troll and do not feed the trolls. As usual, wearing pants is optional for thread participation.

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Top photo with a top hiking tip: when hiking in the Berner Oberland region of Switzerland, remember that the cows get the right of way.

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Great suggestions and great photography:

Twenty Epic Day Hikes in the US National Parks

The Best Hikes in the US, From Family-Friendly Walks to Multi-Day Journeys

Best Winter Hikes in North America

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Shameless repeat of content from last week: If you are wondering where to go hiking in Switzerland, the Hobby Thread has you covered. The 13 Very Best Hikes In Switzerland The link has a description of each, associated logistics, and very pretty pictures.

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The Appalachian Trail is over 2197 miles in length. The public footpath winds its way through the Appalachian Mountains. It stretches between Georgia and Maine and touches 14 states. The full trail was completed in 1937. Hikers that transit the full length in a single season are called thru hikers. Most start in the spring in Georgia and follow the warmer weather north. Somewhere between 800 and 1200 hikers successfully complete the trip which is only about a third of those who make the attempt.

Here is an interactive map of the Appalachian Trail and here is a link to the National Park Service website.

Have you hiked some or all of the Appalachian Trail? If you did the full trail, how long did it take you? What was memorable? If not and you are a hiker, is it on your list to do someday? Mark Sanford was not available for comment.

For many, hiking is life changing. Personal journey documentaries of various lengths are common on YouTube for those finding deep and meaningful truths along the Appalachian Trail.

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Pacific Crest Trail is the west coast analogue to the Appalachian Trail. It spans 2650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. Estimates suggest that between 700 and 800 people per season make the full journey, only about 20 percent of those who make the attempt. It takes the average hiker between five months to complete. Inhospitable and potentially fatally cold weather in some parts dictates timing. Most start from the south and a maximum of 50 permits per day are issued to avoid crowding.

Pacific Crest Trail Hiking Advice for 2024 (and Beyond)

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Hiking into the Grand Canyon is a lesson on scale. You can walk several hours and not be anywhere near the bottom and barely get a glimpse of the river. Some hike all the way down and spend the night at Phantom Ranch. The more hearty hikers to a rim to rim sprint from the south to the north rim or visa versa. The Bright Angel Trail is the most traveled and well known. Every step takes you further down and extends the uphill trek on the return. There are other trails as well.

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90 percent of Kauai is inaccessible by road. Hiking is one way to see more of the island. The most famous hike on Kauai is the 11 mile Kalalau trail along the Napali Coast. Beginning at the end of the road at Ke e Beach, most people hike in and stay at least one night before returning. Others limit their hike to the first two miles, which leads to Hanakapiai Beach. Either way, you will get amazing views of Kauais North Shore.

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Yosemite has an abundance of marvelous trails. While the park is breathtaking from the roads and easily accessible viewpoints, rewards await those who are willing to hike further into the park. Vernal and Nevada Falls Trails are worth every step. You will get alongside and on top of the falls. Make sure to pack for spray and slippery footing.

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Hiking books:

Hiking with the Boss (Ingrid Wood)

Hiking with the Boss tells the story of a special bond shared by two sisters and their hike to Neumagen, a little village in Germany's beautiful Mosel valley. While taking the reader on a hike through the scenic German countryside, the author weaves fascinating facts about German history as well as cherished family memories into the fabric of her journey. Some of the adventures of the sisters will make you laugh out loud. Others will make you wince and marvel how much they are willing to endure to reach their goal. You don't have to be a hiker to enjoy reading this book.

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (Bill Bryson)

Back in America after twenty years in Britain, Bill Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine. The AT offers an astonishing landscape of silent forests and sparkling lakes and to a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, it also provides endless opportunities to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings.

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Did you miss the Hobby Thread last week with a European travel theme? The comments may be closed, but you can re-live the content.

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Notable comments from last week:

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How about this? A Moron Meetup idea for Bavaria? For Oktoberfest? What say you, Horde? Ja? Do we have many Horde members in or near Bavaria?

20241015-Screenshot 2024-10-14 214426.jpg

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Words of wisdom:

"Because despite all our troubles, when things are grim out in that wide round world of ours, that's when it's really important to have a good hobby." Posted by: tankascribe at June 22, 2024 07:41 PM (HWxAD).

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If walkabouts through nature are not your thing and you have trouble finding something in the content or comments that resonates with you, hijack the thread for your hobbying as you see fit. We will feature a different hobby next time around. Send thoughts, suggestions and photos of your hobbying to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com. No we are not there yet. If you are going to complain, you can stay in the car.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 04:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Welcome Hobbiests

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 05:30 PM (fwDg9)

2 Hiking? Oh, I thought it was about cow tipping.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 19, 2024 05:32 PM (0eaVi)

3 Have hiked 1 weekend on the Appalachian trail, and seen parts in a few states. My hiking is limited these days to going to get my truck.

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 05:34 PM (fwDg9)

4 I worked with a guy that walked the Appalachian Trail. And I lived at a town that is a mail stop for the Pacific Crest trail.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at October 19, 2024 05:36 PM (gfViB)

5 I have gone top to river and back in tje Grand Canyon, 1981
Nothing but shoes, shorts and t shirt.

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 05:36 PM (fwDg9)

6 Oh, that's right -- the TXMoMe is on this weekend. That must be why comments and pics of the animals were so sparse lately. Hope it's going well!

I did not make the road trip to the tobacconist about three hours' drive north of me. Instead I got dragged to a church rummage sale. However, I have told Miss Linda that I am going on the weekend of 11/2. I hope it's still cool then.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 19, 2024 05:37 PM (omVj0)

7 Sorry, Uncle Sam cured me of walking anywhere except those places where you cant ride. Thus I haven't too much more to say.

Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at October 19, 2024 05:38 PM (hKoQL)

8 There are plenty of hiking vids on YT. Don't really do it anymore because I'm too old. And kids don't want to do it.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 19, 2024 05:40 PM (0eaVi)

9 Hiking? I did some on my visits to New Mexico, and when I lived in Denver. The NM ones: In '92, I drove out to the area around El Morro, Inscription Rock, and the Malpais (lava rock fields) near it. An eye-opening experience. The Spanish inscriptions on the rock face are an archaic kind of Spanish, much like Shakespeare's English is to us, with altered spelling and odd capitalizations. With all my study of Spanish in school, I had never realized that language has evolved as well. It was as though I were studying a dead mounted insect specimen. (Cont.)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 19, 2024 05:42 PM (omVj0)

10 Avid hiker here. In WA state now and the past 15 years. My partner Karen was not only a hiker but made her living by hiking and writing about it. She worked as a columnist for the old dead tree Seattle P-I and also wrote for any number of other publications. Mt Rainier National Park was a real favorite but we hiked to ghost towns, Rails to Trails hikes, some places she never wrote up. She'd had two hiking trail guidebooks published by the Mountaineers in Seattle. Yes, I'm bragging. The variety from coastal hikes to desert hikes here is amazing.

Posted by: Winston, GOPe, McFailure wing of the Uniparty at October 19, 2024 05:42 PM (cNlg1)

11 (cont.) The El Morro drive was the second day at Albuquerque. The third day of my first visit to NM, I drove up and explored Santa Fe, and on the fourth day drove to and hiked along the trails in Bandelier National Monument. It was drizzling, unusual they told me for late May, and I had to buy an Eddie Bauer rain jacket -- which I still keep in my car. Another eye-opening experience, seeing what I called the "bones of the Earth" protruding (bluffs and cliffs), and hiking in drizzle with my hands in my jacket pockets and yet feeling *dry*. (cont.)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 19, 2024 05:45 PM (omVj0)

12 Holy crap! I get to mention the Camino de Santiago Compostela! I went twice. Both excellent! Go, Horde!

Posted by: See? Nobody cares at October 19, 2024 05:47 PM (jq6RV)

13
My wife and I have a few places we like to hike, up the Schuylkill River in Oaks PA, a more vigorous mountainous area near the same location, a longer hike down toward an outdoor restaurant in the same area, around the PA state park near Marsh Creek, and in our own backyard.

Neither of us would fit into the category of the 70% of Americans who are overweight. Strange coincidence there.

Correlation does not mean causation - of course. Unless it accurately does. MAGA/MAHA.

Posted by: Civic Classifier at October 19, 2024 05:48 PM (MwtZ5)

14 ¡Buen Camino, Peiegrinos!

Posted by: See? Nobody cares at October 19, 2024 05:48 PM (jq6RV)

15 >>I worked with a guy that walked the Appalachian Trail. And I lived at a town that is a mail stop for the Pacific Crest trail

My buddy did it. Had a great time.

I'd add Mt Pilatus as another great place for hiking in Switzerland. There are a number of trails ranging from easy to are you frigging kidding me! Spectacular scenery.

https://tinyurl.com/2s38ubf7

I traveled pretty extensively for work and was able to take some nice hikes in places like New Zealand and Chile. Sadly, my long hike days are pretty much over thanks to back stuff but Elvis and I do have a couple nice places along the ocean to take short hikes as many days as we can.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2024 05:49 PM (LkLld)

16 Black Mesa near Kenton Oklahoma There is a public trail to the highest point in the state which is quite close to the border with New Mexico. This is my favorite time to be there give or take a week or two. Drought is pretty bad in the nw tip of the Oklahoma panhandle for last 20 years or more?

Posted by: Glenn John at October 19, 2024 05:49 PM (gRSaB)

17 Pelegrinos

Posted by: See? Nobody cares at October 19, 2024 05:49 PM (jq6RV)

18 (cont.) In '93 I drove to Carlsbad, NM, and hiked most of the day in the park across the state line, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. In fact I'd had set up a tent and had planned to sleep there that night. Well, after a strenuous nine-mile hike (in which I got caught in a rain shower! Again!), I got back to my campsite and found the tent had blown down. Not away, just down. I threw up my hands, packed it all into my trunk, and fled to a comfortable hotel with hot bath in Carlsbad.

Still, it was a great hike, keeping track of where I was with a printed map (this of course was long before cellphones and the like), and being startled by wild turkeys.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 19, 2024 05:49 PM (omVj0)

19 Never got into hiking or backpacking aside from some hikes with the Boy Scouts. When I had the resources work was too demanding and I'm not up to it at my age. No doubt I missed a lot. I have taken a few nature walks, more like a stroll, with a camera in hand.

But I loved the books by Colin Fletcher about backpacking: The Complete Hiker series, The Man Who Walked Through Time, The Thousand Mile Summer, and the rest.

Posted by: JTB at October 19, 2024 05:50 PM (yTvNw)

20 Ladies with nice gams oughta hike their skirts.

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at October 19, 2024 05:51 PM (kUMx7)

21 The Wonderland Trail around Mt Rainier. 76 miles. Hiking takes a few days, there have been a few lunatics who have run the thing in less than 24 hours. These people are to be pitied because you miss so much beauty.

Posted by: Winston, GOPe, McFailure wing of the Uniparty at October 19, 2024 05:51 PM (cNlg1)

22 Mrs. E hiked the Grand Canyon. Made her a different person.

Posted by: Eromero at October 19, 2024 05:52 PM (e7JB9)

23 My most memorable hike in Colorado was when Miss Linda was there, and we went down to a park on the southern fringe of the metro area. She didn't bother to buy hiking shoes, so here we are on a slope (not steep or dangerous, but with loose pebbles), and she began to slip. I got below her and tried to keep her from sliding farther. Somehow we wound up at the bottom of the slope, me on top, and yet she was fine and I was the one with bruised ribs that kept me benched for a couple of weeks.

But I loved walking outdoors there even on hot days. It was *dry*, the air and the ground, and I didn't feel like I was pushing my way through a swamp as I do here.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 19, 2024 05:54 PM (omVj0)

24 No fun is being had in Texas. Absolutely none at all. This group is dull and boring and has no sense of humor. If you're not here, you're not missing anything at all. Nope.

Posted by: TRex at October 19, 2024 05:56 PM (kVCso)

25 Hiking days are behind us for husband and me, but our best memories are of hiking Glacier National Park in 2016. It was a double celebration. He'd recovered from two total knee replacements and I'd just retired. We trained for it and had an awesome time but we have no desire to do anything that strenuous again.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at October 19, 2024 05:57 PM (FEVMW)

26 Did a hike on a trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon with a high school buddy back in the day. Either 2.5 or 5mi one way, cannot remember. Ended with a spectacular view of the canyon.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at October 19, 2024 05:57 PM (LiIRv)

27 Sadly, my long hike days are pretty much over thanks to back stuff but Elvis and I do have a couple nice places along the ocean to take short hikes as many days as we can.
Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2024 05:49 PM (LkLld)

You take a gator hiking?

Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 19, 2024 05:58 PM (0eaVi)

28 >>You take a gator hiking?

Biggest danger you face with my Elvis is death but excessive kisses. Elvis is a lover not a fighter.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2024 06:01 PM (LkLld)

29 No fun is being had in Texas. Absolutely none at all. This group is dull and boring and has no sense of humor. If you're not here, you're not missing anything at all. Nope.

Heh. We figured as much. Hope y'all are having a grand time so far. *cheers*

Posted by: Notorious BFD at October 19, 2024 06:02 PM (mH6SG)

30 Biking could be included. Long ago was a yearly bike ride group who would go Philadelphia to Atlantic city, bit over 100 miles I think in a day

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 06:02 PM (fwDg9)

31 We enjoy the First Day hikes on New Year's Day in the local state parks, if the weather is good.

A classic work on hiking is Hillaire Belloc's "The Path to Rome" in which he fulfills a personal vow to walk from his birthplace in France to Rome. Lots of scenery, history and local color.

Posted by: sal, who watches way too much TCM at October 19, 2024 06:04 PM (f+FmA)

32 05:57 PM (LiIRv)

27 Sadly, my long hike days are pretty much over thanks to back stuff but Elvis and I do have a couple nice places along the ocean to take short hikes as many days as we can.
Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2024 05:49 PM (LkLld)
Sounds lovely! I can empathize with the back issues, though.

You take a gator hiking?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 19, 2024 05:58
You have to admit, no one would harass you on the trail....

Posted by: Barkingmad59, wandering lurkette at October 19, 2024 06:06 PM (hBG3V)

33 If you're not here, you're not missing anything at all. Nope.
Posted by: TRex at October 19, 2024 05:56 PM (kVCso)

Nice try. We know better!

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 19, 2024 06:07 PM (OX9vb)

34 When I hunted, small game and upland birds, I could cover miles without realizing it. It wasn't until I had to return to the car that I discovered how far I had walked. I didn't consider it hiking, just walking with another purpose in mind.

Posted by: JTB at October 19, 2024 06:09 PM (yTvNw)

35 I'm a day hiker only, as I dislike camping. Did a winter hike with camping once in the Zaleski forest (Ohio) with some hot-crazy psychologist. I would not have thought I would like cold camping, but a snowy hike is lovely.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 19, 2024 06:11 PM (OX9vb)

36 The Pacific Northwest offers countless beautiful hikes, though the best ones can get crowded on weekends. The Cascade Head trail is a personal favorite. For the perfect experience, a hike is best paired with a visit to a local brewery after coming off the trail.

Posted by: HappyFun at October 19, 2024 06:11 PM (aIURK)

37 What I loved about hiking in NM and CO was the height, the slopes and the effort required to walk up them. Everything in DA swamp is flat. Many decades ago there was an artificial hill built in the park near the zoo -- "Monkey Hill," designed, it was said, to show local children what a hill was. I think it was about twenty-five feet high. At Christmas they would have an event where they covered it in fake snow. Now it's within the expansion of the zoo. They have lion statues and some sculpted rock features now too.

There's another hill, a natural one called "Laborde Mountain" (!), hidden away the northern reaches of City Park, and you have to walk off the beaten path to get to it. It's taller than Monkey Hill; the sign said it was the highest natural point in the metro area.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at October 19, 2024 06:12 PM (omVj0)

38 I hiked for a living once long time ago. Go to carry a gun, so I had that going for me. Not up to it nowadays.

Posted by: javems at October 19, 2024 06:12 PM (8I4hW)

39 Rode the scooter down to Ben Hads place and it was chock full of talkative people and food. And alcohol. Pretty swanky if you ask me. And it was a fantastic day to ride.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at October 19, 2024 06:12 PM (3Ope8)

40 Is this the cow-tipping thread?

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 19, 2024 06:13 PM (Wx316)

41 I had a great place to walk in the woods in Carson WA. Was staying at an old timer's place and I could walk over to the river where there was a small waterfall. Was my morning walk when the weather was good.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at October 19, 2024 06:14 PM (gfViB)

42 >>I'm a day hiker only, as I dislike camping. Did a winter hike with camping once in the Zaleski forest (Ohio) with some hot-crazy psychologist. I would not have thought I would like cold camping, but a snowy hike is lovely.

In my yute, I did an outward bound kind of thing for 7 days in January in northern New Hampshire. There was about 4 feet of snow most places so we had to hike with snowshoes. 3 of the 7 days were a solo which was fantastic although the whole solo thing kind of broke down on day 2 for a bit.

Winter camping was a blast.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2024 06:16 PM (LkLld)

43 I don't even have time for day hikes anymore. Best I do is a forty minute walk through the cemetery and back. Steep hills between here and there, so at least I have that.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 19, 2024 06:18 PM (OX9vb)

44 Is this the cow-tipping thread?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at October 19, 2024 06:13 PM (Wx316)

See comment #2.

Working on another "Harry" story.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at October 19, 2024 06:19 PM (0eaVi)

45 In my yute, I did an outward bound kind of thing for 7 days in January in northern New Hampshire.

I participated in something similar in Buena Vista, CO. It was during the summer, tho.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at October 19, 2024 06:20 PM (mH6SG)

46 Winter camping was a blast.
Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2024 06:16 PM (LkLld)

It definitely was! When I was much younger... I can't sleep on the ground anymore.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 19, 2024 06:21 PM (OX9vb)

47 I'm a hiker and we spend summer and fall in the northern Adirondacks, which is laced with trails up and down the mountains.

We closed up the camp almost two weeks ago, a few days past peak leaf color change. The extended family properties adjoin NY state "forever wild" land, and we've a private trail the winds through all the contiguous lots. It's three miles of uphills and downhills, with brook crossings, a zipline, forests of birch, maple, white pine, balsam fir, open meadows, and rock fence walls in the woods from back in the subsistence farming days of the 1800s.

I used to be a mountain hiker but my climbing days are over, so the corgi and I just stick to the private loop with a spur entrance right behind the shed, and avoid all those arrogant french canadians that clog up the high peaks trails.

Posted by: M. Gaga at October 19, 2024 06:24 PM (ZtgZZ)

48 There are some nice hikes in Austria's _Hohe Tauern_ [High towers] national park. I haven't hiked the length of any of them, just a part of one of them. It was a relatively easy hike through a gorgeous Alpine valley. I was surprised to learn that the section that I did hike in Debanttal had been an on-scene location for parts of the Grizzly Adams TV show. Debanttal is across the river from the place in Austria the Cossacks stayed before they were massacred in 1945. There is an old Roman ruin near the Debant's confluence with the Drau. There is an amazing amount of history packed into the Drau valley there at the end of the hike.

Back home there is the Katy Trail on the north side of the Missouri River is popular.

The Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon was a fun hike. It's like the opposite of mountain hiking; you experience the first third going down and then 67% of the time going back up to finish.

Posted by: SPinRH_F-16 at October 19, 2024 06:29 PM (NezMn)

49 "Have you hiked some or all of the Appalachian Trail?"

I lived in Bluefield, WV for a year several decades ago, and we drove over a few miles and hiked a short segment of the trail. Pretty country for sure. We came back the next morning.

At 29, hiking the whole trail is not in the cards, even on an e-bike. Should get out and travel more though.

Posted by: illiniwek at October 19, 2024 06:30 PM (Cus5s)

50 Funny thing , 2 things really
3 of us in tent all night thought it was raining as hear patterns patter all night on tent. Got up and tent was covered in leaves , we went about this time of year.
Another was walking along and just as I walked past a small tree it fell over. Neither of us touched it.
It made a sound

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 06:30 PM (fwDg9)

51 RE: last weeks comments.
Bamberg and Forcheim were just up the road from me when I was at Herzogenaurch. Great Fests in both towns. Enjoyed them both...a lot!!!

A Munich MoMe! Wow!
I can't even get over to Yakima for the PacNWMoMe.
Oddly, Munich might be easier.
ProTip: make reservations now for next year. Last time I was there the gasthaus would only let me stay two nights then I had to move on.

Posted by: Diogenes at October 19, 2024 06:30 PM (W/lyH)

52 Hiking is for 29 year olds with young knees and joints.

I put on maybe 5 miles a day, but my 29 year old feets in steel-toed boots are tired after 11 hours a day.

Posted by: Kamala's Shorthairs at October 19, 2024 06:31 PM (bxmU0)

53 Can anyone suggest some good mountain biking in the Red Bluff California area (within 50-75 miles). I'm going to be there next week.

Posted by: Lemmiwinks at October 19, 2024 06:32 PM (SNu9D)

54 My new immediate hobby is 3D Printing.

I'm printing Trump/Vance 24 Magnets.

I have a 4 color setup so I'm able to quickly print up nice Red, White and Blue placards.

You can get the files from any of the 3D print file sites for free.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at October 19, 2024 06:32 PM (XV/Pl)

55 Do have a good memory of a boy scout hike weekend

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 06:32 PM (fwDg9)

56 Have enjoyed the Grand Canyion a few times - maybe 100 miles with a pack on over three trips there (Dad's probably got 400 miles there). The best was a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim with my dad and brothers - three days across, cabin on the North Rim and fresh supplies (My mom and a friend met us there, having driven the long way around), three days back. Last night, were at Phantom Ranch, and there were enough cancellations that we snagged a steak dinner. One of the best steak dinners of my life. You meet the best people hiking there, once you're below all the tourists. It can literally be a death trap for the ill-prepared, but with enough prep, incredibly rewarding.

Posted by: MD_Mike at October 19, 2024 06:34 PM (BouEL)

57 I love hiking. Luckily, the area in which I live has trails all over the place - many of which have swimming holes right off the trails. (I'll be the old, fat, white guy paddling around in the middle of it).

What I don't like about hiking these days are the over populated trails, stinky hippies, and folks with $600 packs, $400 sunglasses and the attitude that goes with that.

Yeah, get off my lawn.

Posted by: Tonypete at October 19, 2024 06:38 PM (WXNFJ)

58 Is this the cow-tipping thread?
Posted by: vmom

They don't wait tables, but they do produce the milk themselves. I say tip them 10-15%.

Posted by: mikeski at October 19, 2024 06:39 PM (DgGvY)

59 >52 Diogenes: ProTip: make reservations now for next year. Last time I was there the gasthaus would only let me stay two nights then I had to move on.

That's why I'm asking now. . . .

Posted by: SPinRH_F-16 at October 19, 2024 06:40 PM (NezMn)

60 What I don't like about hiking these days are the over populated trails, stinky hippies, and folks with $600 packs, $400 sunglasses and the attitude that goes with that.

Yeah, get off my lawn.
Posted by: Tonypete at October 19, 2024 06:38 PM (WXNFJ)

Gucci Climbers, as my college rock-climbing club called that sort.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 19, 2024 06:41 PM (OX9vb)

61 If you are hiking or climbing my recommendation is that you wear boots that are broken in real well. Nothing worse than having blistered feet when you have a lot of walking time in front of you

Posted by: Truck Monkey Report at October 19, 2024 06:41 PM (1FWWQ)

62 The best two places I've ever hiked were Glacier NP and, more recently, Ireland. In Glacier the views were spectacular and the trails not too difficult. Ireland is a Garden of Eden type experience where the trails up high are also sheep trails and 'roads'. Stunningly beautiful and in some places, you simply walk down the mountain into a village, find a pub, and grab a wee pint.

Oh my.

Posted by: Tonypete at October 19, 2024 06:43 PM (WXNFJ)

63 >>Do have a good memory of a boy scout hike weekend

I never had any interest in the Boy Scouts. We were off doing our own hiking and camping and it seemed too regimented for me.

I got talked into going on one BS camping trip on Cape Cod. Mostly cause I wanted to go camping on Cape Cod. Some genius thought it would be a great idea to throw poison sumac on the campfire. Turns out I am allergic to poison sumac. The next day my face swole up like the great pumpkin.

When I got home and went in the house my mom sat me down in the kitchen and told me not to move. I thought she was going to get some medicine. She got her camera. She laughed like a hyena on crack. Thanks mom. Needless to say I did not join get the Boy Scouts.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2024 06:43 PM (LkLld)

64 56 Skip Do have a good memory of a boy scout hike weekend

It's a shame the BSA fell victim to Iowahawk's conundrum.

I blame Bob "Single Correct Decision" Gates.

Posted by: SPinRH_F-16 at October 19, 2024 06:43 PM (NezMn)

65 Little and I hiked a bit of Bright Angel when we visited the Grand Canyon. It is not to be taken lightly. Moderately technical, IMO. Picked an area of flat rocks to have lunch and started the ascent back. I had to stop a couple times to catch my breath.

Posted by: Joe Kidd at October 19, 2024 06:49 PM (Cbio9)

66 If you are hiking or climbing my recommendation is that you wear boots that are broken in real well. Nothing worse than having blistered feet when you have a lot of walking time in front of you
Posted by: Truck Monkey Report at October 19, 2024 06:41 PM (1FWWQ)

I did a fair amount of hiking in the Boy Scouts. One of the things I learned was to never go on a 25-mile hike wearing brand-new boots that were a half-size too small.

Posted by: mrp at October 19, 2024 06:49 PM (rj6Yv)

67 and rock fence walls in the woods from back in the subsistence farming days of the 1800s. . . .

Posted by: M. Gaga

Of all the things I miss about the old family farm, the thing I miss the most are the stone fences. Also, tucked into the stream bed was an abandoned mill pond, with the 12' dam constructed out of those same type of stones. It had completely silted in years ago but, wow, it was beautiful.

*Snif*

Posted by: Tonypete at October 19, 2024 06:49 PM (WXNFJ)

68 Boy Scouts was a good concept destroyed by Leftists

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 06:50 PM (fwDg9)

69 63 Truck Monkey >If you are hiking or climbing my recommendation is that you wear boots that are broken in real well.

. . . but not TOO well. I took a set of well-broken-in boots on the hike up Mount Fuji. The soles fell off about 30 minutes into the descent. Luckily one of the bros from the squadron had bandaging material. We tied the sole back onto the boot and I had to finish the descent slowly and carefully to avoid the sharp igneous rock from slicing it off.

Posted by: SPinRH_F-16 at October 19, 2024 06:50 PM (NezMn)

70 Boy Scouts was a good concept destroyed by Leftists
Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 06:50 PM (fwDg9)

True.

Posted by: mrp at October 19, 2024 06:52 PM (rj6Yv)

71 71
Posted by: SPinRH_F-16 at October 19, 2024 06:50 PM
***
Hey! Great to "see" you here during live thread time.

Posted by: TRex at October 19, 2024 06:53 PM (kVCso)

72 Posted by: Rainmando
***
Don't make me tap the sign. Play nice or leave.

Posted by: TRex at October 19, 2024 06:54 PM (kVCso)

73 Is that ozone I smell?

Posted by: davidt at October 19, 2024 06:57 PM (i0F8b)

74 Colin Fletcher, the guy who pretty much single handedly invented "Backpacking" * was a Welshmen, a WWII veteran of the Royal fusileers or something like that. In his book on gear, he recommended a certain pair of German binoculars "of whom I appropriated them" from during the unpleasantness.

The really sad thing, he more or less got taken out by (what else) a car. He was walking somewhere and got hit, really rang his bell. No ID on him, nobody knew who it was. The doctors were of the opinion if he wasn't in such great physical condition, he would have been killed. He eventually recovered but was never able to really hike again or do much.

His books are an acquired taste. The Man Who Walked Through Time is dry and a little boring I thought. His Complete Walker 1968 edition is about perfect, albeit dated in some ways. The later editions are more about selling equipment and muddying the waters. His 1958 walk the length of California is a great read, and still a good resource learning what is what when carrying everything you need.

* (a wretched neologism as Harvey Manning pointed out. If you're hiking overnight, you have to put that stuff somewhere, where else than your back?)

Posted by: Common Tater at October 19, 2024 06:59 PM (WsJzn)

75 >71 TRex Hey! Great to "see" you here during live thread time.

Thank you TRex!

It's nearly 1 AM over here. I'm about to wrap things up and rack out.

All the best to those of you together in nonvirtual space! I hope to make it there one of these years. I'll have to settle for being there in spirit.

Posted by: SPinRH_F-16 at October 19, 2024 07:00 PM (NezMn)

76 I go for long walks. I wouldn't call it "hiking" though. Maybe "hiking lite."

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at October 19, 2024 07:02 PM (CHHv1)

77 Last post: If anyone is interested in a meetup over here at Oktoberfest, the sooner I can get a nugget-count, the more likely I am to be able to score decent seating in one of the better festival tents at the Wies'n.

Good night, all!

Posted by: SPinRH_F-16 at October 19, 2024 07:02 PM (NezMn)

78 70 Boy Scouts was a good concept destroyed by Leftists

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 06:50 PM (fwDg9)

---

I was a Boy Scout, loved it, made the rank of Life before getting too distracted by girls and moving away from my Troop.

After putting my daughter through Girl Scouts I have come to favor letting girls into Boy Scouts and calling it Scouts because Girl Scouts is extremely lame compared to Boy Scouts. If a girl wants to do serious camping, hiking etc., I wouldn't want her to miss out. Since they are going through puberty during this time, they need strict rules to prevent any shenanigans.

Posted by: Lemmiwinks at October 19, 2024 07:03 PM (SNu9D)

79 I've done a lot of hiking all around the country. My favorite of all time is the Angel's landing hike at Zion national Park.
It was frickin amazing.

Posted by: Florida Peasant at October 19, 2024 07:06 PM (Lo97M)

80 Fletcher, recommended stopping every hour and taking boots and socks off, rubbing feet with alcohol, applying foot powder, maybe changing socks.

This is the real problem I always had. The desire is there, but vacation only comes once a year say during the working years and it is tough to stay in shape, and citified feet do not handle going from 1/2 mile a day to say 9 or 12 carrying a 30 pound backpack or better.

This also causes feet to swell quite a bit, I think. It is possible to kind of avoid blisters, sorta kinda but it takes a lot of effort. I like to use good old school Athletic tape or "moleskin" and pre-install on areas that I know cause trouble. I always get a corn on my right foot outside heel that is a MFer if I start hiking again.

Maybe a cobbler knows how to make a custom boot to avoid this kind of thing. But any sustained walking will cause problems, blisters are simply nature saying "you need a callus here". Unfortunately, blisters can make one a casualty. Before proper wound treatment and/or antibiotics, they could become infected and cause sepsis. Feet have a lot of germs? I dunno.

I also like to wear a thin dress sock inside thick Wool socks.

Posted by: Common Tater at October 19, 2024 07:08 PM (WsJzn)

81 68 Boy Scouts was a good concept destroyed by Leftists
Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 06:50 PM (fwDg9)

----------

Much like to concept of Western Civilization.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2024 07:09 PM (vphdi)

82 We are pretty frequent hikers.

Today Boy F. and I did 5 miles from the Green Belt to Ashbury Heights to Buena Vista to Cole Valley to Haight Ashbury.

In Australia we did Bondi Beach to Tamarama to Coogee. Then we did Rose Bay to Watson's Bay. Then we did Bondi Beach to Rose Bay to Double Bay to Cooper Park. We also did a hike in the city from Circular Quay to the Rocks down George St to Spice Alley then to the Fish Market then Barangeroo then Martin Place. Whew.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 19, 2024 07:10 PM (RIvkX)

83 Locally, we have a popular trail in the area that once served as a location for Gunsmoke (if you younger 'rons would be kind enough to fetch my teeth, I'll be happy to tell you about when TV was in black and white). Anyway, the main point of interest nowadays is a place called Paradise Falls. Pretty easy to reach, and very popular in the spring with the wildflowers in bloom.

Posted by: Joe Kidd at October 19, 2024 07:14 PM (Cbio9)

84 Did a hike at many glacier area of glacier national Park. Beautiful scenery and we saw 3 bears and a moose on the hike.
That was 2021 I think.

Posted by: Florida Peasant at October 19, 2024 07:15 PM (Lo97M)

85 Italian Pvetta boots were the best. Of course no longer make.

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at October 19, 2024 07:15 PM (Ml5y8)

86 * (a wretched neologism as Harvey Manning pointed out. If you're hiking overnight, you have to put that stuff somewhere, where else than your back?)
Posted by: Common Tater at October 19, 2024 06:59 PM (WsJzn)

"Bergening" never really caught on, did it.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 19, 2024 07:15 PM (D7oie)

87 82 In Australia we did...

Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 19, 2024 07:10 PM
***
There are a lot of great hikes in Australia. Tasmania itself has lots of trails.

Posted by: TRex at October 19, 2024 07:15 PM (kVCso)

88 80 A foot infection and death of Calvin Coolidge's son led the President not to seek reelection. Son was playing tennis, shoes with no socks, and his foot blistered leading to sepsis and death. A slight bump in history that makes you wonder what might have been.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at October 19, 2024 07:16 PM (gm9Sb)

89

Truth hurts.

Which matters not, a week ago I stood up on the guardrail of a balcony on the thirty first floor, looking down, and wondered, if I should just throw myself over. I didn't, but I should have.

Posted by: Rainmando at October 19, 2024 07:17 PM (/YmTL)

90 84 Did a hike at many glacier area of glacier national Park.

Posted by: Florida Peasant at October 19, 2024 07:15 PM
***
We endorse hiking in Glacier. Probably the closest one can get to the European Alps experience in the US.

Posted by: TRex at October 19, 2024 07:18 PM (kVCso)

91 I always looked at it as High Performance Picnicing, something like that. We just wanted to get away from the crowds. Most people don't leave their cars, so that cuts it down quite a bit.

Even a small bookbag will hold enough for a comfortable overnight. Tarp, paracord, Svea 123, coffee or tea, maybe some good sausages, cheese, bread, jerky cocoa etc. Sometimes less is more, and having the freedom of movement is exhilarating.

Always always ensure each member of the hiking party, even on day hikes in good weather, carries with them the "10 essentials". Developed by the Seattle area search and rescue mountain groups in the 1960s. Basically stuff that would be a lifesaver or quite useful if an unplanned overnight were to occur.

For Young and Old alike, a Whistle is very useful for signaling and can be heard over other noises obviously. And it can be sustained. Yelling for help just means losing your voice.

Compact rain gear, a flashlight or headlamp, firestarter, good sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, first aid kit, a bit of extra emergency food or kit. Those kinds of things. They don't cost much, don't take up much room, but they will save your ass in an emergency.

Posted by: Common Tater at October 19, 2024 07:19 PM (WsJzn)

92 I once had a dream of hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon after visiting it when I was 13. Then my family broke up so the trip that was planned for the summer when I was 14 never happened.

My unused backpack sat forlornly in my bedroom until I moved out with the estimable Lady Cicero. Who knows what happened to it after that.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2024 07:19 PM (vphdi)

93 For the 'rons and 'rettes in the Midwest who enjoy hiking, I strongly suggest you check out Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail. It's a trail hundreds of miles long that meanders through the state, along the moraines left by the last wave of glaciers. The scenery isn't spectacular like in Appalachia, but it's lovely in a quieter way, and for those interested in ice-age geology, it's a treasure. Right now, the trees are at their height of color, and the weather is perfect for a long hike. For more information, check out: https://www.iceagetrail.org/

Posted by: Nemo at October 19, 2024 07:19 PM (S6ArX)

94 Wife and I enjoy hiking and it's something we try planning out with every vacation. So yeah; the trips to Wyoming and Alaska were really good ones.

Posted by: NR Pax at October 19, 2024 07:20 PM (lXCUP)

95 I've hiked a few short sections of the PCT. My attempt to do a longer stretch contributed in no small part to my bad knees. But it's a great trail, and the nearest stretch is maybe 30 minutes from my home.

I have my issues with Bill Bryson, but "A Walk in the Woods" made me laugh hysterically a number of times.

Posted by: PabloD at October 19, 2024 07:21 PM (/zi6l)

96 Which matters not, a week ago I stood up on the guardrail of a balcony on the thirty first floor, looking down, and wondered, if I should just throw myself over. I didn't, but I should have.
Posted by: Rainmando at October 19, 2024 07:17 PM (/YmTL)

well, the people who would have had to clean you up off the pavement, and repair the crack thank you for your decision to shoulder the problems of life a bit longer.
I wouldn't suggest suicide. You might try acceptance and maybe a bit of change in how you run your life. It can't be more painful, and has a chance at a better outcome.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 19, 2024 07:21 PM (D7oie)

97 I've camped on the Appalachian trail, in PA. Used to hike a lot when younger.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at October 19, 2024 07:22 PM (pZ64F)

98 I have many many fond memories of the Scouts especially camping and we would take "4-day trips" and stay on military bases which was a blast because they were all-you-could-eat and we could eat a lot, especially at Naval bases which had the best food.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 19, 2024 07:24 PM (RIvkX)

99 Kind of traditional in New England to go for all the 4000 foot peaks in the white mountains. I did most of them, high thirties out of 44 I think. Mostly in my twenties and early thirties.
A gave my AMC guide book to my daughter when she was starting graduate school, and before graduation she had knocked off all the 4000 footers. I drove her up for her last couple of summits, and she used my hiking stick I pulled out of a beaver hut in 1978.
Nice of her, because it will never summit with me again.

Posted by: From about That Time at October 19, 2024 07:26 PM (4780s)

100 I've done the Grand Canyon trail down to the Phantom Ranch. That was a long time ago, I was looking for my photo collection from that hike but it was before digital photography. Chances of me unboxing them from where ever they are aren't good.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at October 19, 2024 07:26 PM (MeG8a)

101 I add a few things. I've carried for decades a small mosquito headnet. It doesn't quite weigh nothing, but it's pretty close. Takes up about as much space as a deck of cards. Now it isn't something I worry too much about, weight wise. Don't need it very often, but if you do - you need it bad. I still have 5 or 6 bottles and tubes and various DEET formulations put out over the years. It has no shelf life that i can determine. I avoid places with Mosquitos for the most part, but there is no way I would go anywhere without it. If I try to have a "summer" and "winter" kit, it would get get lost or forgotten in the shuffles.

Posted by: Common Tater at October 19, 2024 07:27 PM (WsJzn)

102 Need to say good night and thank you before the next act takes the Ace of Spaces stage. Good night and thank you.

Special shout out to those catching up with the thread later or lurking. Write any time.

Free advice: Make plans to visit Texas this time next year.

Posted by: TRex at October 19, 2024 07:28 PM (kVCso)

103 To be fair, I did get to participate in later hikes that were resume-worthy.

I hiked to Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side about 15 years ago. This entailed a pre-dawn start at about 16,500 feet, higher than I'd ever been outside of an aluminum tube.

Headgear, boots, lamp, and thermal gloves in icy temps (even in August). The exceedingly thin air meant that every 20 steps required a healthy rest to restock the lungs.

The reward was an awesome view of the awesome and incomparable majesty of Everest from right at its base.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2024 07:34 PM (vphdi)

104 The hike depicted is the Royal Hike near Laurterbrunnen Switzerland. The fallen rock in the background is at the base of the North Face of the Eiger. My wife and I have done this hike four times. We have done many hikes in the nearby region. The wine hike from Salgesh Switzerland to Seirre/Siders (a French and German name, to keep both sides unhappy) is remarkable. The hike along the vineyards on the north shore of Lake Geneva is on the list of the 10 most beautiful hike in the world. Not challenging, pretty, worth staying alive to get to experience.

Posted by: Lester Fahrner at October 19, 2024 07:34 PM (dFw9b)

105 Did I say awesome enough? Because, awesome.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2024 07:36 PM (vphdi)

106 Also - maybe this belongs in Gainzz, but it is sort of related.

Way back in 2017 or 2018 I went on a backpacking trip. Well - tried to. They had a big snowstorm out there and shut down Colo. and western Neb pretty good. Basically a 24 hour road trip turned into a 48 hour road trip.

That kicked my ass a bit more than was customary. And the weather was not great at our destination. Springtime, ya takes yer chances. So the hiking trip was out, but no matter the drive in camping was equally spectacular. But I recall trying to move the backpack I had setup.

I was too out of shape! Overweight too. I knew then - if I ever wanted to carry a 30 or 50 pound backpack again, 30 or 50 pounds has to come off my sorry ass first. It probably saved my life. Hiking is good for the soul, a good motivator for sure. Solitude also allows for clarity of mind, and focusing on important things.

Hiking and camping has the effect of instilling a direct cause and effect in a real sense for young campers. "What if I run out of water before we get to the next spring?" Maybe forgetting the flashlight was a bad idea. And where is my toothbrush?

Fuck! Anybody got a Q-Tip? I'll give you a dolla for a Q-ti

Posted by: Common Tater at October 19, 2024 07:36 PM (WsJzn)

107 >>> I have many many fond memories of the Scouts especially camping and we would take "4-day trips" and stay on military bases which was a blast because they were all-you-could-eat and we could eat a lot, especially at Naval bases which had the best food.

Posted by: San Franpsycho

Wow. That's on interesting take on one of the experiences from youth.

Our Troop Leader was the commanding officer of the local National Guard. When he was busy with NG bullshit, we hit the shooting range under the civic center, also know as the NG armory, and target shoot.

When attending jamborees and other larger scouting/camping events, we would arrange with other tribal, er troops, to the engage hand-to-hand combat exercises outside of camp. Essentially gang brawls among the neighboring youthful savages.

Good times. Good times.

Posted by: Kamala's Shorthairs at October 19, 2024 07:38 PM (bxmU0)

108 Worst hike : Okinawa. We were just trying to find a tourist attraction and ended up hiking half of the f'ing island. Moon Bay? Never been so happy to get back to a shit-box hotel.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 19, 2024 07:38 PM (IG4Id)

109 Oh dang, I just remembered I walked a bit of the App Trail somewhere around Harper's Ferry. Had to have been late eighties when a friend of mine was driving to Louisiana to study at LSU. Floated on an inner tube down a river in Townsend, TN, too. River was low in places and we had to walk over a few sandbars, so that counts as a hike.

Posted by: Joe Kidd at October 19, 2024 07:39 PM (Cbio9)

110 My latest hobby is boiling water. That, and staving off bear raids on the garbage.
-----

As an aside about the Appalachian Trail: "Hikers are urged to avoid northbound mile 0.0 on Georgia’s Springer Mountain to mile 864.6 in Rockfish Gap, Virginia."

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 19, 2024 07:41 PM (XeU6L)

111 Yeah. The midwest isn't as spectacular as out west scenes, but it is nonetheless achingly beautiful indeed. It is deceptive, the winters are brutal. And then sometimes even worse than that.

Posted by: Common Tater at October 19, 2024 07:41 PM (WsJzn)

112 This is not on subject, but this is the right thread: there is a dyi project to marry your smart phone to a shortwave transmitter for P2P use

"kv4p HT is a homebrew VHF radio that makes your phone capable of voice and text communication completely off-grid with at least a Technician class amateur radio license.

The radio simply plugs into the USB C port on your Android smartphone and transforms it into a fully-fledged handheld radio transceiver. It's completely open source (GPL3): the Android app, ESP32 firmware, PCB designs, and 3D printer files."

youtu.be/9eXHgktFD-U

Posted by: Kindltot at October 19, 2024 07:42 PM (D7oie)

113 110 My latest hobby is boiling water. That, and staving off bear raids on the garbage.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 19, 2024 07:41 PM
***
Glad you're operational. Best wishes for continued progress and recovery.

Posted by: TRex at October 19, 2024 07:42 PM (kVCso)

114 MOVIE MARQUE

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2024 07:45 PM (fwDg9)

115 You guys who chose to build your lives right in the path of the hurricanes are badass.

Here's to you.

*clink*

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2024 07:46 PM (vphdi)

116 Must report on Chamonix hike - the first time we missed the train down. Next time gave pkenty of time. 2 hrs in book not realistic.

Posted by: Iris at October 19, 2024 07:47 PM (+kWhq)

117 Kindltot - I saw that android / ham radio project on a couple of YouTube channels. It looks interesting, but I think you need a 3-D printer for the case (which I don't have).

Posted by: PabloD at October 19, 2024 07:47 PM (ZGgZV)

118 Prettiest hike in Anchorage is Flattop Mountain. You can see heaven from there. Easiest hike is Thunderbird Falls. I think I was about 4 when I did that one, so you can too. Winner Creek or Virgin Creek in Girdwood are awesome paths through the rainforest. But I live in Knik now so I need to find some new trails.😀

Posted by: tcn in AK at October 19, 2024 07:50 PM (mi+RV)

119 My hobby is so tame compared to you guys.
I build dollhouses. It satisfies my artistic side and allows me to create something tangible.

Posted by: ALH at October 19, 2024 07:50 PM (xJEPL)

120 110 My latest hobby is boiling water. That, and staving off bear raids on the garbage.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 19, 2024 07:41 PM
***
Glad you're operational. Best wishes for continued progress and recovery.
Posted by: TRex at October 19, 2024 07:42 PM (kVCso)

Can you set up a portable electric fence? I watched a YT video of a guy who put up a permanent E fence and it worked like a charm.

Posted by: mrp at October 19, 2024 07:50 PM (rj6Yv)

121 Would like someday to do Camino Real.

Posted by: tcn in AK at October 19, 2024 07:53 PM (mi+RV)

122 Would like someday to do Camino Real.
Posted by: tcn in AK at October 19, 2024 07:53 PM (mi+RV)

Me too, I was planning on it and then a number of things happened including Covid.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 19, 2024 07:55 PM (D7oie)

123 I got all that hiking out of the way in my younger days and then later when my boys were in Scouts. If want to hike I'll hike around the yard.

Now Mrs fd and I have e-bikes. We can go longer and farther and pedal as much or as little as we want.

Posted by: fd at October 19, 2024 08:00 PM (vFG9F)

124 41 I had a great place to walk in the woods in Carson WA.
Posted by: Notsothoreau

lived in Carson 3 summers in college, loved the river. Ever go to the channeled deep swimming hole north of the fish hatchery?

Posted by: Hal Dall at October 19, 2024 08:31 PM (KFDHG)

125 I was an avid backpacker, too decrepit now.
My best hikes were mostly near where I lived. I never had time to drive 2 days each way for a backpack trip.
North Cascades NP, including off-trail
Olympic NP coast hikes
Lakes area N of Mt. St. Helens before the boom
Porcupine Mts SP during fall color in da UP, eh?

Posted by: Hal Dall at October 19, 2024 08:41 PM (KFDHG)

126 "I build dollhouses. It satisfies my artistic side and allows me to create something tangible."

And they make some little girl really REALLY happy. No small matter, in my book.

Posted by: Nemo at October 19, 2024 10:56 PM (S6ArX)

127 Have I hiked the AT- the Appalachian Trail? Does surviving the steep climb up the paved pathway to Clingman's Dome in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and stepping about 5 feet onto the AT Trail at the top count? I have a picture taken by my husband of me standing by the AT marker to prove that my feet were actually on the AT! But no, I haven't hiked it, but wish I could. The Bill Bryson book on the AT is a great read and very well written.

Posted by: Annie Rose at October 19, 2024 11:56 PM (NzF2S)

128 4 I worked with a guy that walked the Appalachian Trail. And I lived at a town that is a mail stop for the Pacific Crest trail.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at October 19, 2024 05:36 PM (gfViB)

Castella?

Posted by: waepnedmann at October 20, 2024 12:00 AM (8wDRl)

129 Sorry I missed this one.

I get out most weekends, typically on lower slopes and ridges in New Hampshire.

Got within 50' feet of a mature bull moose a couple weeks ago. I looked death in the face he said, "Whatever. I'm going to eat these weeds."

Posted by: fluffy at October 20, 2024 12:06 PM (86W+h)

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