My Outdoor Adventures
Blog about my career, backpacking and overall outdoor experiences .
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- Project Leader - Florida National Scenic Trail
This article can be found at: Project Leader - Florida National Scenic TrailI just accepted a fall/winter position with the SCA as a project leader for two back-to-back crews on the Florida National Scenic Trail. The first crew will be in the fall and have a variety of projects ranging from reroutes to boardwalk while the second crew in winter will be constructing a suspension bridge for almost the entire three months.
Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - SCA Trail Corps Mt. Rainier Training
This article can be found at: SCA Trail Corps Mt. Rainier TrainingI've been in the Mount Rainier area for two days now in preparation for the arrival of my crew and an eleven day training. It has been great but it will take a little time to adjust to the humidity and rain; hopefully Mt. Rainier will peak out of the clouds during the next couple weeks. I am definitely excited and anxious to finally meet my crew on June 3rd!
Update with Photos:
Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - Frank Church: Lower Loon to Meyers Cove
This article can be found at: Frank Church: Lower Loon to Meyers CoveI just went through seven of the most physically challenging days of my life in the most remote place in the lower 48, the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho. Ben, a forest service employee, and I were dropped off by plane on a short dirt landing strip at the confluence of Lower Loon Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
Our mission was to clear rock slides, cut trees that had fallen over the trail, and make the trail passable by human and horse. We had a rough twenty-five miles of trail to cover in just seven days; it should have been eight days, but our flight was canceled the day earlier due to a snowstorm and whiteouts. If successful, we would find a forest service rig waiting for us at Meyer's Cove, the trailhead to Camas Creek. The first ten miles of work would be on the Middle Fork trail and the last half would be on the Camas Creek trail, this is excluding a steep jaunt up Dry Gulch for a few miles.
The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is one of the most rugged places I have ever been. The trail is often hanging on the edge of a cliff or on a fire-burnt slope that is ready to slide into the river. At some of these points the trail has sections missing that required Ben and I to try to cut a solid tread into the hillside that would still hold the weight of a horse. I definitely had the thought, "don't look down," going through my head as I was putting my weight into the swing of a pulaski.
Beyond the ruggedness, the pure physical challenge of carrying seven days worth of food and gear including the multiple tools is nearly overwhelming. At one point I had all of my normal backpacking gear for an extended trip, but also had a rock bar and pulaski attached to my pack in addition to the crosscut saw in my hands.
But at the end of the day, I would wash some of the black off from the burnt areas and the plain old dirt from everywhere else and look up at my surroundings. I would see a herd of elk moving across the hillside, a group of deer coming out of the cover to feed or an amazing mix of colors as the sun set over the mountains. No matter how exhausted I was or how difficult it was to pump water, it was all worth it to me. Although I may have captured some of these scenes with photographs, I will always remember moments such as these.
Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - Home for the Summer: Wildhorse Guard Station
This article can be found at: Home for the Summer: Wildhorse Guard Station
I will be spending my off time out of the backcountry at Wildhorse Guard Station between Ketchum and Mackay, ID. It's a remote location and over 30 minutes from services of any kind, including cell service. It will be interesting to see how the crew handles the isolation on off time. Here is a picture, the road was still snowed over when I checked it out last...
Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - Horse Creek Trail Maintenance - Frank Church Wilderness
This article can be found at: Horse Creek Trail Maintenance - Frank Church Wilderness
I recently spent an eight day work hitch clearing brush and cutting blowdowns with crosscuts on the Horse Creek Trail in the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. Horse Creek empties into the Salmon River about five miles down river from the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the Salmon River. We cleared brush for a little over 6 miles and my arms haven't been so sore for quite awhile. It was still a great time and we saw a ton of wildlife; elk herds daily, black bears, mountain goats within a couple hundred yards, and a wolf.
The elk herd was on the ridge in the distance.
Horse Creek
Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - Lower Loon, Frank Church Wilderness
This article can be found at: Lower Loon, Frank Church Wilderness
On Wednesday, April 29th, I will be flying into Lower Loon Creek in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. I will be working with one of the backcountry patrols clearing a trail that was covered by an avalanche slide. I will be in the middle of the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 for 8 days. It should be a great plane flight!
Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This article can be found at: Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
On Wednesday I will be flying with two Salmon-Challis National Forest trail crew employees into the middle of the largest wilderness area in the lower 48, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. I will be spending seven days clearing trails and doing basic trail maintenance along the middle fork of the Salmon River.
I'm excited to head into the wilderness and I hope I will handle it alright for my first backpacking trip of the year. At the very least, I should have some great photos to share when I get back!
Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - SCA Project Leader Training
This article can be found at: SCA Project Leader Training
I have spent much of this week in Boise, ID for the Student Conservation Association's project leader training. We have been covering topics ranging from conflict resolution to defensive driving and the 26 project leaders have had the opportunity to share experiences, challenges, and concerns about the upcoming season. I am always amazed by the growth and leadership that can be fostered in the SCA experience.
I am one of the trail project leaders(trail crews rock), but there are many other crews working in the SCA Native Plant Corps, Wildland Fire Corps and Desert Restoration Corps. Next Tuesday I will be heading off to the Salmon - Challis National Forest to meet with the forest staff and plan for the summer. Hopefully I will have the crew hired by May and ready to begin crew member training in June at Mt. Rainier. I'm excited!
I have also been given some cool toys to play with. Who would have guessed a trail crew leader would be getting a Blackberry with an unlimited data plan and a laptop? It makes sense though since internet access will be difficult at times and it does not make sense to drive somewhere to get internet access.
Anyway, this must be one of the best jobs working outdoors. The pay is great, the people are great, and the experience cannot be beat.
Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - Pictures Featuring My Tent
This article can be found at: Pictures Featuring My Tent
When showing pictures from my many backpacking trips, one of the parts I like to point out is my campsite location and what I wake up to in the morning. Here are some of my backpacking photos featuring a tent:
Washakie Pass in the Wind River Range
Another picture from the Wind River Range in Wyoming
Joshua Tree National Park after a little snow
Caramba Point Overlook near San Jacinto in southern California
My sleeping spot for nearly 8 months in the Yuha Desert in far, far southern California. Mt. Signal in the background is in Mexico.
Here is the rest of our camp in the Yuha Desert.
Thanks to TwoHeelDrive and Backpacker.com for the ideas.
Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - Too Much Backpacking Gear
This article can be found at: Too Much Backpacking Gear
As I pack to fly out to Idaho for my job as a trail crew leader it has become obvious that I have way too much backpacking gear. While I often justify certain items for specific situations, such as a 32 degree sleeping bag for summer and a 0 degree bag for colder times, having to fit all of my gear into one checked luggage bag has forced me to realize what I actually need.
I'm only bringing one sleeping bag, one backpack, one shelter, one sleeping pad, one stove etc... Although I have four sleeping bags, my 15 degreee synthetic is best for an all purpose bag that can take a beating. It's much the same for backpacks, my Granite Gear Latitude Vapor may be lightweight, but my Arc'Teryx Bora 80 won't leave any question about having enough room.
Anyways, isn't backpacking about carrying only what is needed and maximizing the use of that gear? I think this experience may be a turning point in my gear addiction and if anything, I might be more inclined to create, modify or fix gear to get the most out of the least. My homemade alcohol backpacking stove may be just the start!
Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - My Favorite National Parks
This article can be found at: My Favorite National Parks
I have traveled to many different national parks in my lifetime and some have definitely made the list for return trips. Here are my favorite national parks in order.
1. Death Valley National Park, CA - I love the desert and this park has amazing contrast from Badwater Basin(lowest point in western hemisphere) all the way to Telescope peak(highest point in park at 11,000+ feet).
2. Wrangell - St. Elias National Park, AK - I didn't spend much time in this park, but the isolation and vastness are overwhelming.
3. Sequoia National Park, CA - Car camping among the giants and then backpacking out of Mineral King put my size into perspective.
4. Kenai Fjords National Park, AK - Waking up and see Exit Glacier glowing in the morning sunshine for 30 days was worth the back-breaking labor I did building a part of the Harding Ice Field Trail.
5. Yellowstone National Park, WY - I have a weak spot for wildlife. I need to return to this park now that I love backpacking.
6. Shenandoah National Park, VA - Great and easy backpacking. Working there for three months gives it a little boost.
7. Great Smokey Mountains National Park, TN - Only stayed in the campgrounds, but would have loved to get into some more remote areas.
8. Denali National Park, AK - I visited in late September after season and didn't see any wildlife, but greatly enjoyed the vastness.
9. Mojave National Preserve, CA - Is there anything cooler than a joshua tree forest?
10. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO - Had a great drive through, need to get away from the people and roads though.
Others not making the list that I have visited: Badlands National Park, Redwood National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Picture Rocks Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore, Grand Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Top on the list for me to make my first visit: Glacier National Park, Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park, Olympic National Park
Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - No More Nalgenes For Me
This article can be found at: No More Nalgenes For Me
I have recently switched away from Nalgene to SIGG water bottles. I did this for a couple reasons and am glad that I did even though it cost me my old, seasoned nalgene and a little over $20.
The main reason is that I would like to move away from using plastic in anything that touches food or water. Although it may be convenient and cheap, many plastics leach toxic chemicals over time, especially when heated. In the case of Nalgene water bottles, the chemical is Bisphenol A, which is disruptive to hormones and carcinogenic. If you do not wish to give up your nalgene water bottle, you can reduce the amount that is leached by keeping it away from heat, keeping out acids and replacing it frequently.
The other reason that I switched to a SIGG water bottle is that it doesn't leave a taste like my nalgene bottle did. It is quite the difference and is quickly noticeable. I recommend trying it for the taste alone.
Another brand besides SIGG that I would like to suggest is Klean Kanteen, the difference being a SIGG bottle is aluminum and a Klean Kanteen bottle is stainless steel. Both brands come in various sizes, shapes, and lids.
Update: Be sure to check out some great information posted in the comments below!
Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - Inov8 Roclite 295 Trail Shoes - Gear Review
This article can be found at: Inov8 Roclite 295 Trail Shoes - Gear Review
I recently purchased some shoes from Innov8. I selected the extremely lightweight ROCLITE 295. I was immediately impressed with the weight of the shoes, a little under 12 ounces for a size 11 mens on my scale for one shoe. I have never had anything so light that wasn't a sandal.
I quickly put them on and took off for a short run/hike and am happy to report the flexible, but supportive feel that I prefer in my hiking shoes. The shoes allow me to feel the trail unlike hiking boots. The sole of the Inov8 Roclite 295 is very aggressive and will do great in muddy and slippery conditions; although, I haven't tested them out on wet rock so far. One negative is that they are not non-marking soles.
The shoes have a very breathable mesh upper that should strike a good balance between breathability and keeping rocks and or dirt out. These shoes are not goretex or waterproof.
Overall, I am extremely pleased with these shoes. The Inov8 Roclite 295s will be put to the test as I try to find an ultralight hiking shoe for my thruhike of the continental divide trail in 2009.
Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - Backpacking and Hiking Podcasts
This article can be found at: Backpacking and Hiking Podcasts
Now that I have an Ipod, I have discovered the wealth of resources available as podcasts. I have also found several podcasts talking about the outdoors, backpacking, hiking, thruhiking and many other related topics and thought I would share these with you.
My Backpacking and Hiking Podcast List:
1. Wildebeat - The audio journal about getting into the wilderness.
2. Trailcast - Podcasting on foot.
3. Backpacking Light - Backpacking Light Podcasts introduce you to the gear, the people, and the stories that define the best of today's wilderness experience!
4. Practical Backpacking - Watch out for the ads!
5. Anthony's Audio Journal - Hiking and Backpacking podcast of Anthony's personal journals from hikes and backpack trips in and around the Southern California area and the Eastern Sierras.
6. Hike It All - Video Podcasts
7. SouthEastern Backpackers - Watch out for the ads!
8. ARHiker Trailcast - Descriptions of trails hiked.
Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - Using the MSR Whisperlite Backpacking Stove
This article can be found at: Using the MSR Whisperlite Backpacking Stove
Understanding how a MSR Whisperlite stove works is essential to reducing flareups and effectively priming the stove prior to lighting. The most important part of the process is how the fuel, white gas, changes from liquid in the bottle to a gas that burns with an intense flame. New users are often intimidated by the MSR Whisperlite, but if taught properly, there should be no problem lighting the stove.
Pressurizing the Fuel Bottle
White gas is stored as a liquid and put under pressure in the fuel bottle. The pressure, created by the fuel pump, forces the liquid white gas through the metal tube into the stove. Pumping the fuel bottle until resistence is felt will result in adequate pressure. The number of pumps will depend upon the amount of fuel in the bottle.
Heat Feedback
If you look closely at the path of the white gas, you will notice a loop that takes the liquid fuel above the flame
when the stove is operating. This is an essential stage called heat feedback. Heet feedback means that when the stove is burning, the flame heats the white gas up to the point that it turns from liquid to gas, much like water changes to steam at water's boiling point. Here is a diagram of that change from liquid to gas.
This process occurs when the stove is already started and burning. But how do I get to that point, where the gas is hot enough that it changes from liquid to gas?
Priming the MSR Whisperlite Stove
This is where the primer cup comes into play. If the white gas is still in liquid form when it makes it through the fuel line, it will collect in the primer cup. The liquid white gas in the primer cup then should be lighted with the fuel valve on the bottle closed. Lighting this heats up the very end of the fuel line and some of the remaing fuel in the line, creating enough heat to change the liquid to gas. This heated gas rises up through the stove and starts making a slight hissing sound. You may have to experiment with how much fuel is allowed into the primer cup to do this.
Lighting the MSR Whisperlite Stove
The next step, lighting the stove, is often made much more difficult than is necessary. The easiest method is to simply wait for all the fuel in the primer cup to burn up, turn the fuel valve back on, and light the stove at the top, much like lighting any gas grill. The stove may burn with an intense blue flame right away, but sometimes the heat feedback, mentioned earlier, needs a little longer to be completely effective. The more difficult method is to turn on the fuel while there is still liquid white gas in the primer cup, but enough heat to for the hissing sound to be started. It is a matter of timing.
Advanced MSR Whisperlite Techniques
Simmering can be achieved by reducing the pressure in the fuel bottle after the stove has been started and heated up. Turn the fuel off, let the flames burn out, and twist off the fuel pump until pressure is relieved. Afterwards, simply pump the bottle fewer times than you normally would and light the stove again.
MSR Whisperlite Maintenance
The most effective and common maintenance for the MSR Whisperlite is to simply shake. At the very end of the fuel line is the shaker jet, a tiny needle that is free to move up and down. By shaking the stove, carbon buildup is removed. The shaker jet should make a slight rattling sound.
The second most effective and common maintenance for the MSR Whisperlite is cleaning the fuel line. Cleaning the fuel line consists of pulling out and pushing in the cable that is within the fuel line. This removes the carbon buildup that limits the flow of fuel. You can use different tools for this, but the one that comes with the stove
works well. If this is done regularly, it is a simple task and the cable will freely move. If not, it may take considerable effort to get it all the way back in, repeating the in and out until all carbon has been removed. Be careful not to damage the cable.
Safety Considerations
1. Watch for leaks from the fuel pump and check o-rings.
2. Do not step, lean, or reach over the stove.
3. If there is too much fuel in the primer cup, leave the stove and let some evaporate prior to lighting.
4. Always handle boiling water carfully.
5. Do not use water to put out white gas fires, smother the fire with whatever is available; dirt, aluminum wind screen, pot/pan, etc..
6. Keep food and fuel separate. Some fuel will remain in the fuel line after the stove is out and needs to be drained appropriately.
What Next?
If you have mastered the workings of the MSR Whisperlite stove, I suggest you try making a pop can alcohol stove that weighs about one ounce!
Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700
