Quick update, I managed to come home from vacation a pound lighter than when I left. Good time with friends in sunriver for the pacific crest triathlon. Maybe next year I'll participate. I worked all weekend and the decided to do a quick overnight backpack into the high country.
A timely tip talked me out the trail I was planning on and I'm glad I went this route. I filled my pack even though I would be in there less than 24 hours. I had some gear I wanted to test and I wanted to feel the weight of a full pack.
The MRE's are a no go. Too heavy, taste terrible, and way too much trash to pack after. I ate about a third of this and didn't try the mt house meals. A cheese stick and some pecans and water is about all I had and I was fine.
The MSR water filter worked great but it's heavy and takes up a lot of room. My sleep system there is a big Agnes farwell with inflatable mat, stuffed inside my bivy. I decided I'm a tent guy after last night.
The views were incredible and the weather was perfect. And finally, I am putting eyes on elk. I saw 35-40 elk, heard a couple bulls bugling but they were hanging back in the timber. Got some footage with my iPhone of a little spike and some cows and calves.
Every cow seemed to have a calf or two. They seen to be doing well.
I learned a lot about my gear and what I want to swap out. I also learned how far I still have to go physically to hunt like this. I only did 5 miles and the pack was feeling heavy.
I also realized I am uncomfortable in the woods a bit. I wouldn't think twice about paddling my kayak into the Columbia at 3:00 am in 20 degree weather, but I was a bit freaked out about backpacking and sleeping in strange country alone. I didn't love that part, maybe if grows on you. Also, glassing is brutal! Freezing and boring! It was hard for me to do that, I'd rather hike around.
Saw this, I think it's from a dog but it was made overnight outside my camp and there was no one else up there.
I'll try to post that video of the elk, tapatalk won't seem to do it. This week is bow work and hopefully another trip up there next Monday.
