It's been a while since I posted. To refresh: Before setting out on a 3-day circuit that crosses the shoulder of what is known in Nerd-dom as Mt. Doom, I had high tea at the Chateau Tongariro. It was delicious, made it so I could pack one less meal, and also made me slightly nauseous … Continue reading Tongariro Northern Circuit: 3 days on Mt Doom
Tag: Backpacking
Getting schooled by backpacking kids.
I know, my absence from the Internet the last four months has been heart-wrenching for, like, almost one person. I'd like to pretend it was spent doing something rad, like backpacking somewhere even Verizon can't get a signal or using slang that didn't become dated over a decade ago, but actually I've been like working … Continue reading Getting schooled by backpacking kids.
Three Days on Mount Jefferson
Around 11 years ago, in the summer before my 8th grade year, my dad looked at his map of the Jefferson Wilderness Area and pointed thoughtfully at one of the trails. "I think," he said, "I want to try out this Breitenbrush trail this weekend. You wanna come?" he asked. Of course I wanted to … Continue reading Three Days on Mount Jefferson
A Vacation State
As Fire Ant, Braids, Miguel, and I make our way through Oregon, we tend to have the same conversation with fellow hikers at every spring and shady lunch spot we find. Us: We're really loving Oregon. Them: Oh yeah. It's great. I can't believe it's gonna be over so soon. Us: Yeah, crazy how time … Continue reading A Vacation State
Bad at math, too
I used to be decent at math. However, in the first week on trail, I managed to mess up some fairly simple equations, resulting in us all arriving at Shelter Cove with practically enough food to make it to Cascade Locks. The miscalculation began at Fish Lake Resort. Just as Miguel, Fire Ant and I … Continue reading Bad at math, too
Mail drops on the PCT: Putting the Pro in Procrastination
Considering I leave this week for the Pacific Crest Trail, I thought it might be fun to, ya know, figure out what I'm going to be eating on the trip. Here's the problem: I'm a lousy cook, even in the best of circumstances. Case in point: I once was in charge of making macaroni and … Continue reading Mail drops on the PCT: Putting the Pro in Procrastination
Passing Out In First Aid Class
So I guess I'm more squeamish than I thought I was. In preparation for hiking the PCT, I thought, "I should really take a wilderness first aid class." When I saw that REI was going to have a class a week before I leave, I signed up without hesitation. I would have been better off … Continue reading Passing Out In First Aid Class
Permission Granted!
After a whole 17 days of delayed gratification, I received my permit to hike the Pacific Crest Trail this evening. And yes, it does feel fantastic. Am I totally ready to hit the trail? Sure! Right after I buy a tent get my California Campfire Permit Get my permit to enter Canada Buy a … Continue reading Permission Granted!
The Deep Questions
Why am I here? What's the purpose? If you're talking about life in general, great questions! However, my psychology 201 professor said we need to guard against over-sharing, or else people might try to give us jackets without armholes. That would make blogging difficult, so I'll hold off on answering those. As to why I'm … Continue reading The Deep Questions
Beaten by the Bearvault
Question: Which bear is best? Is that a ridiculous question? Are there basically two schools of thought? If that's your answer: Let's be friends. I always need people to finish my quotes from The Office, otherwise things get kind of awkward. False. The best bear, at least when backpacking, is the one that doesn't come … Continue reading Beaten by the Bearvault
Bad at Backpacking 