Mid Life Crisis

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I’m turning 50 in June and I told my wife I don't want a girlfriend or a Porsche. But I am going to take a 100 mile solo walkabout. I’ve got my ENO Doublenest (I’m 6’6” 315lbs), Amsteel suspension, DIY Tyvek tarp, Blizzard Survival Tube (just ordered), Hammock Bliss mosquito net, ESBIT stove and 24 oz aluminum pot (empty Heineken can). I had my route all planned out by I just found out that the Station Fire has rerouted the PCT onto roads for about ½ of my planned route. He is where I need help- I somewhere to hike! Here are my parameters-
1. Closer to San Diego the better
2. Must allow dogs (Red Rover is coming)
3. Must have trees
4. Must be 100 miles
5. A road crossing or town would be nice
A series of connected trails would be fine, a loop would be ideal.. Please help!

[G.L.P.]

I would look into something other then a survival tube for insulation
your going to run into a few problems using one...this is why no one really uses them

condensation is going to be a big problem with the survival tube...and the survival tube alone will not keep you warm once the temps drops

i would look into a blue walmart pad if you don't have the cash for a UQ

[Joey]

You can find some great info on local hikes at: http://www.localhikes.com

Cuyamaca Peak is a nice area. Hard to find 100 miles in San Diego that has enough trees. I've hiked the PCT from the border to Warner Springs. There's a few tree areas that you go through, but you'd still end up on the ground at least one night along that route. Coming down through scissors crossing area and is a bit rough for a hammock.

There's also some great areas near Idylwild heading up Devils Slide trail that are awesome. You're up around 8 - 9,000 ft elevation there. Great views! With a good map and a little planning this would be my suggested hike.

It's been 5 years since I've been out there. Used to live there awhile. Lots of great backpacking areas. Didn't have a hammock then, hard to think of where else may work for you.

[tilia]

I’m turning 50 in June and I told my wife I don't want a girlfriend or a Porsche. But I am going to take a 100 mile solo walkabout.

your wife comes off easy


i cant believe i cant get a big heineken can in the Netherlands, its a dutch brand for crying out load

[Joey]

your wife comes off easy


i cant believe i cant get a big heineken can in the Netherlands, its a dutch brand for crying out load

You can order one from http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/a...s/show/1786358

[tilia]

thanks but i'm not gonna pay 5 buks +shipping for an empty beer can
but thanks anyway

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used the survival tube last night was comfortable to 39 degrees.. no condensation issues...don't think it'll be colder that that form my trip

[guySmiley]

If you wanna avoid the closures (station and sheep) you might want to consider starting in Agua Dulce and head North. I'm unsure of where you'd be 100 miles N. of AG, but that's the SoCal part of the PCT that I remember most fondly.

When are you planning to start? It seems very likely to me that you would get temps lower than 39 F. There were just a handful of nights on the trail that it didn't get below 39 for me.

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I've decided on the San Rafael Wilderness (near Santa Barbara) I've planned a 100 mile loop. Lots of tress and water. California Condor county.... I'm cozy in my Survival Tube to 45 degrees and have a AMK Thermal Bivvy (9 ozs) for extra warmth. I'm 100 days from departure and getting excited..

[ShadowAlpha]

I've decided on the San Rafael Wilderness (near Santa Barbara) I've planned a 100 mile loop. Lots of tress and water. California Condor county.... I'm cozy in my Survival Tube to 45 degrees and have a AMK Thermal Bivvy (9 ozs) for extra warmth. I'm 100 days from departure and getting excited..

Keep us posted!
Would love to see pics - I spent some time during the early 90's in Santa Barbara (Monticeito)

Enjoy