Happiness and contentment in life come from the merging of Opportunity and Talent. My Dad had Talent but no Opportunity so could not find a way to learn to play the Violin. I had Opportunity but no Talent -- I lack the physical ability to complete a Thru Hike of the Appalachian Trail. I failed to learn this lesson even after numerous section hikes, but in the Spring of 2013, after 41.6 miles hiking in MD and PA, I learned the lesson that Dad had in mind when he told me to "hike the Trail." This Blog is now about the Merging of Opportunity and Talent more than it is about hiking the Appalachian Trail, but I still plan to include snippets of the Trail in the Blog. It's about Chasing the Trail of Life. I hope you enjoy my posts.

COMPUTER TRESPASS---RCW 9A.52.110---Computer trespass in the first degree.

(1) A person is guilty of computer trespass in the first degree if the person, without authorization, intentionally gains access to a computer system or electronic database of another; and (a) The access is made with the intent to commit another crime; or (b) The violation involves a computer or database maintained by a government agency.

(2) Computer trespass in the first degree is a class C felony.

This Blog is Dedicated to my Dad. Although he never accomplished his dream of learning to play the Violin, he did construct and play a Dulcimer at an Elderhostel.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Sleeping Gear: Bivy, Bag, Tarp

I posted this over on a Forum in WhiteBlaze, a Website and Forum for Appalachian Trail Enthusiasts. 

The reason that I posted this gear list is that one person had posted his gear and weights and his tent weighed 3 pounds 8 ounces, his pack weighed 4 pounds 8 ounces and he was wearing 2 pound 4 ounce hiking boots.  He would need boots rather than hiking shoes or trail runners with those heavy items of gear.

There is a great DVD by a former Thru Hiker named Lynne Whelden about Lightweight Backpacking Secrets Revealed which I watched many times as I lightened my backpacking gear. I consider this a basic for any Hiker's Library. 

 BIVY LIFE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE.  However, if you're going to spend your nights on the Trail in a Shelter most of the time, it's ideal.  Especially if you sleep on your back and you like to snuggle into your covers.  In a bivy, you are protected from dirt, shelter mice, and bugs.  
  • Bivy ... REI Minimalist ... 15 ounces
  • Tyvek groundcloth, cut to size ... 2 ounces
  • Uberlite Closed Cell Torso Pad [no longer made] ... 4 ounces
  • Sylnylon Poncho-Tarp ... 9.5 ounces
  • MSR mini-groundhog stakes [6] ... 2 ounces
  • MSR snow stake [use as trowel] ... 1 ounce
  • Spectra Cord ... 0.2 ounces
  • Zpack Trekking Pole cups [2] ... 0.2 ounces
  • REI Flash Women's 35* sleeping bag ... 28 ounces
  • Cocoon Silk Liner ... 4.7 ounces
  • OR
  • Sea to Summit Reactor Plus Thermal Liner ... 9.3 ounces 
66.6 ounces or 4 pounds 2.6 ounces 
OR 71.2 ounces or 4 pounds 7.2 ounces

 My pack goes under my legs for insulation or I could add a 10 ounce 'blue foam' sleeping pad which I have already cut to size.

 My clothing is part of my sleep system.  I'll list those weights after I've gathered everything together.

 Wearing my clothing and using the heavier liner, I can sleep through any Three-Season Weather on the Appalachian Trail.

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