MtRoger report: ...must have been the Scotch

**Mrprez** · 02-05-2010, 07:29

Originally Posted by angrysparrow

Good stuff, Tim!

That moonshiner fellow is a riot.

He sure gets around. We saw him over in the Sipsey Wilderness...

**WalksInDark** · 02-07-2010, 23:54

2Q,

Really enjoyed your video. For those of us who were there it is a nice keepsake. For those who could not attend this year....and incentive to come next year.

Thanks!

P.S. Ditto what Doctari said: just 'cause you can carry your living room on a pulk...does not mean you should. NightEyes and I came to the same conclusion with our 140# pulk. Surprisingly, the "Ah Ha" too-much-wieght moment did not happen when we were pulling the pulk up the bare rocks etc. ----where you would expect it to be harder to pull...but it wasn't----but actually occurred when we were pulling our double pulk through the snow---where you would expect it to be easier...but it wasn't.

**keys?** · 02-08-2010, 18:49

Looks like a fun-fun trip! Sorry to have missed this

**2Questions** · 02-08-2010, 21:17

Originally Posted by WalksInDark

where you would expect it to be easier...but it wasn't.

I realized I was plowing snow after I went through the creek. The wet skid plate on the front collected snow which quickly turned to ice. I had to knock off the ice with my pole a few times. I was wondering if anyone else noticed this with their sleds.

**MacEntyre** · 02-09-2010, 00:04

Originally Posted by 2Questions

I was wondering if anyone else noticed this with their sleds.

No one else had a welded metal bow plate.

My two plastic pulks collected little snow.

WV · 02-09-2010, 00:23

My hastily homemade sled had cut-down cross-country skis for runners with 12" aluminum flashing for the bottom surface. I fully expected the aluminum to ice up and collect snow, especially after the stream crossings, but it didn't happen. At home I use an aluminum grain scoop for a snow shovel, and if I don't spray it with silicone lubricant or PAM, wet snow sticks to it. I didn't think to spray the sled bottom, so I'm glad it wasn't necessary. I also expected the flashing to get damaged by rocks or branches under the snow, but it survived intact.

**Doctari** · 02-09-2010, 11:53

Originally Posted by 2Questions

I realized I was plowing snow after I went through the creek. The wet skid plate on the front collected snow which quickly turned to ice. I had to knock off the ice with my pole a few times. I was wondering if anyone else noticed this with their sleds.

I did a little, but less than I thought I was. It LOOKED like a great build up, but once it was cleaned off, it was just soft snow building up.

This year's changes made pre trip: New, longer narrower sled. Tighter ropes inside the poles. Easier attachment using carabiners to eye bolts & Para cord rope. Sadly, I carried way too much weight.

Next year's changes I hope to make; Solid attachment for the poles, likely end caps on the PVC pipe with eye bolts attached. A better harness system for on me. I liked the skid plate on the front of 2Qs, so maybe. Or I may try a toboggan if I can find a really cheap one. I know I need a higher front end. May even put 3" sidewalls on it to reduce the water as I cross the creek. I will certainly carry WAY less weight.

I liked, noticed: The Sled Bag; large capacity, surprisingly water resistant. the longer sled, for the weight I was puling seemed to be easier then the shorter wider one from 09. The crossed poles still seem the way to go, but I did not notice as much "steering" as on the other sled (last year's sled is now Firewalker's) & I think the length had something to do with that, the 10 sled is 7" longer then the 09 one. This years sled was slightly tipsier than last year's, but that may be (is likely) operator error in packing. So: Pack evenly side to side, with the majority of your weight to the rear of the sled.

**MacEntyre** · 02-14-2010, 20:38

Originally Posted by Doctari

... the longer sled, for the weight I was puling seemed to be easier then the shorter wider one from 09.

Same thing with us... Thing1 pulled the longer sled that was loaded much heavier, because it pulled much easier than last year's shorter sled.

Just like with ocean vessels, the longer waterline goes along easier. The short barge tows hard.

Also, balance the cargo. Don't load them down by the stern... even though that will help the bow get over piles of snow, it makes it tow harder.

- MacEntyre

**MedicineMan** · 02-14-2010, 22:19

Pulks were new to me. I watched. I observed. I guess mentally 36 years of the AT have conditioned me. I'll stick to a backpack.

**2Questions** · 02-15-2010, 06:39

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

Pulks were new to me. I watched. I observed. I guess mentally 36 years of the AT have conditioned me. I'll stick to a backpack.

Overall, I agree with you. Its alot of work pulling that thing unless you're attending a group gathering like we were with lbs of whoopie pies!

There's nothing easy about pulking with that much weight even with snowshoes and a helper or three! But one or two trips with it out of the year still keep it in the fun category for me. Otherwise my pack will stay on my shoulders too.