My wife has a pacemaker and hikes with a backpack almost everyday. She has adjusted the pack so the strap is not directly on top of the pacemaker, but has had no problems with it. She is thin so...
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My wife has a pacemaker and hikes with a backpack almost everyday. She has adjusted the pack so the strap is not directly on top of the pacemaker, but has had no problems with it. She is thin so...
Coffee, you will have a great time. Have you watched "The Way?" It has scenes from that route.
If you have time at the end, don't overlook Porto, Portugal. You could take a day in Porto on...
I apologize that this thread has turned from a thumbs up for the Camino de Santiago to a discussion about whether or not one should take a commercial adventure. I want to make my position clear. ...
All of Feral Bill's suggestions are good. I would add the Coastal Trails in Olympic National Park and the Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Feral Bill mentioned the Wallows. That includes the Eagle Cap...
As I said, REI is a "luxury tour" more than a hike. It did involve hiking about 90 miles, but included a lot more than hiking. If one is on a tight budget, REI isn't the way to go, but if one has...
The REI trips are definitely "luxury" trips. They use the best guides, lodging and food. I have done 4 REI Trips and have enjoyed every one.
At this point in my life, I am spending my...
It has been a while since I posted here. I usually post about the Wonderland Trail, but I thought I would share about my most recent experience. I just completed the Camino de Santiago, Portugal...
Crampons would be "over kill," but I carry YakTrak type traction devices. You will probably use them crossing Pan Handle Gap, but no other place. With hiking poles, you will be ok without traction...
I can't form an opinion on this without more information. Is it possible that the intruder merely made a mistake and entered the wrong tent? Could the man who did the shooting have resolved the...
I agree with Feral Bill. The trail is heavily traveled and route finding isn't difficult.
I was on the Wonderland Trail on Sept 11, 2001. It snowed on me a couple of days. The snow showers...
You can check the NPS web site -- https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-and-backcountry-camp-conditions.htm
As of 7/5, the site is reporting that the trail is about 70% snow covered from...
September is my favorite time to hike the Wonderland. By then the rain has mostly stopped. You will likely see some snow.
How do you define a "combat veteran?" I flew more than 200 combat missions in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, but I didn't need any therapy when I returned. I love to hike, but I do it because I...
Before you take the rental car into Canada, make sure you have the right insurance.
One other day trip you should consider is a drive along the Skagit River. This is the time of year that the...
I have written an account of what my unit did. It will soon be printed in the Magazine for the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot's Association. Once it is printed, I will be glad to share a link. It isn't...
A few years ago, I was hiking the Wonderland Trail. I was on the steep slope between Mowich River and the Golden Lakes. The edge of the trail gave way and I fell over the edge. On the way down, my...
I flew CH-3 helicopters in Vietnam. They were called the "Jolly Green Giant" when they were used for rescue. My missions were to catch recon drones in the air after they returned from North...
Technically, it isn't a "beacon" but I prefer the Garmin InReach.
If your sole issue is getting rescued in an emergency, a true personal locator beacon is best. I carried one when I was a USAF...
Early June can be tricky because of the snow and mud in the Cascades.
The Sunrise and Mowich Lake entrances to Mt. Rainier National Park don't open until the end of June. That means that if you...
I have hiked both. The difference wasn't in the trail. It was in the pack. When I hiked to Barr Camp, I only carried the essential 10. When I hiked the CT I carried a heavy pack. My recollection...
I agree with those who have recommended getting a camera that weighs less, but if you do decide to take your heavy DSLR, this is the best way I found. I tried a number of different methods but...
I agree that the hike between Box Canyon and Longmire isn't as pretty as the rest. When I do day hikes, I hike to Summerland or Spray Park, but Kaplachie Park and Indian Bar are my favorite camp...
RockDoc, I am impressed. 35 miles with more than 10,000 feet of elevation gain in 13 hours is impressive. Not many of us could do it.
There is a Ranger Station at Mowich Lake, but I don't think they handle permits. The permits on the north side are at the Carbon River entrance.
RockDoc, I would be interested to hear how you would do the west side in day hikes. I consider myself to be a strong hiker, but I can't make it from Mowich Lake to Longmire or the West Side Road in...