Packing begins

Update on weights

Dinners only = 4 pounds

Small bear can = 2 pounds

Daily Mileage & Route Planning

In reviewing the potential routes today, I've figured out a couple things that I think will help in your preparation.

1. This first day has the biggest elevation change. We'll be leaving the trail head at about 6,600 feet and climbing to 8,200 feet over 2.8 miles. I chose this route over another nearby trail head because the same elevation gain is covered in just 1.8 miles from that trail head. A more gradual approach should make the initial climb more bearable. Speaking of bears, here's one I saw in Yosemite on my hike back from Cloud's Rest. I met a pale-faced girl coming around the corner on the trail - she reported a bear sighting just behind her. I decided to wait for some others to reach me on the trail before rounding the corner -- thought maybe we could make enough noise as a group to encourage the bear to leave. The bears are more interested in food than people, so bear attacks are rare in Yosemite, but I thought it was dumb to continue down the trail alone. Instead, I waited for other hikers to reach me (I had passed them all earlier) and, then led a group of about 10 people carefully and slowly through the area where the bear was. We let her wander away down the trail and then off to begin foraging and were careful not to disturb her (I suppose it could be a him). Someone in the group took this picture and sent it tonight. They must have used their zoom lens because we were never this close to the bear!
2. 

   We shouldn't see any of these on our backpacking trip

   The first day may also be our longest day - 5 miles to reach the first campsite. At an average pace of 2 mph, this means 2.5 hours of hiking. It is quite possible that our average pace will be less than 2 mph because it's the first day at elevation, packs will need to be adjusted, blisters may appear etc. So, I think we should plan for 3-4 hours of hiking. 
3. Day 2 will be a shorter hike: 3 miles to the next lake and then we'll wander around and find a camp that is away from people. The lake is beautiful, but might be pretty populated.
4. Day 3 will be a day hike from our camp at the lake: Today, we'll do at least 5 miles and if we're feeling good, we'll hike down to a lake to have lunch which will create a 7 mile round-trip hike. Because we won't be carrying full packs, it will be much easier than Day 1.
5. Day 4 we'll hike out and back to the car so one of us can get ready for her 3rd year of vet school beginning the next day! What a great way to start the year! This will be about a 5 mile hike with much of it downhill -- probably 2-2.5 hours.

 I WAS SERIOUS -- We most probably won't see any on our hike. And, I'm taking extra precautions by carrying all of our food in a bear can.

The new pack - testing time

Mission: test the new pack, a Deuter ACT Lite 60+10 SL

Load: 20 lbs

The route: easiest possible 5.5-mile hike I could find, the C&O Canal Towpath between Noland's Ferry (complete with a sign declaring that Washington frequently used to cross there) and the Calico Rocks hiker/biker campsite

The gear.

The towpath.

The Potomac River.

The campsite.

The results: It took until mile 3 to dial in the pack adjustments (and then it felt GREAT) and until mile 5 to decide I should probably carry a supply of ibuprofen on this backpacking trip for my bum left upper back, which, as usual, acted up when subjected to any labor whatsoever.

REI-ing

While I was searching for the essentials (read: pack, rain gear, camelback bladder, hiking socks, and a mosquito head net) at REI, I also came across these lovely items, which made me think of you, Deb. Perhaps you could forgo something else for the comfort of these items!

Weighs just 4.25 oz., Deb!

And this is only 1.4 oz!

And this made me think of you, Beth. Don't get any ideas from these crazy barefooted sisters!

Perspectives

How I imagine our backpacking trip:

How our mother imagines our backpacking trip:

Inspiration Arrived - MaryJane's Oupost

I hope you don't get the wrong idea by the photo on the front of this book. It's written by the woman whose food I recommended.  I ordered it for this chapter:

Thought I might consider her breakfast ideas for this trip. Hot breakfast isn't something I usually make time for, but I think we can do it this trip. 

What do you think of a breakfast cereal made of quinoa? I'm a bit nervous about the quantity of fuel required to cook quinoa for 3, so need to try it this weekend. Here are the flavor ideas: 

Anything look interesting? 

We could also just take oatmeal...

Pick your dinner

Choose 3 - these are what I have at home now. I'll shop for additional dinners if needed!