tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60655155631801024872024-03-13T10:49:35.952-04:00Trail ReadyEnd2End Trail Supply's blog about gear, techniques, trips and all things outdoors.George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-55034225183668466382011-12-27T21:23:00.001-05:002012-05-24T21:50:02.840-04:00What goodies did you get for Christmas?I was fortunate enough to find a <a href="http://www.blackrockgear.com/buy.html" target="_blank">Black Rock Gear original Down hat</a>, and a <a href="http://coldavenger.mybigcommerce.com/copy-of-coldavenger-pro-black/" target="_blank">Cold Avenger Pro softshell mask</a> under the tree. I even ordered myself a <a href="http://hennessyhammock.com/catalog/specs/expedition_asym_classic/" target="_blank">Hennessey Hammock Expedition Asym</a> (no, really, you shouldn't have, but I love it, lol). But even with all this cool gear, my favorite item came from my daughter Ashley and my son Kevin:<br />
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This little guy was based on my 2011 Christmas video (see below), and is made from clay. The Christmas lights on the backpack are based on the original idea for the video that involved lights magically appearing on the tent. It was a great idea conceptually that failed in practice.</div>
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I'm blessed to have such thoughtful and loving children (they get it from their mother, my wonderful wife Patti).</div>
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What did you get that put your Christmas over the top?</div>George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-47776945514897517512011-12-18T18:43:00.001-05:002011-12-18T18:43:44.653-05:00Merry Christmas!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eY2-y3s_uxg" width="560"></iframe>George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-57577084803363383962011-11-03T23:40:00.001-04:002011-11-30T21:55:08.080-05:00Living Vicariously Through DaveIf nothing else I must say 2011 has been a year of non trips. Because of my schedule and family life, any trips I wanted to take this year had to be rigidly planned. Anything that interfered with that schedule effectively cancelled the outing. A breakdown, a hurricane named Irene, and a couple of illnesses all have one thing in common - zero miles of backpacking. That's not to say I haven't gotten out. It's just that the ratio is tipped the wrong way. That's where Dave comes in.<br />
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Dave and I attend the same church, and until recently we both were involved in the same ministry. We also share a common love of the outdoors (especially all things involving hiking in Maine) and I think of him as a brother and friend. I haven't been to Maine in about 5 years (I will get back soon I hope) but Dave manages to get there two or three times a season. Each time he gets out, Dave sends me a photo of the latest peak he has climbed. Unfortunately I'm somewhat technically challenged, so I haven't figured how to get the first few off my phone, but here are some of the latest offerings from Arcadia:<br />
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One day we'll share a peak together, and I'll get to pass the pics on to someone else in need of an "outdoors fix".</div>
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<br />George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-72430183690722127492011-10-02T22:05:00.000-04:002011-10-02T22:05:44.902-04:00And the winner is.......Brian Swain! Congratulations to Brian, and thanks to all (91 of you) who entered.George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-37966073166160842152011-09-05T11:44:00.000-04:002011-10-01T08:43:01.269-04:00What to do, what to do.....Yikes! It's Labor Day already, and while I have many things to post about, video to edit, etc., I seem to be in a bit of a disorganized funk. Sometimes it seems I can overwhelm myself with self imposed deadlines, and on top of all that my big trip to the Adirondacks last week was squashed due to Hurricane Irene bashing the east coast, sigh. There is something quite rejuvenating about living out of a pack that brings me back around when I get like this. No worries, I'll get out soon enough and be back to my codgety, but organized old self :).<br />
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In the meantime I thought I'd do another stove giveaway. I have big plans for the next few contests, but this one will suffice for now.<br />
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The rules are very simple:<br />
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1) The contest is open to all.<br />
2) All you have to do to enter is send me your full name (no trail names or nicknames please) and email address with the subject line "Trail Ready Giveaway". Your info is used for purposes of this contest only, and will not be sold or used for any other purpose.<br />
3) One entry per person. Multiple entries aren't fair to those who play nice, so if I suspect cheating your entry will be deleted (told you I was a codger).<br />
4) The contest will end on <strong>October 2nd, 2011</strong>.<br />
5) The contest is open to all countries, and the prize will be shipped free to the winner, regardless of location.<br />
6) I will draw the winner at 10pm EST using the random number generator at Random.org.<br />
7) All contest emails should be sent to <b>End2EndTrailSupply@verizon.net</b> .<br />
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So your asking, what do I win? Nothing less than my favorite backpacking stove, the Gram Weenie PRO, along with a windscreen(3.5" or 5.5") and fuel bottle (4oz).
All items are brand new, fresh from the workshop and the stove will be the second generation version with the roll crimp top.
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Well, what are you waiting for? Times short - go tell all your friends!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Yes, I know, I changed the date! For those just looking, you get an extra day to enter my little contest. I got an opportunity to have dinner and a show with my teenage daughter (all you dads know what a rare thing that is), so I will not be available at 10 pm tonight. Rather than end it early I decided to let this go one more day. Thanks to all for your understanding!</span></strong>George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-17096884744877249372011-07-11T01:08:00.004-04:002011-07-13T17:41:32.817-04:00Trail Ready Episode 4Here it is, hot off the presses! A hike on Pennsylvania's West Rim Trail, and a review of the Granite Gear Escape AC 60. (And I finally got the HD thing figured out, YAY!)<br /><br /><iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Otpl8b7QuzM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-28826020025351442552011-06-11T22:25:00.003-04:002011-06-11T22:32:40.900-04:00And the winner is.....Sorry about posting a little late(not really to build suspense, just engrossed in what I was doing). So with out further delay.....<br /><br />the winner is......<br /><br />Ok, first I want to say, WOW! 96 entries - who woulda thunk. Thanks to everyone who participated.<br /><br />Now, the real deal..the winner is <span style="font-weight:bold;">Ken Thompson</span>! Please contact me Ken via the email you entered with, and I'll get your prize out pronto!<br /><br />That was fun. I'll have to do that again soon :).George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-58197678115443394732011-05-30T16:57:00.005-04:002011-05-31T16:29:28.744-04:00Great stuff from mrbabelfish5!As I type this I am enjoying a recipe from Mrbabelfish5 of youtube fame. I'm planning to get a dehydrator very (VERY) soon, and thought I'd try some recipes I found online. Today I gave Aztec Chicken Stew a whirl. I'll include the video at the end of the post, but I just wanted to highlight a change I made to the recipe. <div><br /></div><div>I don't like squash, so I substituted the squash with Knorr's Buffalo Chicken side dish.</div><div><img src="http://www.letsmakeknorr.com/images/products/landing/image_menuFlavors.jpg" /></div><div>I made half of what the recipe called for, and one package of Knorrs was perfect for that amount. Just be sure to add a little extra chicken broth so your stew doesn't dry out, and add the rice about 7 minutes before you're done cooking. </div><div><br /></div><div><object style="height: 480px; width: 390px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4cObFrtp68Y?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4cObFrtp68Y?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="480" height="390"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Just a note a day later....loved the meal. If you like it spicy this one's for you!<span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span></span>George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-57243881395069077102011-05-15T01:18:00.008-04:002011-05-15T01:53:33.085-04:00First Ever Trail Ready Giveaway!!!!!!For some folks the motto is "go big or go home", but the unofficial motto here at Trail Ready is "go small and go hiking". That being said, I've decided to do our first ever giveaway. I'm going to make this contest easy.<br /><br />The rules are very simple:<div><br /><b>1) </b>The contest is open to all.<br /><b>2) </b>All you have to do to enter is send me your name and email address with the subject line "Trail Ready Giveaway". Your info is used for purposes of this contest only, and will not be sold or used for any other purpose.<br /><b>3) </b>One entry per person.<br /><b>4) </b>The contest will end on June 11th, 2011.<br /><b>5) </b>The contest is open to all countries, and the prize will be shipped free to the winner, regardless of location.<br /><b>6) </b>I will draw the winner at 10pm EST using the random number generator at Random.org.<div><b>7)<span class="Apple-style-span" > All contest emails should be sent to End2EndTrailSupply@verizon.net </span></b>.<br /><br />So your asking, what do I win? Nothing less than my favorite backpacking stove, the Gram Weenie PRO, along with a windscreen(3.5" or 5.5") and fuel bottle( 2oz or 4oz).<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ5XIoGQRzg/Tc9oOvj5l_I/AAAAAAAAAFo/PnwI-FB4NE4/s1600/IMGP3355.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ5XIoGQRzg/Tc9oOvj5l_I/AAAAAAAAAFo/PnwI-FB4NE4/s320/IMGP3355.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606814663594055666" /></a>All items are brand new, and the stove will be the second generation version with the roll crimp top. <div><br /></div><div>Well, what are you waiting for? Times short - go tell all your friends!</div><div><br /></div><div>Good luck to all!</div></div></div>George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-20386462681838896402011-05-04T00:15:00.004-04:002011-05-07T12:36:05.693-04:00Trail Ready Episode 3A review of some Sea2Summit products, and a modified way to pitch a tarp in the lean-to configuration.<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sfdCOPGFHgs?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-68372524140242495742011-04-16T17:03:00.003-04:002011-04-16T17:15:12.375-04:00Disappointing "non trip"How many times have you planned for every contingency, only to have your trip disintegrate before it even begins? Last weekend my buddy Dean and I were heading to the Adirondacks to snowshoe the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. About 4 hours into the drive, just below Albany, NY, we stopped for a bathroom break only to discover my truck had developed a leaky water pump. Obviously I'd rather break down on the way home than another hour further along so we turned around. We babied the truck home, adding water along the way, and I replaced the faulty water pump the next day. It's such a frustrating waste to drive 450 miles and not walk a single step. Oh well, we're going to try it again next week. At least I've eliminated one more "trip killer" from the long list of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">possibilities</span>...............George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-6015017872089212542011-03-13T03:04:00.009-04:002011-04-30T00:20:50.142-04:00Trail Ready Episode 2 - Fire and IceWhew! Episode 2 is finally done!<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 460px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eSbYObUVazI?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eSbYObUVazI&fmt=22" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="460" height="390"></object>George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-5750608389177617182011-02-09T20:30:00.006-05:002011-02-09T21:19:12.167-05:00Winter funI looks like old man winter just isn't going to let go early this year. Usually I'm not too thrilled, but this year I've decided to embrace (or re-embrace) the challenges that the winter landscape has in store. <br /><br />I have always been a 4 season backpacker, but after a nasty fall in the White Mountains in 2006 (which left me with a bum shoulder for about a year) I called it quits on winter sports. As fate would have it we've had so much snow here in the Northeast this year that it was either get back into the swing of things or suffer a fate worse than death (proverbial or literal - take your pick): the never ending winter honey-do-list. So with that in mind I jumped in with both snowshoes, if you will.<br /><br />A little over a week ago I snowshoed in the Delaware Water Gap, enjoying unbroken trail all the way to the summit of Mt. Tammany. Not epic by any proportion, but a good test of where I stood physically, as well as a great opportunity to polish some of the rust off. That trip will be shown in Trail Ready episode 2 if I can get my lazy tail in gear and get it edited.<br /><br />I'm also in the process of building a pulk. I plan to use it on a 2-3 day trip to the Adirondacks in the next month or two. I have already acquired the sled (a Paris Expedition Sled),<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7SPkLEd8UE/TVNFCT0K3AI/AAAAAAAAAFg/HUOSp4sJnm8/s1600/paris_expedition_sled_01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7SPkLEd8UE/TVNFCT0K3AI/AAAAAAAAAFg/HUOSp4sJnm8/s320/paris_expedition_sled_01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571873069968579586" /></a><br /><br />and I am now waiting on parts from <a href="http://www.skipulk.com">Ed's Wilderness Systems</a> . As soon as I get the parts in I will detail the build here.<br /><br />Also, in my search for the ultimate winter footwear I'm in a bit of a quandary. Years ago the first backpacking footwear I ever purchased (23+ years ago!) was a pair of Merrell Wilderness hiking boots. I used them 4 seasons and they served me well. I still have them even after many resoles, but they just don't fit well anymore and cause me a great deal of grief chafing my achilles heel. I've tried pac boots, which are warm but a little sloppy in the fit department. I tried Neos, but crampons don't fit on them (hence my nasty, albeit unprotected fall). This last trip I used my summer trail runners with smartwool socks and a vapor barrier sock over them, and they worked admirably well under the conditions that day, but I have my concerns under colder and more prolonged winter outings. I am now looking at <a href="http://shop.mukluks.com/product/68/Yukon-Jack-Mukluks/YUKON.aspx">mukluks</a> . They seem to fit my requirements, but I guess I'll have to try them and see.<br /><br />Anybody interested in a used pair of Neos? They're in great shape, only fell - I mean used once.........George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-5991941431241112102011-01-12T03:12:00.006-05:002011-01-14T01:19:36.149-05:00First Episode of Trail ReadyWell, here it is, the 1st episode of Trail Ready. I'm still trying to figure out why the intro is blurry so I can fix that on episode 2. It might have to do with the cartoon effect I used.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hc8ysqvnyjI?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hc8ysqvnyjI?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-56061177108274225072010-12-25T05:52:00.003-05:002011-01-12T09:04:29.910-05:00Merry Christmas!<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DKk9rv2hUfA?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DKk9rv2hUfA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Merry Christmas to all!George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-84526802959368629632010-11-25T11:23:00.003-05:002010-11-25T11:26:15.143-05:00Happy Thansgiving!A safe and happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from all of us here at E2E and Trail Ready!George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-67044037086710704352010-10-31T16:57:00.006-04:002010-11-03T22:42:45.317-04:00Glory DaysI was reminiscing the other day about where this backpacking obsession began and my first overnight trip. My outdoor roots go deep, back to when my father used to take us four wheeling in his old Ford Bronco in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Later in those same forests I would hunt (although I spent more time walking and seeing than shooting). Eventually I realized I didn't want to hunt, just walk in the woods. As a young adult I decided to start car camping, and as I was at a local outdoor outfitter buying a Eureka Timberline 4-man tent, I spied the Appalachian Trail guide for the Pennsylvania section of the AT. I had never been in the woods of Pennsylvania, and though maybe I'd find some car camping spots in that guide. Little did I know what I was getting into.<br /><br />I decided to do a little recon, if you will, and took a drive up to Leheigh Gap for a day hike. I was hooked! I immediately went out and bought a 6500 cubic inch, 7 pound load monster for all the gear I would surely need for my newfound adventure. After acquiring a synthetic sleeping bag (about 5 pounds), an axe (gotta have one of those), AND a folding bow saw I was set. On September 23rd, 1988 I started north on the AT at Leheigh Gap, fully expecting to cover 12 miles with the 65+ pound load on my back. Poor, innocent fool.<br /><br />Getting water at a spring:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TM3fXnaI6VI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/WVC8xqbTVwE/s1600/(13)9-23-88.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TM3fXnaI6VI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/WVC8xqbTVwE/s320/(13)9-23-88.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534325113916811602" /></a><br /><br />The long and short of it is I made it 6 miles. Made camp after going as far as I could go, and enjoyed my time in the mountains immensely. I hiked back to my car the next day, and was completely exhausted. I spent the next 4 days as sore as I had ever been. Interestingly enough, it never occured to me that backpacking was not for me. On the contrary, I couldn't stop thinking about it. The very next trip I no longer had an axe or saw, as well as a few other items not used, and not long after I acquired a down bag and external frame pack that saved me a good 7 pounds! <br /><br />Given enough time we evolve as backpackers, lightening our loads to what we find comfortable and (hopefully) developing new skills that further this evolution. My own personal journey took me to the point of hiking with a sub-5 pound base weight, but these days I find I'm most comfortable with a base that falls into that 8-10 pound range. I got down to (almost) the barest of bones (I danced with thoughts of a sub-3 pound base for a time)and decided I liked a few goodies like a thermarest pad and a Kooka Bay pillow, etc.<br /><br />Where has the road taken you, and where are you now?George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-2495945409790903182010-09-12T22:35:00.012-04:002010-11-15T20:26:29.591-05:00Gear Review: Headsweats SupervisorIn my early years of backpacking my standard piece of summer head wear was the simple, but versatile bandanna.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TJwMmeaJXrI/AAAAAAAAAFA/nm7gszpgMjs/s1600/(14)6-3-89.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TJwMmeaJXrI/AAAAAAAAAFA/nm7gszpgMjs/s320/(14)6-3-89.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520301098386677426" /></a><br /><br />It would keep the sweat out of my eyes (no easy task), as well as serving as a pot holder, wash cloth, water strainer, etc. Few pieces of gear can rival it's multi tasking capabilities. The bandanna still has a place in my kit, but I think it has finally been ousted by the <a href="http://www.headsweats.com">Supervisor</a> by Headsweats.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TJwODSFfjTI/AAAAAAAAAFI/OG4hacrI8zs/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TJwODSFfjTI/AAAAAAAAAFI/OG4hacrI8zs/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520302692806659378" /></a><br /><br />I've never been much of a visor kind of guy, prefering baseball caps for my ever thinning hair (I don't have a forehead, but a five head, if you will). Even so, I decided to give the Supervisor a try. After using the Supervisor on my last outing to the Adirondacks I'm here to say my trusty old bandanna has one less task to perform. <br /><br />Being a heavy sweater I appreciated the open air feel of the visor. It fit well and felt quite natural. The Cool Max terry liner worked so well, not one drop of sweat rolled down my face during the entire trip. In fact, if I tilted my head down the sweat would drip off the tip of the brim, but never on me. Speaking of the brim, keeping the sun out of my eyes was greatly appreciated and would never have happened with a bandanna. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TJwH8bPeq_I/AAAAAAAAAE4/N3I4lnQOXEU/s1600/096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TJwH8bPeq_I/AAAAAAAAAE4/N3I4lnQOXEU/s320/096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520295977935612914" /></a><br /><br />I'm sold on the Headsweats Supervisor, and highly recommend it for your warm season hikes.George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-42472919659323913702010-09-06T01:47:00.038-04:002010-11-13T09:22:04.533-05:00High Peaks GetawayI have to admit, I've been pretty bad at this blog thing. It's not for lack of material, but rather lack of time. Hopefully now I can keep you a little more up to date on my ramblings. <br /><br />Last weekend my buddy Dean and I decided to hit the Eastern High Peaks in the Adirondacks. This would be my first trip to the area in about 32 years, since my scouting days, and Dean's first. This time I was really feeling my age - after working all week and driving 6 hours on 2 1/2 hours sleep I was a bit ragged. On top of that I've been nursing a torn miniscus since April. No snivelling, just a little history.<br /><br />After spending way too much time in Keene eating breakfast we finally hit the Adirondacl Loj arount 10am. The only problem is that the trailhead filled up around 8am, so we were forced to park about a mile down the road and hike back to the park.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIT8iOslOnI/AAAAAAAAAD4/RvYQ8rgwA1w/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIT8iOslOnI/AAAAAAAAAD4/RvYQ8rgwA1w/s320/012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513809508799167090" /></a><br /><br />It should be noted here that the Eastern high Peaks area requires the use of bear cannisters, and more specifically the Garcia cannister. It seems the bears have figured out how to get into the the Bear Vault by unscrewing it with their teeth and claws. Clever beasties they are. Since I am primarily used to bear bagging PCT style I rented a Garcia for the reasonable fee of $5.00 for our 3 days out.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TISD5XLVnfI/AAAAAAAAADQ/T9g7GD5SNyo/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TISD5XLVnfI/AAAAAAAAADQ/T9g7GD5SNyo/s320/013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513676865305681394" /></a><br /> <br /><strong>DAY ONE</strong><br /> <br />Our itinerary for this trip was Adirondack Loj to Wallface lean-to, then Wallface to Colden Lake, and finally Colden Lake back to the Loj, a modest 20 mile trip. My goal was not big miles, since I knew my knee would not tolerate too much abuse, but rather to take in a leisurely 3 days in some beautiful country. The beauty of the loop I chose is that if things didn't work out as planned the trip could be modified to suit current conditions. Good thing because not one single day went as planned.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TISF8mTnBRI/AAAAAAAAADY/_rhu5SBFmm4/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TISF8mTnBRI/AAAAAAAAADY/_rhu5SBFmm4/s320/020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513679119929771282" /></a><br /><br />After a late start it was finally good to get on the trail. We made our way around beautiful Heart Lake and set our minds free of all our cares as we enjoyed some of the most deafening silence I've heard in quite some time. The trail was nice and the weather was picture perfect. After a bit we came to a side trail to Rocky Falls. I'm a sucker for waterfalls so we made the side trip and took a break to enjoy the roar of the water.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TISIwYY-SQI/AAAAAAAAADg/nyqcfThmUR4/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TISIwYY-SQI/AAAAAAAAADg/nyqcfThmUR4/s320/029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513682208570624258" /></a><br /><br />We tore ourselves away from what on any other day might be a great spot for a nap, only because we still had a good way to go. By the time we hit Scott Clearing it was becoming obvious that we would have to push just a little harder than my knee would allow to make our destination before dark. Dean and I assessed our options and decided that we would rather relax and make an early camp. We came here to do something I haven't done in a long while - to hike and camp without pressure or goals. We would just see where the next few days would lead us.<br /><br />While heating water for dinner a chipmunk decided to join us, and he definitely had his eye on a quick snack. Chalk up another plus for the Garcia. I hated carrying around an extra 2 1/4 pounds of plastic, but love not worrying about critters feasting on my goodies. In the time it took for my dinner to rehydrate I had the tarp and bivy up, and mr. chipmunk was jealous as I wolfed down my Mountain House lasagna dinner.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TISL-Z4jMSI/AAAAAAAAADo/Un_GW85-suY/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TISL-Z4jMSI/AAAAAAAAADo/Un_GW85-suY/s320/038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513685748024553762" /></a><br /><br />All summer I've been putting a prototype of my new tarp through it's paces. I must say, it's one of the nicest 8x10's I've had the pleasure to use, and will be a replacement for my favorite Oware tarp. I'll have them up on the <a href="https://end2endtrailsupply.com/End2End_Trail_Supply_10x10.html">End2End Trail Supply</a> website with all the specs, hopefully in the next few days. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIT4tTSPS7I/AAAAAAAAADw/0W2-nlh0how/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIT4tTSPS7I/AAAAAAAAADw/0W2-nlh0how/s320/032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513805300962905010" /></a><br /><br />After we were settled in Dean and I took in the views of Wallface Mountain from the stream bed near camp. We were camped near the rockdam and there was even a pool deep enough for Dean to swim and go under. How I have missed these simple pleasures. It's nice sometimes to change gears and not be so goal oriented.<br /><br />Right before bed we shared some time in Proverbs and after some time of worship it was lights out. I went out like a light and when I awoke in the dark I checked the time on my Ipod - 9:48pm! I thought it was much later and fell in and out of sleep all night. When the sun started to peek it's head I checked the time again, only to find my Ipod said 11:59pm! Apparently it was about 6 hours off :).<br /><br /><strong>DAY TWO</strong><br /><br />We had talked with a fellow by the name of Tim, and his mother Joan, who were also from New Jersey. They had camped near us, and now Tim was helping us with his 7+ years of High Peaks hiking experience. He suggested to us that our route through Indian Pass was one of the more rugged ones in the area, and that we might consider taking Cold Brook (formerly Algonquin) Pass over to Colden Lake, then along the Opalescent River to the campsite at Lake Arnold. This sounded reasonable, so we changed plans. In hindsight it would have been much better if I had shared with Tim about my bum knee, but why let your limitations spoil a good plan, eh? After our morning devotions we were off to chase our new adventure.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIUn7oiY2jI/AAAAAAAAAEA/G6jhe9fpl8g/s1600/057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIUn7oiY2jI/AAAAAAAAAEA/G6jhe9fpl8g/s320/057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513857224232458802" /></a> <br /><br />Up to this point the trails had been very nice and not so rocky, but the trail over the pass was a whole different ball game. It was reminiscent of the trails I so know and love in Maine and New Hampshire on the Appalachian Trail. The trail was lightly used (we didn't pass another soul) and steep and rocky. The seemingly never ending climb was highlighted by some small but beautiful waterfalls. The trail crested at a high boreal bog, complete with a boardwalk and views of Colden Mountain.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIWYt_4MGaI/AAAAAAAAAEI/iD9wrlP_jWA/s1600/096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIWYt_4MGaI/AAAAAAAAAEI/iD9wrlP_jWA/s320/096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513981234793683362" /></a><br /><br />As steep as the climb was, the descent was even steeper and rockier and at times trying. Like I said, just like Maine and New Hampshire. I had to stop at one point and catch my breath, and say a little prayer for patience, since my pace was about half of what I'm used to. This was the only part of the trip where my pace was really off, probably because I was trying to lessen the strain on my knee while going downhill.<br /><br />Once at the bottom we made our way to the lean-to at the bottom of Colden Lake. There was an awesome view just 50 feet in front of the shelter of Colden Lake, with Colden Mountain on one side, and Avalanche Mountain on the other, framing Avalanche Pass in the distance.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIWyukgGMvI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/U2xTSFCD3GQ/s1600/114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIWyukgGMvI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/U2xTSFCD3GQ/s320/114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514009831927067378" /></a><br /><br />At this point it was once again decision time as to where the path would take us. We could either stay put at the shelter and enjoy a swim in Colden Lake, continue on our current route, or hike over Avalanche Pass and camp at Avalanche lean-to, giving us an easy day three. I really wanted to stay put and swim, but my better judgement told me to give myself an easy third day. Dean agreed that whatever I was up for doing was just fine with him. Dean has been a great hiking partner, and I think that comes from a simple love of the outdoors, along with a hang loose, whatever it takes attitude. <br /><br />The trail to Avalanche Lake was relatively easy, and soon enough we were at it's lower end.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIW3Wef7JfI/AAAAAAAAAEY/_65LbnVzkW4/s1600/117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIW3Wef7JfI/AAAAAAAAAEY/_65LbnVzkW4/s320/117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514014915557008882" /></a><br /><br />On both shores the mountains tower over the lake, and touch it's shores with vertical cliffs. This marks the beginning of the boulder scrambles using ladders to get around the harder stretches. At one point you reach the "Hitchem Up Matilda" bridges. They were depicted in a somewhat famous Harpers magazine painting, and consist of boardwalk supported by steel rods in the sheer face of the cliff.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIW4gKs9GXI/AAAAAAAAAEg/QxTSFAoi4J4/s1600/119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIW4gKs9GXI/AAAAAAAAAEg/QxTSFAoi4J4/s320/119.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016181553273202" /></a> <br /><br />Once you reach the upper reaches of Avalanche Lake the boulder scrambling ends just as abruptly as it began. I actually thought this area was great fun. The rest of the trip over Avalanche pass was fairly easy and we finally cruised in to the lean-to, only to find it taken over by a group. No worries, I'd rather tarp camp anyway, so we found a nice quiet spot and put up our tarps. Dean once again disappeared to take a swim, this time in the stream that feeds Marcy Lake, while I was content to make my dinner and set up camp. I guess I'm just a creature of habit, but I like my camp routine. At this point I just want to say kudos to the folks at <a href="http://www.hawkvittles.com">Hawk Vittles</a> . They make some really awesome meals, and the Sweet Italian Sausage with Pasta dinner I had that evening has my mouth watering even as I type this. I highly recommend giving them a look.<br /><br /><strong>DAY THREE</strong><br /><br />Day three dawned early, and we were in no hurry.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIW8ffLm1wI/AAAAAAAAAEo/HuVRE8Qr92Q/s1600/128.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIW8ffLm1wI/AAAAAAAAAEo/HuVRE8Qr92Q/s320/128.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514020567917188866" /></a><br /><br />Once again we were met with some of the nicest trail the 'Dacks could produce, and it would remain that way all the way back to the trailhead. About a mile down from camp we came upon a ranger dismantling an old lean-to called "The Barn". Judging by the pile of logs it must have been rather large. We were also told that the prior evening someone left some candy in their pack at one one of the Marcy Lake lean-tos and a bear grabbed the pack and shredded it to get at the candy. Bear cannister regs are in place to protect people from the bears, and the bears from themselves. I'm sure it sucked for whoever had to carry all their gear out in a shredded pack (lots 'o duct tape I guess). At Marcy Lake, Avalanche Pass once again formed a great backdrop over the area. Some views you just never get tired of.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIXACE8OA6I/AAAAAAAAAEw/KpEgZ5tQZ3w/s1600/153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/TIXACE8OA6I/AAAAAAAAAEw/KpEgZ5tQZ3w/s320/153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514024460703630242" /></a><br /><br />We returned to the trailhead somewhere around 10am, just in time for some Strawberry Rubarb pie in Keene before the long ride home. <br /><br />I can see the Adirondacks becoming a regular obsession.George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-15944291146545175182010-04-11T18:50:00.003-04:002010-04-11T19:14:39.985-04:00It's gonna be a busy year!It appears we're going to have a busy year at E2E, as well as Trail Ready. I haven't posted any new vids because I am in the process of building a new computer for HD video editing, as well as for general business ops at <a href="http://www.end2endtrailsupply.com">End2End Trail Supply</a> .<br /><br />Just a peek at what's coming up:<br /><br />In two weeks my crew and I will be hiking a section of the Black Forest Trail in Pennsylvania (with testing of the new Evernew DX Set, and the new Granite Gear Escape AC60, and pics or video to follow).<br /><br />Memorial Day weekend finds us in Damascus, Virginia for 3 days (1 day of hiking Grayson Highlands w/ blooming rhodies and wild ferrel ponies, 1 day of biking the Viginia Creeper Trail, and 1 day of whitewater rafting).<br /><br />In June we'll be doing a floattube trip down the Brandywine River, while July finds us on the Susquehannock Trail eating blueberries on the ridgetops.<br /><br />We're also in the process of a few changes at E2E. Our manufacturing portion of the company is going to fall under a new name, soon to be disclosed. We're also developing two new stoves, and have a bivy and tarp that will come to market this year under our new label.<br /><br />Finally, Trail Ready - the video series, will make it's debute. It's primary purpose is education, with a focus on techniques (tarp camping, UL backpacking, etc), gear reviews, and trip reports. We have a schedule of about 15 videos to shoot (not including the trips I named above), and so far about three are scripted. <br /><br />Busy indeed!I hope you"ll check back often and see where the trail leads us!George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-29390831303495169082010-01-23T15:57:00.004-05:002010-09-12T22:38:58.265-04:00Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove ReviewWell, I finally put up a video review of the new Evernew titanium alcohol stove. Generally, I like the design, but can't wait to get the full DX set and see what it is capable of.<br /><br />I apologize in advance for the poor quality video. I am so tech unsavvy, lol. I recently purchased a Canon Vixia HV30 HD camcorder and upgraded to Sony Vegas editing software, but after shooting the entire video I found out that my computer didn't have the capability for me to download my video. My backup was to shoot on my trusty Olympus 770SW, so I get what I get, I guess. The good news is that going forward we'll have my tech missteps fixed (let's hope).<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HllPPlA6f5I&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HllPPlA6f5I&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-13963721372641777682009-12-24T21:53:00.000-05:002009-12-24T21:54:12.632-05:00Merry Christmas!A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-493146343793194002009-12-02T22:40:00.010-05:002010-09-12T22:40:35.220-04:00Batona Trail updateI had an awesome weekend with some friends on the Batona Trail. Normally when I plan anything longer than a day hike the last place I think of is the New jersey Pinelands. What a shame - the Wharton and Brendon Byrne forests are a local treasure here in New Jersey. I'll definitely have to keep the Pine Barrens (as we locals call the area) in mind.<br /> Before we got started my buddy Chris and I drove into the pines to drop a load of firewood and fresh water. We were able to cache within a short distance of the turnoff trail to Lower Forge Campsite. The Lower Forge camp is off limits to all motorized traffic, and is only accessible via foot or canoe (it is located right on the Batsto River).<br /> After hooking up with Dean, Jerry, Joe, and Michael at Batsto Village we drove to the fire tower at Apple Pie Hill to give the new guys a birds eye view of the lay of the land (lol - flat!). From the top of the tower we were treated to 360 degree views of unbroken pine forest. In one direction you can make out the casinos in Atlantic City, and in another the skyscrapers of Philadelphia stand like sentinels on the distant horizon. It was just a pleasure to take it all in on such a perfect day. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/Sxc28EPboQI/AAAAAAAAABY/d6xXhmySyDQ/s1600-h/PB280187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/Sxc28EPboQI/AAAAAAAAABY/d6xXhmySyDQ/s320/PB280187.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410853882867458306" /></a><br /> After we finished with the views we made our way to the starting point of this weekends adventure: the Carranza Memorial. The monument is dedicated to Captain Emilio Carranza Rodriguez, a Mexican aviator who was killed when he crashed during a thunderstorm while on a goodwill flight from New York to Mexico in 1928.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/Sxc41tjY6jI/AAAAAAAAABg/DDhtYuT-9fo/s1600-h/PB280191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/Sxc41tjY6jI/AAAAAAAAABg/DDhtYuT-9fo/s320/PB280191.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410855972721191474" /></a><br /> After the obligatory photos we were on our way by about 1:30pm. This was by no means an epic adventure. We were actually just looking for a quick overnighter and the Batona Trail fit the bill. It's just 30 minutes from home, and perfect just to get out in a hurry. Anyhow, the days hike was only 5 1/2 miles to Lower Forge campsite. In fact it was harder carrying the firewood and water into the campsite than getting there. I'm not usually a big fan of campfires, but on this occasion it just seemed like a good idea. We must have looked pretty strange walking in with firewood, but I know this site gets heavy use and I didn't want to take from the few resources that might be available.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/Sxc7r2ndw6I/AAAAAAAAABo/NQ6HynxJv-w/s1600-h/PB280204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/Sxc7r2ndw6I/AAAAAAAAABo/NQ6HynxJv-w/s320/PB280204.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410859101890397090" /></a><br /> As you can tell by the pics, the campsite was busy. In fact, there were no less than a dozen other tents and I was the second tarp camper to wander in (a strange occurrence in this neck of the woods). After making camp and starting the fire we were finally settled in. There's something about a fire on a crisp evening, and this night was no exception. I'm usually in the sack by 8pm on most outings, but the company was good and the fire was warm, so I didn't call it a night until about 10:30.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/Sxc93gaQh-I/AAAAAAAAABw/EO3_enu7fVQ/s1600-h/PB280210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/Sxc93gaQh-I/AAAAAAAAABw/EO3_enu7fVQ/s320/PB280210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410861501111109602" /></a><br /> I slept through the night and didn't wake until 4:30am, which is a rarity for me. I usually toss and turn all night (at least on the 1st night). Try as I may to get a little more sleep, I finally gave in to the approaching dawn at 6:30. I was the 1st one up so I got the water on to boil, and broke down my camp. One by one the rest of the crew was soon moving about. Again, we were in no hurry, so we were actually the last to roll out at 9:00am. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/SxdAekFhTwI/AAAAAAAAAB4/ta-3sREBUks/s1600-h/PB280216.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/SxdAekFhTwI/AAAAAAAAAB4/ta-3sREBUks/s320/PB280216.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410864371136024322" /></a><br /> You can look at the Batona Trail and say "it's just sand and trees and no views and flat, and blah blah blah", but I found a difference in the sameness. It was kind of neat to not have to look at my feet all the time like some trails. This section of the trail follows the Batsto River from Lower Forge camp to Batsto Village so there were occasional views of the river, and interesting plants growing in some of the bogs.<br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/SxdDSKx_PUI/AAAAAAAAACA/_nvtiwgdNsQ/s1600-h/PB290231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/SxdDSKx_PUI/AAAAAAAAACA/_nvtiwgdNsQ/s320/PB290231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410867456719666498" /></a><br />The only bad thing I could imagine would be swarms of our state bird (the mosquito) in the summer. No, it wasn't summer, but instead a beautiful fall day with no worries and all day to easily cover the 7 1/2 miles to Batsto. <br /> We walked into the visitor center parking lot at 1:30 where cheeseburgers and cold rootbeer were the perfect finish to the perfect weekend. I'm still blown away that we were able to fit an overnight hike into 24 hours. I'm sure we'll be back soon.George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-19143614604827168832009-11-27T17:14:00.004-05:002009-11-27T17:26:25.184-05:00Getting out thereI've had a great year rediscovering the joy of hiking with friends. I've been solo hiking for a lot of years now, mostly because I could never find a hiking partner who's schedule matched mine. Lately, I've hooked up with a great bunch of guys who love the outdoors.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/SxBQ0l1UO2I/AAAAAAAAABQ/ZNxWP08Qbt8/s1600/(3v)Group+shot.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HRtLgSCwTR4/SxBQ0l1UO2I/AAAAAAAAABQ/ZNxWP08Qbt8/s320/(3v)Group+shot.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408912016911121250" /></a><br />The above shot is on the summit of Bear Mt on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut. Whenever I plan a trip there seems to be at least one or two of these guys who can make it. Solo hiking is something I really enjoy, but I have to admit there's something to be said for hiking with friends. I'm headed out to do a short overnight on the Batona Trail with some of my crew this weekend. Pics to follow - Happy trailsGeorge Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065515563180102487.post-8857307685163656932009-10-31T18:54:00.000-04:002009-10-31T18:55:55.846-04:00Welcome!Welcome to my new blog, "Trail Ready".George Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833376894651505335noreply@blogger.com0