Thanks sg ,seems weird to be peeved that I didnt get a chance to freeze my butt off. Nice job with the pics /videos guys.Originally Posted by Skygzr
Thanks sg ,seems weird to be peeved that I didnt get a chance to freeze my butt off. Nice job with the pics /videos guys.
Part 1 is below. can't decide yet if there will be just a part 2 or an additional part 3. I will finish up this weekend.
thanks
"nature speaks in the silence between words"
www.mustexplore.blogspot.com
The second and final video post below, but a word about this hike for those of you that might find it. This was a challenging hike due to the weather, especially because of the wet conditions coupled with the cold. 35 degree and raining is the most dangerous environment to hike, even more than snow (snow is drier).
Even with lots of previous experience, I was stupidly unprepared for this hike and there is a lesson here. I had packed a week ahead of time because of my work schedule and I had assumed the weather would follow my desires plus how could it be cold the first week of May? This was both arrogant and lazy on my part and could have led to bad consequences. First off I had packed my 40 degree UQ, and TQ and was too lazy to change them out, in addition, I was trying Dryducks(froggtoggs) rain wear for the first time. Dryducks are fine for having in your boat if you have an extra passenger that needs some protection from light rain, but they are completely inadequate for the trail and should NEVER be used in serious weather, a good set of rain gear or a well constructed poncho are necessary to stay warm and dry. I had to keep moving constantly on the trail to stay warm from body heat because I was always soaked. Because I packed early, I was too lazy to pull out my 40 degree quilts for 20 degree quilts, It had nothing to do with staying lightweight, adding the heavier quilts and rain gear would not have made any difference in my overall weight, I could have just used a lighter hammock, but it would have made a big difference in my comfort. I spent two pretty miserable nights in the woods and it could have been worse had I not known what could happen and have some experience on how to maximize my conditions. I made sure to always protect my sleeping cloths and keep them dry. The moral of this story is pay attention to the weather and the trail conditions right up until the minute of departure and pack accordingly without any preconceived notion of what you want or how you think it should be.
The company for this hike could not have been better. We also missed our fellow hangers that could not attend.
"nature speaks in the silence between words"
www.mustexplore.blogspot.com
Have the vids queued up to watch Skygzr. Looking forward to it. Here are my final vids
AWESOME job on the vids, guys! You both really captured the brutality.
With beauty all around you, may you walk.
Agreed the videos are pretty awesome.
I just wanted to give everyone an update on my injury. The back issue ended up being a Herniated Disc. as I suspected since I have had this happen to myself in the past and generally once you have had this happen it is very easy to re-rupture the disk.
I was very worried on Sunday morning that I would not be able to finish the hike with the rest of the group and would have to turn back towards Johnson's Shut-ins, a 2 mile hike back from where we spent the night.
Just to clear up how I injured my back in the first place - I told everyone that I had hurt it while lifting my pack Sunday morning, but what actually happened was I went out for my morning constitutional (as Shug would say) and the log that I chose to straddle decided to give way. Luckily I had a good hold on to a branch nearby. The bad part I ended up putting way to much force on my back trying to avoid falling into well you know
So once I was finished packing my gear I decided to head out and get a head start that way I could judge how my back would do the rest of the day. My thinking was if I had to turn back I did not want to be at the back of the group and have the rest of you waiting for me or worrying about me when I did not show up at the end.
After I got started up Proffit Mt. things were looking up so I continued on. I fully expected the rest of the gang to catch up with me and pass me. That is one of the reasons I just kept trucking along. I felt like I should just keep moving while the back was feeling good.
By the time I got to Devil's Gate I thought I should stop and wait for the rest of the gang, so I unpacked my lunch and made a PBJ on a tortilla, after sitting in the rain for about 30 min I realized that my back was starting to tense up. I decided that I had better get back to hiking before I couldn't move.
As I walked into the parking lot at the end of our hike I felt pretty good, however with the weather being cold and wet, I started freezing again so I jumped in the car and turned the heat on to stay warm while I waited for the rest of the group to finish.
Even with the rain, snow, cold weather and back injury I did enjoy this hike very much. I had tried to do this hike two years ago by myself and did not complete it, so for me the option of turning back on Sunday morning was the last thing I wanted to do.
I would like to say thanks to all the guys that went on this hike and made it so enjoyable. And a big thanks to Disco for planning this hike.
I am very much looking forward to hiking with everyone again only next time I may pack a portable toliet
Hairbear, you are not alone with the back injury anymore. Maybe the two of us can find someone that is willing to pull us in a cart on the next hike.
Sure hate to hear that,I wouldnt wish this stuff on anybody. Perhaps a dog sled team lol. Good luck with the recovery.Agreed the videos are pretty awesome.
I just wanted to give everyone an update on my injury. The back issue ended up being a Herniated Disc. as I suspected since I have had this happen to myself in the past and generally once you have had this happen it is very easy to re-rupture the disk.
I was very worried on Sunday morning that I would not be able to finish the hike with the rest of the group and would have to turn back towards Johnson's Shut-ins, a 2 mile hike back from where we spent the night.
Just to clear up how I injured my back in the first place - I told everyone that I had hurt it while lifting my pack Sunday morning, but what actually happened was I went out for my morning constitutional (as Shug would say) and the log that I chose to straddle decided to give way. Luckily I had a good hold on to a branch nearby. The bad part I ended up putting way to much force on my back trying to avoid falling into well you know
So once I was finished packing my gear I decided to head out and get a head start that way I could judge how my back would do the rest of the day. My thinking was if I had to turn back I did not want to be at the back of the group and have the rest of you waiting for me or worrying about me when I did not show up at the end.
After I got started up Proffit Mt. things were looking up so I continued on. I fully expected the rest of the gang to catch up with me and pass me. That is one of the reasons I just kept trucking along. I felt like I should just keep moving while the back was feeling good.
By the time I got to Devil's Gate I thought I should stop and wait for the rest of the gang, so I unpacked my lunch and made a PBJ on a tortilla, after sitting in the rain for about 30 min I realized that my back was starting to tense up. I decided that I had better get back to hiking before I couldn't move.
As I walked into the parking lot at the end of our hike I felt pretty good, however with the weather being cold and wet, I started freezing again so I jumped in the car and turned the heat on to stay warm while I waited for the rest of the group to finish.
Even with the rain, snow, cold weather and back injury I did enjoy this hike very much. I had tried to do this hike two years ago by myself and did not complete it, so for me the option of turning back on Sunday morning was the last thing I wanted to do.
I would like to say thanks to all the guys that went on this hike and made it so enjoyable. And a big thanks to Disco for planning this hike.
I am very much looking forward to hiking with everyone again only next time I may pack a portable toliet
Hairbear, you are not alone with the back injury anymore. Maybe the two of us can find someone that is willing to pull us in a cart on the next hike.
Ive been thinking about trying a pack system that doesnt involve the back ,but hangs from the waist instead.Anyone have any input in this direction?
Sorry didn't respond back sooner, but we stayed out on various sections of trails. We got to hike council bluffs and bell mtn.
It was good to meet you all as well, all I got to say is you 5 set the bar high on this hike. We actually was waiting for you guys @ Johnson Shut-ins but we decided there was no way we could keep up with you.
We may try to make the next group hang in July.
My son, buddy & I are gonna do an overnighter May 20 & 21 on Bell mtn if anyone would like to come. Ill post it on the group hang.
I'm def. gonna try this! Thanks
____________________
South Carolina Mike
Getting Begun is Only Half Done
http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthCarolinaMike
Had no idea your back was hurting Digitizer101. At the speed you were moving one could not tell. Saw you in the morning and then you were gone. We saw you across the valley once. I hike slow it seems but I make up for it in hours. I need more cuben fiber I think lol
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