Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2020 15:40:05 GMT -8
The plan was to get out for at least three winter trips in the mountains. I purchased a sleeping bag in anticipation of this. Here I sit, writing this article as February progresses, and I have not been out since October 12th, 2019.
Weather was a factor. A larger factor was the passing of my mother after her long battle with dementia. This is also why I’ve been absent from the forums.
The rest of February will be spent completing the move of my step-father into our house.
Life happens.
The following has been a typical week for me, absent my life events, as I’ve progressed through the months without making it to the mountains.
Sunday. I can feel my body dissolving into a lethargic state. I go out for a 2-mile jog/walk. A little weight lifting. Some stretching.
Monday. After work. I stare at my backpack. Then I look inside. All the things I packed from a canceled December trip are still there. Whew.
Tuesday. Another jog. More stretching.
Wednesday. I pull my new trekking poles out (Christmas present), and extend them. I wonder how long they’ll remain shiny and new. Forever, if I don’t get back out there.
Thursday. Life events prevent me from exercising (this could be any one of the days during the week). Later in the evening I look at my tent. I want to pull it out, but that’s just silly. Instead I move it to another location in my closet. There, that’s better.
Friday. Again no exercising. I inflate my sleeping pad and place it under my sheets. I slept on it that evening. Seriously. I did this. Yes, I am a 52-year old man. Two weeks later and it’s still there. It’s kind of comfortable.
Saturday. I go for a walk in my new hiking boots (another Christmas present). Merrells. They are nice. I’m pretty sure they will work great on those mountain trails. When I return from my walk I look at the sleeping bag I’ve never used. It’s hanging in my closet. I pull it down, pack it, and then throw my backpack on. All my water is still full. All my food is still there. I weigh my pack. No change since December.
Will I make it out in March? Maybe not. My hiking buddy is thinking mid to late April on a section of the AT in Georgia. The one we tried to hit at least three times this past winter. I’m worried about the AT thru-hiker bubble.
I will do that section. It’s morphed into a personal vendetta. If we have to hike SOBO against the grain of a hundred hikers, then so be it.
April. I’m ready for you.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Feb 11, 2020 16:38:21 GMT -8
I have other Winter activities to keep me busy and outdoors. As for your own situation, my sympathies for the loss of your Mother. it can't be easy moving your stepfather into your own home, because caring for the elderly is never easy. My best wishes for you and the rest of your family.
You'll make it out to use that Winter bag eventually, even if it is some other Winter. Keep your head up, and your plans open to change.
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 11, 2020 17:09:05 GMT -8
I hike more frequently during the winter, local day hikes in the forest preserves southwest of Chicago. Of course, it's more like exercise than really "getting out" for some bag nights. Nevertheless, I get my hiking fix.
I hike the least during summer months when my primary recreational activity is slowpitch softball. My 60 Major team is planning 8 tournaments this year, mostly in the Midwest but including Florida, Virginia (near DC), and Las Vegas.
Backpacking is for the cool months, mostly early spring & late fall.
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Post by trinity on Feb 11, 2020 19:10:40 GMT -8
I feel your pain, @jerrysc13 . I'm about your age, have a demanding job, and a 10 year old son. I'm not able to get out nearly as much as I'd like. The things that help keep me sane are this forum, researching gear, and planning future trips, even if they are long in the future. I am planning a trip in late June, probably to the Pecos or the Sangres, and a September trip to the Boundary Waters. Researching, planning, and anticipating these trips gives me something to look forward to, and keeps me sane. Getting trips on the calendar is key. It also helps that I live in central Texas, and the flyfishing will be picking up soon, which will keep me outside doing something I love. Sorry about your mom, and I hope things go well with your stepfather moving in, that can be very stressful.
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Post by hikerjer on Feb 11, 2020 19:38:16 GMT -8
I make every attempt to take long walks/short hikes near town.
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Post by alaskaskeeter on Feb 11, 2020 19:41:34 GMT -8
Sorry about your mom
Sorry about your mom...I lost my dad a few years ago.
I am blessed with a hilly neighborhood, so I hike with a weighted backback 3-5 days a week and hike twice the distance with no pack twice a week. Snowpacked rural roads with minimal traffic... I might see one vehicle in a 3-hour hike and they are neighbors who slow down and wave. I used to run daily as a morning routine, so now hiking with treking poles has replaced that routine.
I hike even if it is in the -20 to -30F range,the cold in interior Alaska is dry with no wind, so mittens and insulated hiking boots work fine along with a down tunnel hood. If it warms up above 0F, I go cross-country skiing or skijoring with my black lab.
I like experimenting with fine-tuning my backpack with 50 lbs and I enjoy a loop starting and ending at my house.
Sorry about your mom...hope you get out hiking soon. I am 63 years old and for me a long hike at least twice a week is needed for me to stay in shape. My hikes get gradually longer and longer towards backpacking season and I have time as I recently retired. I love hiking outdoors and I don't think I could handle the boredom of running in circles indoors, stairmaster, etc.
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balzaccom
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Waiting for spring...
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Post by balzaccom on Feb 11, 2020 21:35:18 GMT -8
A few thoughts:
1. Only time will help with the loss of your mom. Take the time to let that happen.
2. Hiking will also help. But it won't happen if you don't plan it. Schedule time, even if only an hour, to get out and hike.
3. I paint scenes of our hikes when I can't get out. Go through your photos. Post trip reports. Remember those good times.
4. When you get back from a hike, you won't be able to remember why you didn't want to get off the sofa. Get out.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Feb 12, 2020 5:42:04 GMT -8
Vitamin D, B12 and psychotherapy. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm 57, an only child, and lost both of my parents within 18 months a few years ago. My mother's death coincided with my son graduating from high school and moving out of state for college. I was suddenly all alone with my grief and it was a really difficult year. I credit my dog for keeping me sane. He got me outside to walk him every day. Many days I didn't feel like it, but he insisted. Hang in there. April will be here before you know it.
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desert dweller
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Post by desert dweller on Feb 12, 2020 5:59:42 GMT -8
I ride a bicycle 1500 miles a year to keep in physical shape. I talk about my hikes and show photos to anyone who is around to keep motivated and informed.
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
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Post by reuben on Feb 12, 2020 6:07:04 GMT -8
As others have mentioned, try little things like day hikes. Swimming, cycling, burpees and other body weight exercises, lifting weights... anything that keeps you active. Something is better than nothing. I typically go on a day hike each weekend. It helps my mental health as well.
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walkswithblackflies
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Feb 12, 2020 6:36:04 GMT -8
I hear ya brother. Demanding job, kids, etc... my backpacking has all but withered up. In lieu of backpacking, I've taken up trail running. I get out in nature, and I can cover 12-18 miles on a Sunday morning while the family is at church (the woods are my church). Sometimes I just go for an ol' fashioned dayhike or bushwhack locally. Thankfully, I live in an area that has many possibilities, so I don't get bored with the same areas. Last year, I section-ran parts of the Finger Lakes Trail. I'll continue that this coming year.
But back to the subject of backpacking: on my second to last backpacking trip, my backpack got destroyed by mice. I MacGuyver-ed it together and it survived the remainder of the trip. But there it hangs in my basement. I haven't had it fixed. I haven't bought a new one. It taunts me. And I allow it to, because I'm weak, and it provides an excuse as to why I haven't been backpacking in years.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Feb 12, 2020 6:49:16 GMT -8
I inflate my sleeping pad and place it under my sheets. I slept on it that evening. Seriously. I did this. I periodically sleep inside on the floor or outside on the deck with a CCF pad and sleeping bag. No shame in that.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Feb 12, 2020 7:14:05 GMT -8
I hike year round. There's also snowshoeing, and I have a treadmill for days I can't get out.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Feb 12, 2020 7:34:37 GMT -8
I haven't been out hiking in too long myself. I love snowshoeing in winter and just take shorter winter hikes. I also joined a rock climbing gym so I can get good all over exercise without feeling like I am grinding at the gym.
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cweston
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Post by cweston on Feb 12, 2020 8:55:59 GMT -8
1. Integrate "regular life" and hiking as much as possible. For many years, I walked to/from work. A parent can take a child on extended walks. Or walk the dog in more hike-like settings instead of just around the block, etc. I only get out backpacking a few times a year, but I try to integrate hike-like activities as often as possible.
2. Lots of mapsturbation. I've spent countless hours over the years casually planning trips that never make it past the casual planning stage.
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