Went on a day hike with Josie today per her request. We got up at 5am collected our stuff and headed out the door to Bear Mountain so she can see the views.
There is basically no snow on the ground in Long Island. We had a nasty snow storm which affected those north of NYC. Figured most of it would have vanished by today given the nice weather we've been having... NOPE. 1-2 feet of snow still on the ground.
Hiked around 8am which meant the snow was still iced over and hard. Walking was fairly OK. That turned otherwise when the temps hit 50* around 1130am. Thats about the time we arrived at the foot of West Mountain... Yea we were digging post holes for about 100 yards. We gave up and I scouted out 2 perfect trees to hang.
Josie's first time hanging. Her first experience was our June 2009 trip in Kittatiny Camp Grounds in my REI Quarterdome T2. She was leary but I pampered her like a true gentleman by allowing her to use my Winter Yeti and my Winter Mamba. She passed out after lunch. I woke her up around 115pm and asked her how she liked it... her words exactly:
"This is Amazing!" yeah new convert folks. She's already talking about trying an overnighter. Darn may have to order one more 3 season yeti by summer time.
Going back was an adventure due to the temp against the snow. Josie didnt have proper hiking boots but wanted to go out anyway. She kepts sliding and falling all over the place. She even fell into a nasty thorn bush and got a thorn in her thumb. She just pulled it out of her flesh now took some digging with a sterilized needle and a lot of whining.
At one point she got so frustrated with falling she just slid on her butt half way down the mountain. Seemed like a good plan until she encountered some big rocks..... OUCH!
Equipment Check:
REI Traverse Trekking Poles - Crap upon crap upon crap. I gave them one more shot and they kept retracting on Josie and then she fell and snapped one. No more sectional poles anymore for me.
ULA Circuit - So far it's living up to the hype. 17lbs loaded and it felt real nice. Hip pockets dig a bit in my hips when I go up steep hills and bend down to get something. No pain just slightly annoying. I can live with it though.
Platypus 3 liter bladder - works like every other bladder just lighter.
New camera came in but makes movies in quicktime which doesnt translate into windows movie maker. Looking into some movie programs to get to make movies with the new camera. Used the old camera on this trip to get the vid up today.
Merrel Outland Mid Goretex hiking boots - My 3 season boots which claim to be water proof. Was a bit leary about them in September when I wore them in a rain storm and could have sworn the water proofness was wearing off. Today confirmed it and I am looking for new boots this weekend. 3 rain storms and a romp in the snow sunk these boots. I had to wring out my socks at camp. Crap crap crap.
OK Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSMTbRmumwk
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Originally Posted by Raul Perez
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