Two weekends ago we went for a short overnight backpacking trip on a section of the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) in New Brunswick. We have tried really hard to find things to like about New Brunswick, but so far - from a hiker/backpackers perspective - we have yet to find anything that really woos us.
The reason we chose New Brunswick this time is that the trail head was relatively close to where we live (a big plus when you are just doing a short trip), and there are no camping fees - the IAT in Quebec would cost us around $40 or $50 per night. There are other places where we could have gone around here that would not have cost us anything, but we decided against it considering it was in the middle of hunting season. So, New Brunswick it was.
We went in with no expectations other than the fact that we would be spending two days in the bush. Having no expectations turned out to be a good thing since the section of trail we had picked - unbeknownst to us - was built on an old rail bed (i.e. flat, wide, and doesn't go over any peaks). In other words, dull.
We still had fun, enjoyed the fall leaves and a morning snowfall, and managed to get a few decent photos. Not every trip has to be spectacular, what is important is getting out and doing it.
Comments
Holy cow! Guess carrying the
Holy cow! Guess carrying the second pack on the front wasn't an option? Thanks for your blog. It's inspirational (almost enough to get me off my unmotivated bum, which is saying something)
I tried it, and it just didn
I tried it, and it just didn't work very well on the front. No matter how you slice it, I don't think there is any comfortable way to carry two packs :-)
I see you have a new toy, Did
I see you have a new toy, Did they kick you out of the big tent:). Wonderful as ever to see families getting outside.
Very observant of you! With
Very observant of you! With kids continuing to grow like weeds - we knew it was inevitable - one tent is becoming cramped quarters for five. We finally decided to move to two tents, one two-man for the boys, and a three-man for the girls. So-far-so-good, although I am not certain I am all that satisfied with the 2-man choice at the moment.
In the phototgraph where you
In the phototgraph where you are kneeling by the A frame tarp it looks like you have something that reflects heat on the ground I'm wondering what it is. Where did you get? How much was it? And, do you recommend it?. Also how was sleeping under the tarp. Thanks for your time.
That is the Hyperlite
That is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II shelter system. It consists of both the tarp and the insert that you see in the photo there. It basically makes the tarp into a tent, complete with bathtub floor and bug-proof netting. It isn't reflective, it is made out of cuben fiber, which is a really lightweight and strong fabric originally invented for performance sailing.
Tarps are a little more difficult than tents to setup (although they get easy once you have experience), and they don't have as much headroom. The upside is a huge weight savings. Sleeping in this shelter is no different than a tent.
I am undecided if this is going to be a long term solution for us though - I really don't like the lack of headroom.
I love tarp "tenting"! My
I love tarp "tenting"! My husband sets it up between trees, at a higher height during the day time. Amazing, just with cord and a tarp. And poor you, those packs are HUGE! How long were you gone for?
We were just gone for an
We were just gone for an overnight. Our packs tend to be on the larger side because we are packing food, cooking gear, and shelter for five.
Love your way of living, we
Love your way of living, we have also 3 kids, we are gathering all the equipment we need to go out like you but we are having a hard time to find good equipment for our fast growing kids. My 2 questions are: what brand and model of backpack your children use, and what brand and model is the "puffy" jacket your children use?
Two of our three kids are
Two of our three kids are using GoLite Jam backpacks in small Women's sizes. The third is using a backpack that isn't available any more. We like the Jams, they have served us very well. The puffy jackets are made by Patagonia (I can't remember the model name), although I don't know that they are made any more - they have different models now.