Hiking: June 2005 Archives

I recently did a little camping in the rain with the usual suspect and first time backpacker, his wife. We didn't have the best weather for camping but the trip turned out fine in the end. We did about 10 miles on the SHTA behind Silver Bay, Minnesota.

The walk to Bear and Bean Lakes ordinarily has some great views from the ridgeline overlooking the lakes and the forests. Unfortunately, it was so foggy and rainy that there wasn't much to see on Saturday, although we did get to see it coming out on Sunday.

I always wondered how well my gear would do in the rain. I managed pretty well, although I wouldn't really want to be out in a cold rain for too many days with my current gear. The poncho makes a decent leanto, although then of course I don't have a poncho anymore, which is a problem. I also wished I would have put on my hefty pack cover a lot sooner. I kept thinking the rain would let up. By the time I realized it wasn't going to let up, there was no point on covering the pack anymore.

Getting outside and taking a longer walk does wonders for my mood and my soul. I need to figure out ways to do it more often.

Getting ready to hike out in the morning.

If you need a larger version of this suitable for framing, let me know.

Foggy Lake Superior Shoreline.

Photo showing the poncho and a tarp set up for a rain shelter. It really was nice to have some place to get out of the rain without being in the tent.

Here are some ideas, based on this weekend trip, for introducing someone to backpacking for the first time.

1. Only go if the weather is perfect.
2. Make sure that the walk is in the 1-3 mile range if possible.
3. Have some clear understanding of how to communicate comfort level for all participants.
4. Keep expectation low.
5. Exceed expectations.