https://youtu.be/2XXUNOxSDCo
My Friend James wanted to join us on an overnight trip for his first time ever backpacking and overnight camping. There was snow and ice packed trails and off trail the snow was easily a foot deep. Our plan was to hike about 10 or 11 miles for day 1 and about 4 miles out day 2. Deep down inside, I knew this would most likely not be possible for a first timer, especially in these conditions. He borrowed all the gear needed from me, everything except his clothes, so I knew in that aspect he would be fine. I did recommend he take the tent and set it up once or twice before we out there, but he insisted that he is an engineer.. and he also watched you tube videos about it.. so not a problem. I was concerned.. because I KNEW.. it would be on me to set up the tent for him.. and I warned him.. after hiking all day.. its a different ball game when you are exhausted and beat down and day light is fading.. but he insisted.. no problem. I knew!!!
Anyway, we changed plans during the hike, took a small short cut on an unmaintained winter road to save some time and cut some mileage because I could see and feel him struggling.. we also decided that he would not make the entire planned hike and found a place to make camp at approximately 1:30pm.. about 7 miles in. Of course, he had NO clue what to do with the tent when he unpacked it (Nemo Hornet 1P). On top of a foot of snow and ice.. boulders and small shrubs.. and he could not move another foot.. he was done! It was on me.. which I already knew. So I struggled to get his tent pitched ( wish I brought my MSR hammer this time). As soon as it was pitched.. he layed in the Hilton Hotel, as he said it.. and fell aslepp within 5 minutes. I continued to struggle to find my spot to sleep.. missed my hammock so badly here!!! All the trees.. boulders, snow, ice and small shrubs.. a hammock paradise!! After much cussing and puffing, i found a spot to lay my bivy and decided to pitch my Gatewood Cape since it was going to be in the hi teens and slightly windy thru the rest of the day and thru the night.
I managed to get a nice fire going and it definitely set the night perfectly for both of us. We both slept warm and cozy all night.
The other guys we started hiking with, Bob and Mike were ahead of us and they made it to the planned area for the night. I was able to communicate with them so they knew we were not making it there and knew we were ok for the night. They actually hiked into us the next morning so we could all hike out together that last mile!! Kuddos Bob and Mike.. very cool if you guys!!! My friend James was highly impressed and he had a great time and I think he had caught the bug now. Claims he will be back and already looking into his own gear and another trip!! In large part to meeting new people (Bob and Mike) and seeing how they hiked into us in the morning to meet up and hike out together. All in all it was a great trip.. check-out the trip video if you have 14 minutes to spare…
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a few shots from trip
