everybody knows this is nowhere.

12/23/2011

Love flowers best in openness and freedom. Edward Abbey

Morning,

It was a grey day yesterday. The rain held off until evening for the most part. The high was 48. The low was 28 and it was 28 & drizzling at observation. There was 1.1" of rain. There's some tricky black ice up top, so consider packing an ice traction device.

I spent yesterday taking care of a few projects around camp. I saw quite a few dayhikers for such a nasty day. Please remember to pack raingear, headlamps or flashlights (in case the climb takes longer than you're expecting), plenty of layers, food and water. I carry these items on every day hike. It seems silly to leave for a short hike on a beautiful day with all this gear, but the weather changes awfully quick up here. Be prepared.

Juanita

12/23/2011 12:30:03 am

Oh my goodness, you're so correct JP. As a beginner hiker last spring, I received all kinds of helpful advice on small items to carry in my knapsack: rain jacket, map, food, water, matches in a waterproof container, fire starter, first-aid kit (with bandages, alcohol wipes, sewing needle, sutures & triple antibiotic ointment), mirror, .38 snub nose, sunblock, sunglasses, knife, dry socks, hat, camera, ziploc bags, hand sanitizer, wildflower field guide, pen & paper, toilet paper, chap stick, cell phone, pepper spray, 50' of cord, duct tape, and much much more. Sheesh! My knapsack weighed 25 lbs! LOL!

Have a Merry Christmas. LOL!

12/23/2011 12:38:33 am

Good morning JP we have so much rain here in Ga. also gonna do a backackingtrip nextmonth in the COHUTTA WILDERNESS in Ga. then hope to get a dayhike in up there before Feb, we are doing two weeks back near the wilderness again,and get some hiking in!. and thanks to Juanita for the BACKPACKING LIST lolol!! Have agreat weekend and a Merry Christmas!, I would love to do Christmasup there, maybe one day!!

Tony Ga

12/23/2011 01:50:03 am

JW, I live in Dawson County. Never hiked in Cohutta. What trails do you hike in there?

Bill Yeadon

12/23/2011 01:03:46 am

A classic Neil Young album.

Doug Y.

12/23/2011 01:19:23 am

Hey Juanita: What about your Ipad2, GPS unit, and portable micro-wave !? It's amazing to me what people will pack along. I was guilty of overpacking for years, but that changed soon enough; Loved your comments !

Dana O

12/23/2011 07:54:35 am

JP
Do you know of a good source that discusses dressing in layers, depending on the climate. A few of the sources I've read have a general discussion and recommend avoiding cotton clothing, but not a whole lot more. I know its alway tempting to start off too warmly dressed. If you are too warm you can alway take something off and stuff it in the backpack. If you didn't bring it though I'd rather head back to the car rather than get in trouble by being unprepared. I got a touch of frostbite as a teenager and I've never forgotten that lesson. My first trip up Leconte on Trilium I was surprised at how different the weather and conditions could be all in the same day. I enjoy your daily posts.

Chris D

12/23/2011 08:18:35 am

JP, Have you been down to Dome Falls (about a mile below Basin Spring)?

12/24/2011 05:21:44 am

Chris,
I haven't been there yet. I'll add it to the list!

Jean Stuczynski

12/23/2011 03:38:03 pm

How true! This past November the hike down Boulevard took longer than expected and the last 2 miles were in the rain and in the dark. Didn't think I would need a flashlight. Didn't take into consideration the time change and the time of year! I've since gotten a head lamp..worked real well putting up Christmas lights in the dark! By the way, Merry Christmas!

Terri

12/23/2011 09:25:11 pm

JP...thanks for keeping up on the posts...enjoy reading them daily. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Wanda

12/23/2011 11:42:59 pm

JP: Enjoy your quotes. Merry Christmas from all of us here in the Tennessee Valley. Keep up the good work.

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