Category Archives: Backpacking
A Scattering of Thought
Nothing too structured this time, which may or may not turn out to be a good thing…
- I really, really want to go backpacking, like this weekend. My pack is taunting me, and the down cocoon hanging in my closet is looking extra fluffy and warm. If you are in/near Austin, and want to go backpacking this weekend, tell me and we’ll jet to the hill country.
- I got my hair cut today. Really short. I was contemplating the idea of growing it out a little longer, and keeping it a little longer for a while, but finally decided to let it go this morning.
- I discovered today that there is a breed of Mexican Hairless dogs running around, which are quite possibly the ugliest dogs I’ve ever seen.
- South by Southwest is going on in Austin right now, providing me with extra interesting people watching opportunities on my way to/from work, and during my before and after hour adventures.
- The new Ghostland Observatory record, Robotique Majestique, is amazing. Go buy it.
- I was sent a new Americorps job opening this afternoon – in Boulder, CO. If I thought I could live in Boulder on an Americorps salary, I would definitely consider it; and may even consider it regardless. I have dreams of cycling in the mountains, learning how to climb, and drinking beautifully crafted beers on Pearl Street at Mountain Sun.
Ozark Highlands Trail: Gear Review
A complete list of all my gear (minus a breakdown of food) can be found in this spreadsheet. You may notice a few missing items, such as a stove; these essentials were carried in my hiking partner’s pack, not my own. I’m not a die-hard ultralight enthusiast, but I do strive to keep my pack weight as low as possible. Accordingly, my gear choices were intended to keep me comfortable and safe as a first priority.
We were hiking in the Ozarks in December, which meant chilly temperatures (50s daytime/high 20s nighttime) and a decent chance of precipitation. Luckily we avoided the moisture for the duration of the trip… Read the rest of this entry
Ozark Highlands Trail: Overview
It was cold, windy, with abundant sunshine; we were in the absolute middle of nowhere, hiking through the woods and over streams. I recently (12/17/07 to 12/22/07) ventured out into the backcountry of Arkansas with my brother/hiking partner to get in a little backpacking during my winter vacation – a nice change of pace from the fast moving city.
I wanted to post a little recap of the trip: my experiences with my gear selection, as well as my experiences on the beautiful Ozark Highlands Trail. I will do so in a series of future posts; enjoy!
