ET's Info-Stew

9:27: Sleep last night was okay, which is great for the backcountry for me. I only woke up about ten times because some part of my body was sore for having slept on it. I got up at about 8:15. I've been keeping busy with typical last day chores breakfast, water filtering, taking down the tent, organizing stuff. I'm only about halfway done, so I guess I should pick up the pace.

15:19: We finally hit the trail at about 10:40. It took me the longest to pack. I lost my pencil since my last log, so I'm writing with Mike's pen in the car. It was a tough hike back, but I kept a good pace. We got back at 14:50.

I only used one trekking pole on the way back and that was a good idea. By switching hands my shoulders didn't get sore.

So overall the trip was a success. My new gear worked out well. There weren't too many gubs. I didn't get hurt. I got some good pictures. I learned I'm stronger than I thought. And I'm not sunburned thanks to this new sunblock.

Some things to remember:

• The backpack support rods aren't secure - this needs to be fixed.
• One trekking pole is good enough.
• This trip, the binoculars, slingshot, and GPS were of limited entertainment.
• Always pay attention around trail signs.
• Don't stick the trekking pole tip into a hole that will pull off the rubber tip (I lost a tip this way).
• To light a fire with one match, get lots and lots of duff and don't let the match burn down before lighting the duff.
  ‹ Saturday June 10, 2006upYosemite July 2005 ›