Going off for more than a day or two with all food, water, and shelter on yr. back is a big deal, at least for me. The very idea of being independent of cars, buildings, and people is exhilarating, but also serious. No backup. I learned a lot:
Go lighter. Here are a few lightweight items I learned about for this trip: clockwise from top left: Snowpeak titanium pot, nesting cup, 4″ x 5,” from REI; blue propane tank and Snowpeak Gigapower tiny stove – fits in white box, 1-1/2 x 2 x 3-1/2,” ignition starter; Thermarest Neolite Xlite mattress — ultralight, comfy (buy from Zappos); lower left, Solo Stove, wood burning survival stove, the alternative to gas or propane, boils water fast with twigs. Plus Kevin Kelly says he just discovered an ultrlight stand-alone tent, which he ‘s going to put on Cool Tools.
More water. A lot more. Plus, I think, electrolytes.
Go slower. Afterwards I realized I was going non-stop. Over 10 hours the 1st day. I need more down (explore) time.
Beach Camping has its own specific requirements. Tides, wind, scarcity of water
Future trips: Doing this opened up the world of walking cross-country to me. Soon I’ll go from my doorstep into San Francisco. Swim across Bolinas channel (this channel I can handle!), then to the Golden Gate Bridge completely on trails, no pavement. This’ll be a cinch after my trip. Maybe 6 hours. Another trip in future: hike the Lost Coast in Humboldt County…
When you do your Humboldt journey be sure to watch for trip wires & such – lotta 'subversive' farming going on around there….
Lloyd – Gatorade comes in a powdered form found in most grocery stores; electrolytes and carbs in a very lightweight form.
You might want to check out Andrew Skurka. He's written a book about lightweight hiking based upon his experience doing some really big hikes.
You'll be cutting down your toothbrush before you know it !
Welcome to the world of gram weenies
Cheers
Rich
Hi Lloyd
One of the blogs I enjoy following for lightweight camping tales, photos and kit is The Secret Camper http://thesecretcamper.blogspot.co.uk
Hope you don't mind but I thought I would put a link on here for your interest (and of course for any like minded souls). The authour has an infectious enthusiasm and a great recipe for sloe gin!
Best regards
Owl
Lloyd
No idea what Martin is talking about in regards to "trip wires". Hiking the Lost Coast from Mattole to Shelter Cove keeps you on the beach the entire time. The boys are not typically growing pot in the sand. Duh. I have some very interesting tidbits on this hike, as I know this area very well. Let me know if you want me to shoot you an email, you will be interested in a few things I can share and a few photos that I cannot put online……..
Anon, Sure, would like tips. like how long a beach stretch? Have been in that area several times, but
didn't think of doing it on foot. It's a natural.
Lloyd –
Some friends and I start the lost coast trail this coming sunday – shooting a film along the way.
http://www.lostcoastfilm.com
I think you'd be interested in some of the other projects Slowboat Films has worked on as well – check it out and enjoy.
Thanks for the great blog.
Lloyd-
You might want to check out the Jet Boil stove as well. The stove and fuel fit inside the cup.
Love the blog and your books.
Dave
fergit the stove – use twigs – carry cotton balls w/vaseline for firestarter if needed in wet areas
goats can carry much, are companionable, and can thrive where other pack animals would starve – mebbe a pack goat rental in your area of interest?
and, they are very aware of things long before you are – but don't care for water crossings
thanks for sharing...