Hola!

**bubbyman** · 05-25-2010, 10:30

Hey Ewoks!

I got hooked recently as I researched vid's on Youtube and saw some of Jason Klass' work, then stumbled upon (woe is me!) this Shugemery character, and hence to the forum.

I live at the southern end of the Manzano mountains in New Mexico, and my 58-year-old declaration this year is walking the crest trail stem to stern (a bit over 30 miles) over the course of a few days. This led me immediately to wondering how to lighten the load.

That's why I'm here. Just on verge of figuring out a good starter hammock, especially one that lets me sleep flat. So would appreciate economic yet quality suggestions regarding that.

Also need a stove, quilt (guilt?), pack. Hell, need it all!

Nice to meet ya'll!

**avalonmorn** · 05-25-2010, 11:43

Welcome from Soonerland! You'll get many varied opinions on lightweight gear, but it's all great advice, just personal preference. I plan to hike the Gila Wilderness in the fall, and any suggestions would be appreciated. Welcome again!

**mbiraman** · 05-25-2010, 13:53

Welcome to the forum Bubbyman. Check out Jeff's site "to the woods" , a great resource. Shug's ten part series for new folks,,,good

**bubbyman** · 05-26-2010, 13:05

appreciative of the kind words and re-directs. the tothewoods.net page seems helpful, and, of course, continue to watch the shugemery series on youtube. just about to pull the trigger on my first purchases. thinking: a bushbuddy wood stove (cause we have lots of dry wood in these parts); and a black warbonnet somesuch hammock to start, then make some ourselves.

nice place. gut 2 b hier!

**Shug** · 05-26-2010, 13:21

Whooooooo Buddy bubbyman Welcome to the joy!!!!!!
Shug says "Hey"....

**Festus** · 05-27-2010, 18:32

If you're not familur with the Gila NF, might I suggest you check out the Catwalks in Glenwood. Awesome area with metal catwalks mounted to the cliff walls over the Rapid River. The catwalks follow the old pipe used for mining ore in that area. My Grandparents would acutally walk on the pipe itself to fish/camp. Plenty of water year-round. Another area would be the area above the ghost town of Mogollon. There's actually a trail head just past the ghost town, that will take you down to the upper most section of the catwalks.

Beautiful country down there. Keep us posted.

thx.. Festus-99

**bubbyman** · 05-28-2010, 18:56

I agree, Mr. Festuss, living in the land of enchantment offers one a seemingly infinite number of outdoor adventure!

We plan to start making use of that. Moved here about 3 years ago, from (in a round about fashion) Kansas. Now, don't get me wrong, I luvs Kansas, but New Mexico is a lot like Kansas....just with Mountains. Ah, yon Manzanos I see from my window.

Kansas was the beginning of the Great American Desert in Mark Twain's day. And many still see it as flyover country, perhaps because of I-70.

Nevertheless, I love Kansas.

But I'm downright smitten with this here New Mejico, tambien!

Here's to happy trails! I got the itch to go hanging and use my Bushbuddy in the recesses of the New Mexico Mountains!

**Cannibal** · 05-28-2010, 23:11

Originally Posted by bubbyman

Nevertheless, I love Kansas.

As a former resident of Kansas I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt, but I gotta ask...what part of Kansas are you from?

**bubbyman** · 05-31-2010, 21:10

I'm from the Flinthills, and I declare they have a magnificent, open country beauty!

But....New Mexico is a lot of plains country, too....just with a few other salient features to boot!