We're at the point in our planning where we are conquering the acquisition of "The Big Three". The most important items for a long distance backpacking trip.The backpackers Big Three consists of their:1. Shelter2. Backpack3. Sleep system (sleeping bag & pad)Those who are 'in the know' tell us that The Big Three is the place to invest funds and not to cut corners. So I have been researching and reading and comparing. There is a lot to...
Spoiler alert: No one died. Background: Matthew spends his Fridays at estate sales. He loves hunting for the bargains - opening old, moldy boxes - climbing through dirty barns - sorting through a hoarded basement. Over the years he has found many treasures - a single Wisconsin Fishing & Scouting pin that was the envy of the most dedicated of collectors, real samurai swords, artwork by famous artists that I've never heard of before, and first...
Every summer our family takes a two week vacation in August. By and large these vacations have included camping in National Parks. We have been out West, we have been out East, we have been up North. However, all but one of these trips have been car camping adventures. Our family is very experienced with car camping in all of its forms - quick weekend trips to Indiana Dunes National Park, primitive camping at Echo Lake in Dinosaur National...
A common statement that I am reading when I am researching all things Appalachian Trail is HYOH - Hike Your Own Hike. Don't worry about what other people are doing, wearing, packing, planning. Don't worry about the mileage of others on the trail, the length of their stride, the states they have already passed through. This hike is about you - your journey, your process, your experience.Sounds lovely.But, with a little over a year until our...
