backpacking

Apologies for being missing in action – should have mentioned that we were going backpacking in the Grand Canyon this week. Down Hermit Trail to Tonto West and then up Bright Angel. Four days and three nights gave me a lot of time to think. While huffing my pack nearly 30 miles I organized a few things I’ve learned about backpacking in my four multi-night trips since 2007:

1. Backpacking is not easy
2. Too cold = no fun
3. Too hot = no fun
4. Too uphill = no fun
5. Too downhill = no fun
6. Bugs that bike and/or itch = no fun
7. Unperfect-fitting boots = no fun

What I’m basically saying is that since backpacking is so tough, you should try to plan it to be as smooth as possible. Choose the right time of year for perfect weather: not too hot, not to cold, no itchy bugs. And pick the right place with trails that are not too rocky and hard, yet not too many loose rocks, and definitely not too dusty. You might think downhill is ideal, but after two experiences of 5-7 consecutive hours stepping down in to the Grand Canyon, I’ll tell you it’s not. Down is tougher than up.

As my brother John would say about many things, with backpacking the “middle of the road” is really ideal. We used to tease John about his preference for vanilla ice cream, considering the widespread availability of rocky road, chubby hubby, phish food and so on. If he were an author, his book title would be “The un’X’factor: middle-of-the-road choices in an extremes-driven world” and it would discuss how plain vanilla ice cream is really the most shocking and unexpected choice that there is in today’s world of extreme sports and outrageous behavior. From tiny smart cars to giant H4 hummers, from 3-foot long dreadlocks to shaved heads, and from long-distance dial up to wireless internet at coffee shops, we love our extremes. I would agree that right down the middle of the road is, literally, the most dangerous place to walk. And figuratively, a middle-of-the road choice is, at first blush, complacent, but if you give it thought, admitting that you prefer something as mundane as vanilla ice cream is truly brave. The question of "You want your latte hot or iced?" is not answered "Oh, how about luke-warm." Enjoying the mid-point is just not usual.

Anyway back to backpacking. I’ll write more when Jesse gets the photos online and I can link to them. He took amazing ones last year when we were there.

Ready to greet the seven trick-or-treaters we usually get on halloween. Good thing I bought 100 assorted pieces of chocolate candy (including Almond Joy!).

~Beth