This reminds me of an evening I spent at an AT shelter in Virginia with a novice backpacker. We held each other in high respect; I was just a college kid between semesters, but knew the ropes for trail ease, having hiked 700 miles to get to that spot.
He was 15 years older than me and had made it in the world as an investor and developer of historic landmark buildings. (His advice: stay away from New England where it's damp and "old" is at least 200 years ago; look to the southwest where it's dry and old is 100 years ago).
He had four hard back books in his pack. I supressed a laugh and said he was undoubtedly the owner of the largest AT library for many miles around.
I can relate to the balance of not knowing much (how to set up the tent) and knowing just enough (widow maker branch bad). Maybe not the specifics of those two situations but just in general. Also can’t believe the Lost Coast solo was your first backpacking endeavor!
I grew up camping, but prior to this kerfuffle on the Lost Coast I'd never set out alone. I carried a lot of stuff (like, a ridiculous amount), and also a lot of fear. I had not yet learned how to be alone with myself and everything seemed daunting. I don't recall why that trail was on my radar. It certainly wasn't from research! I obviously had no idea what I was stepping into!
This reminds me of an evening I spent at an AT shelter in Virginia with a novice backpacker. We held each other in high respect; I was just a college kid between semesters, but knew the ropes for trail ease, having hiked 700 miles to get to that spot.
He was 15 years older than me and had made it in the world as an investor and developer of historic landmark buildings. (His advice: stay away from New England where it's damp and "old" is at least 200 years ago; look to the southwest where it's dry and old is 100 years ago).
He had four hard back books in his pack. I supressed a laugh and said he was undoubtedly the owner of the largest AT library for many miles around.
Ah the good ol' days when a "light" pack was 30 lbs.
I can relate to the balance of not knowing much (how to set up the tent) and knowing just enough (widow maker branch bad). Maybe not the specifics of those two situations but just in general. Also can’t believe the Lost Coast solo was your first backpacking endeavor!
I grew up camping, but prior to this kerfuffle on the Lost Coast I'd never set out alone. I carried a lot of stuff (like, a ridiculous amount), and also a lot of fear. I had not yet learned how to be alone with myself and everything seemed daunting. I don't recall why that trail was on my radar. It certainly wasn't from research! I obviously had no idea what I was stepping into!