A Little Hike to the Beach

Here is a video posted in the last 3 month showing an overnight backpack trip to the beach, it includes some history and some very unique and large trees .  What a cool way to end your trip, on a beach.  

Skyline to the Sea: From Castle Rock to Waddell Beach from Ryan Commons on Vimeo.

Aasgard Pass

Aasgard Pass - Photo provided by Summit Post.org

Here is a hike that I think is worth taking but is not for the out of shape or faint of heart.  Aasgard Pass can be reach by two routes.  The first is through Snow Lakes, a much longer route but not as steep and possible less dangerous.  The second route is up through Lake Colchuck, this is the quickest route to the top but certainly not the safest.  People have died in Aasgard Pass. 

The trail to Lake Colchuck is about 5 miles long and the last mile or two climbs through the trees in a punishing series of switchbacks.  Lake Colchuck is a beautiful turquoise colored body of water the color is much more noticeable from the heights of Aasgard.  

Climbing, and I mean climbing, Aasgard Pass takes time and commitment.  The trail starts at the end of Lake Colchuck and winds its way along the left side of the pass, the right side has a stream flowing down it and should be avoided especially when there is snow over it, a lady died in 2010 when she fell through the snow and into the stream.  The trail is marked by a series of cairns, a man made pile of rocks.  There is no exact route and many people have built their own cairn, just make sure to stay on the left side of the pass and keep moving upward.  

Aasgard pass is the high point along the trail to the Enchantments and also requires a permit to access.  Make sure to get a pass because the wilderness rangers will find you.  This is definitely a worth while hike and you will get, in my opinion, one of the best scenic views in the Pacific Northwest.

Walking the PCT

Photo by Noah Strycker

The Pacific Crest Trail is a trip I have always wanted to do myself after having done some of the very scenic sections around Glacier Peak (The most remote of the Cascade Volcanoes and the most unknown).  

Noah Strycker an ornithologist (someone who watches and studies birds) has completed one of my dream trips in 123 days averaging 21.6 miles a day.  He began the trip at the border of Mexico on May 19 and finished four months later.  According to Noah more than 300 people started the trip and only about 30 or 40 will finish this year because of the deeper then usual snow pack.  

Noah also walked through five pairs of running shoes, not really my choice of hiking shoes because of the lack of ankle support, but they worked well for him.  He did however walk the last 100 miles of the Sierra Nevada's with holes which his toes had worn through.  

If the chance to either make enough money to be independently wealthy and therefore have the time or retirement, I once met a 60 year old couple doing the whole trail, I will be strapping on my backpack for a long summer of hiking along the PCT in the footsteps of Noah, because this is an adventure worth having.  If you would like to read more about Noah's and his trips you can pick up his story at Noah Strycker Birder at Large.

How to Pack your Backpack

Part of the reason for this blog is to teach people how to get outdoors.  This video was placed on Youtube by Outdoor Research, a provider of outdoor gear.  It is very well made and Matt, the narrator, is very well spoken and succinct.

 

Making Oatmeal for Outdoors

As saving money these days is very important and the desire to get out and explore still exists the need to find cheaper solutions to food becomes paramount.  Making your favorite variety of oatmeal is both easy and cheap, and all that will be require in the field is to add water.

Recipe for Oatmeal.

1) 1/2 cup of Quick Oats

2) 1 Tablespoon of margarine/butter.

Optional ingredients 

1) 1 Tablespoon of Brown Sugar

2) 1 Teaspoon of cinnamon 

3) 2 Tablespoons of Raisins

4) 2 Tablespoons of Apple Chips

5) Huckleberry (if they are in season)
6) Salmon Berry (if they are in season)

These are my favorite additives but there are plenty of others only your imagination will limit you.

Put your ingredients into individual sized Ziplock bags.  When you are ready to eat heat your water and add to the bag and let sit for a minute to allow the Oats to absorb the water then eat and enjoy.

Backpacking Cat

I found this video on youtube.  The man took his cat on a 9000 miles backpack trip from Miami to Argentina.  The trip would be exciting however, not so sure about packing a cat for that distance.  Cat's are not really as useful on a trip as a dog.