As the time of launching approaches, tension builds. Not only do we need to make sure we have all the toys needed, but we also have to make sure we actually know how to use the toys, and that they work properly. A backpack would not be too effective if the first time we try it with weight a strap breaks. So even an Idiot might try things out before the actual hike. Especially the basic necessities. The pack. The stove. The home away from home. Maybe even ourselves. There is nothing worse than trying to set up the sleeping quarters after a long day of self-abuse, only to realize you actually don’t know how to.
This is NOT the voice of experience … I swear!
It seems that Maytag recently went into the shop himself, but all indications are he will be back to full working order come marching time. But before he went in, he tried out the home in a bag. I have to admit, his setup is a bit more high-tech than I have chosen … I do not envy him having to carry that TV. Maybe the pup will help.
ONE TENT:
I did not really get to test my abode until today. It is not truly freestanding so needed to be properly set up outside. It seems my mother did not like the idea of me hammering tent stakes into the floor. Fortunately my tent practically sets itself up. Well once I figured out HOW it actually worked, since I could not find the instructions. They were right there in the stake bag I couldn’t use in the house. The first attempt took only a little over two hours. The second attempt mere seconds …
TWO TENSE ( er … um … TENTS?)
It may not be that intense just yet, but soon enough we will be … (giggle-snort again)!
(Sigh.) What a bunch of pansies! Tents with windows, lotsa lightweight nylon, aluminum stakes? Man up, grab some canvas, and whittle yer own dang tent pegs! You ain’t LIVED until you’ve tried to wrestle four connected triangles into a rough pyramid shape, supported by 3 interlocking sticks that don’t lock, while your butt’s gettin’ soaked in the rain. All the while with an 8-pound rifle clunkin’ ya in the back of the head and 20 pounds of gear hangin’ off ya! Weaklings, I tells ya.
Seriously, if you have the room, take a single piece of canvas, about 8’x10′. Make sure it’s made of natural fibers, then get yourself a can of Thompson’s WaterSeal, pour it into a bucket, and dump the canvas in for a week or so. You can use it as a ground cloth, a poncho, an emergency tent (just pitch it over a line stung between two trees), a blanket, or even a hide to store food up off the ground so critters don’t get into it.
And a Merry Christmas to you and yours, sir!
I’ve been tempted to forgo bringing anything beyond a big knife and some string. I can get all my supplies on the road, animal skins and such for clothing, sleeping bag and tent. I figure a couple of decent size bears should do the trick!
Actually a good all purpose tarp can come in handy! Another good call there. Gotta look into finding a decent one that does not add another thirty pounds to my pack haha.
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours as well! 🙂