Beginner Backpacker Class

We had our first class session this weekend in Raleigh and we covered a lot of territory. We discussed why anyone would want to backpack, both the practical and the metaphysical aspects, and we delved into gear and books and what folks expected from the class.

For a reference book we're using "The Backpacker's Field Manual" by Rick Curtis, who is director of the Princet on University Outdoor Action program. This is a good book because it covers every aspect of backpacking, so it is broad in nature.

Not All Layers are Created Equal!

I went on a two-hour day hike yesterday, and it was challenging with the wind blowing and the sun behind the clouds. It got me thinking just how important it is to layer clothing to stay warm, and reminded me that even in cold weather you still need to be able to ventilate, or shed layers, especially if you are carrying a pack.

I started out trying a layering system for winter weather, which seemed like a good idea given the wind chill in the low 30's. I quickly got hot & cold at the same time, too many layers on top and not enough below. I went back to my house and tried the layering system that I use for cold weather backpacking. My second try at layering was a noticeable improvement for hiking with a pack, and the other one will be OK for in camp where activity is low, and where you need more insulation.

So this reminded me that now all layers are created equal, and that trying things out certainly has its advantages.

Also, I'm lucky to live near an open space in the county [can hike there when the hunters aren't out] and I really like to hike in cold weather.

Mt Rogers write up

Wilson Creek, Mt Rogers

On Oct 10-12, 2008 the NC Chapter ran an educational basecamp outing instructing in the art of backcounty navigation. Our focus was learning basic map & compass skills in outdoor classes held over the weekend. We honed our new skills during a day-hike on Saturday and a workshop Sunday morning. Our Saturday hike wound it's way through the Wilson Creek basin, crossing Quebec Branch, and ascending Wilburn Ridge for some focused map and compass work, plotting bearings to the Scales and to 1st Peak. Afterward a large part of the group scaled the highest rock outcropping for a 360 degree view of the area, and stayed up there until completely oriented to the area, or perhaps because the view with clear skies was astounding.

We had lunch near the North end of Wilburn Ridge and afterwards shared a didactic talk about navigating using input from nature, say how to estimate your latitude from the position of the North Star above the horizon.

The outing was well attended with 13 participants, including some old hands, several new Sierra Club members, and Maria Bowling, Outings Chair for the New River Group in Virginia. Mt. Rogers proved to be a perfect location, with cooperation from all the folks at Greyson Highlands Park, and cooperation from the mother nature as well.

This area offers challenging terrain, with hiking trails and horse trails intersecting or sharing territory, and ridges folding into each other: "is that Wilburn Ridge, Pine Mountain, or 3rd Peak?". As we saw around Wilson Creek, it also contains the "Bermuda Triangle of the AT", where North is South, and South runs North!

MT Rogers Navigation Trip

I'm just back from MT Rogers, were we had a great 3 day class learning and practicing map and compass skills in the backcountry. The fall leaves were spectacular, we enjoyed two days of hiking along Wilson Creek, Quebec Branch, and Wilburn Ridge, and our campfire discussions were fascinating.

During this outing we covered a wide range of topics in class around the campfire. I'll update our Backpacker Book list to reflect the books and movies we discussed.

Thanks to all who participated! Feel free to comment on the trip here. I'll also be interested in your thoughts on other outings that you would like us to run.

I'll look forward to seeing you on the trail soon.

VOTE for Fires Rim Creek Trail

I just got an interesting email from Chris David, one of our local SC Outings Leaders, and Jeff Hunter, a field organizer for Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition.

Chris and Jeff are asking you to support a grant to rebuild the Fires Creek Trail in Western NC, " a beautiful 25.5 mile loop trail with a number of linking spurs to the top (of the rim)".

Here's what Jeff says "Fires Creek Rim is in the top 20 finalists for a $5000 Nature Valley grant. Recipients will be determined by the number of votes received. Please have EVERYONE you know go to the link below and vote for Fires Creek Rim Trail. This will help us draw attention to the area and the issues, and help clear a lot of the blowdowns."

Please go to this link to VOTE for Fires Creek Rim Trail!

I hope to post a more in-depth article on this in the NC Outings Calendar in a little while.

chris in nc

Mountains to Sea Trail Hikes

Our buddies over at MST have a couple of October MST hikes on the 5th and 19th that they have passed on to us.

Arthur Kelley is leading the hike on the 5th and Jim Suiter is leading the hike on the 19th.

See this link to Arthur's hike.

See this link to Jim's hike.

Happy Hiking in October
The NC Sierra Club

Backpacker Book Club

For as long as I can remember we've been having campfire discussion about great books.  If you look in the right tab section of this blog you'll see a link to the backpacker book club listing, where we talk about great books that we're just read.  If you've been out with us feel free to add to this list via the blog.

My latest nomination is from a friend, cast in the High Sierra in Kings Canyon, a fascinating book about being a backcountry ranger in a true wilderness setting.  It's titled "The Last Season", by Eric Blehm.  The tag line is this:  Randy Morgenson was legendary for finding people missing in the High Sierra...then one day he went missing himself.

I love this book for myriad reasons, mostly as it fired me up to get back out into the HIGH SIERRAS!