Five days in the woods away from the office!

[JackOfAllTrades]

Having grown up in Alaska I don't get your safety concern about the wolves. They are common up there. It was interesting to read the whole country boy bit and then have it followed by the "fear of wolves" bit. LOL!

Well, I didn't grow up in Alaska.  And please don't confuse fear with 'concern'. How many people hike at night in Alaska? Coastal browns and moose would be concerning on the trail at night, and wolves.  I have the gun. I'm not afraid. But with wolves moving through valleys finding food, I believe it is only a matter of time before there is a human/wolf encounter in the northwest. Numbers of people in the woods with more wolves breeding/coming down from Canada suggest an increasing probability. Don't get me wrong. This wasn't intended to become a wolf thread. I have a great respect for them though. They are very intellegent, cunning, efficient killers with family hirarchy much the same as primates. I don't think we see that with any other mammal in the states.
 
Thanks for the book suggestion.
-Steve

[JackOfAllTrades]

Here is an AWESOME backpacking stove for those concerned with weight... It's called an Esbit Stove

I prefer the convenience of a canister stove. (and I can't stand the smell of the esbit tabs.) 
 
-Steve

[Chesapeake]

Having grown up in Alaska I don't get your safety concern about the wolves. They are common up there. It was interesting to read the whole country boy bit and then have it followed by the "fear of wolves" bit. LOL!

Well, I didn't grow up in Alaska.  And please don't confuse fear with 'concern'. How many people hike at night in Alaska? Coastal browns and moose would be concerning on the trail at night, and wolves.  I have the gun. I'm not afraid. But with wolves moving through valleys finding food, I believe it is only a matter of time before there is a human/wolf encounter in the northwest. Numbers of people in the woods with more wolves breeding/coming down from Canada suggest an increasing probability. Don't get me wrong. This wasn't intended to become a wolf thread. I have a great respect for them though. They are very intellegent, cunning, efficient killers with family hirarchy much the same as primates. I don't think we see that with any other mammal in the states.
 
Thanks for the book suggestion.
-Steve

I meant it in a light hearted, laugh with you about the phrasing, kind of way. Not a serious, that guys afraid of wolves, sort of way. Hard to get "light hearted" to come out in print.
Lots of folks hike at night in Alaska. During hunting/trapping seasons in the fall the days are short and nights long. Not much choice but to do stuff in the dark.