Surly official camping and backpacking thread

[Bone3421 716]

Found online that trail is closed from molas pass to durango....not sure what you decided tacky but looks like southern colorado is out

Appearing like i wont bother with trail this year....might monitor for a bit and see if i just want to do the collegiate loop

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[Ebeye 117]

1 hour ago, Bone3421 said:

Ok sorry...think i misread ...as of now segment 27 is closed is all i can find



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Segments 25-29 are closed now due to fire. 

 

[Ebeye 117]

23 minutes ago, Bone3421 said:

Found online that trail is closed from molas pass to durango....not sure what you decided tacky but looks like southern colorado is out

Appearing like i wont bother with trail this year....might monitor for a bit and see if i just want to do the collegiate loop

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Definitely do the loop. It will kick your ass still, be epic, and provide some amazing scenery. 

[Bone3421 716]

Yeah that appears to be the plan...definitely need some mountains after planning and reading for 5 months

Lighter food and water carries since i can just hit all the towns on the loop

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[Saint Tacky 1647]

Durango is our non-BSA target (or, was).  We are eyeballing what's going on up there very closely. 

My personal preference is Northern Tier, but a couple of the kids on our Philmont trek just did Northern Tier last summer and aren't as anxious to go as we are.  We've been up there for Okpik, so we know the scenery and can imagine how difficult it would be.  

Another option would be to call Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch between Balmorhea and Fort Davis and ask if we could come out there and do their boundary trail.

Edited June 10, 2018 by Saint Tacky
added BTSR

[Txlc 10]

FYI, our troop is going to BTSR this month and they have closed off most of the spring and camping sites for repairs.


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[Saint Tacky 1647]

23 minutes ago, Txlc said:

FYI, our troop is going to BTSR this month and they have closed off most of the spring and camping sites for repairs.


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Our Troop enjoyed BTSR so much last summer, that they wanted to go back this summer; however, the "boy led Troop" was hijacked by a Mom with an agenda and they are going to Constantine. 

We were caught in a flash-flood on a trek to "the Needle" and 99% of the kids will tell you it was their favorite part of the entire trip.  Thanks for the heads-up.

[Txlc 10]

Funny how you never know what the scouts will enjoy the most. We did Constantine a while back and all the adult leaders hated it. The scouts thought it was great. Good luck with your trip this summer.


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[Biff Tannen 46061]

14 hours ago, Bone3421 said:

Yeah that appears to be the plan...definitely need some mountains after planning and reading for 5 months

Lighter food and water carries since i can just hit all the towns on the loop

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Sucks that your thru-hike got derailed, but that's part of the journey I guess.  Adaptation.  Definitely do Collegiate Loop.

[Bone3421 716]

Yeah sucks biff... But cant complain with bigger stuff going on...can hopefully thru hike next year or something

Just from a hikers perspective i hope it didnt/doesnt get much of the trail.

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[Bone3421 716]

Molas pass to durango closed until july 31st or otherwise stated....

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[Ebeye 117]

They are actually getting ready to close off the entire San Juan National Forest because of the fires and further fire danger.

 

https://www.outtherecolorado.com/breaking-san-juan-national-forest-to-close-to-public/

Edited June 12, 2018 by Ebeye
Added link

[Biff Tannen 46061]

49 minutes ago, Ebeye said:

They are actually getting ready to close off the entire San Juan National Forest because of the fires and further fire danger.

 

https://www.outtherecolorado.com/breaking-san-juan-national-forest-to-close-to-public/

Damn.  That's going to screw some CDT hikers too I'm sure.

[Bone3421 716]

Yeah hiking is shot this year

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[MissingInAction 25478]

Headed to McKinney falls for the first time next Monday.  Anything I should look for or can't miss sites?

[Amos Moses 795]

I'm making a quick trip to Taos at the end of the month.  There are probably some comments in this thread but I thought I'd ask for recommendations on trails/hikes for day trips.   

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

I'm making a quick trip to Taos at the end of the month.  There are probably some comments in this thread but I thought I'd ask for recommendations on trails/hikes for day trips.   

Summit Wheeler Peak. I did it a few months
back.

[Sbbruin 22082]

Since we don't have a dedicated Boy Scout thread, I'll post here.  At last night's Court of Honor, it was announced that our troop is going to allow girls starting in 2019.  It is being driven by 2 dads.  They approached the Greater LA council, who then shoved it down our troops throat.  It will be very interesting to see how it will work.  It has not been decided if they will form a separate patrol withing the troop or be integrated into existing patrols.  

Another sign that I am losing my America.

[Biff Tannen 46061]

1 hour ago, Sbbruin said:

Since we don't have a dedicated Boy Scout thread, I'll post here.  At last night's Court of Honor, it was announced that our troop is going to allow girls starting in 2019.  It is being driven by 2 dads.  They approached the Greater LA council, who then shoved it down our troops throat.  It will be very interesting to see how it will work.  It has not been decided if they will form a separate patrol withing the troop or be integrated into existing patrols.  

Another sign that I am losing my America.

I'm sure you'll be ok.

[Chuychanga 134]

Scouting thread

 

[Bone3421 716]

Just putting it out there that since the fires ruined my thru hike i decided im not going to do collegiate loop either

Want to do it all in one go instead of getting to the loop and being like i have already done this...plus my car going in shop took a chunk of my $$$

So have another year to wait

[Biff Tannen 46061]

18 minutes ago, Bone3421 said:

Just putting it out there that since the fires ruined my thru hike i decided im not going to do collegiate loop either

Want to do it all in one go instead of getting to the loop and being like i have already done this...plus my car going in shop took a chunk of my $$$

So have another year to wait

Ah drag.  At least you have time to really refine your gear now. 

I'm heading to Mt Rainier next week, but just for a day.  Will try to remember to post pics anyway.

[Bone3421 716]

Yeah...sucks ...i was in my car and on the road when transmission started acting up...good thing i guess since fires started getting news about then

[davidg 4057]

4 hours ago, Sbbruin said:

Since we don't have a dedicated Boy Scout thread, I'll post here.  At last night's Court of Honor, it was announced that our troop is going to allow girls starting in 2019.  It is being driven by 2 dads.  They approached the Greater LA council, who then shoved it down our troops throat.  It will be very interesting to see how it will work.  It has not been decided if they will form a separate patrol withing the troop or be integrated into existing patrols.  

Another sign that I am losing my America.

Its probably stated in the other thread but girls in BSA require their own troop/patrols/scoutmaster.  Girl and Boy troops within a chartered org can share a committee but thats about it.  They can't just join a regular troop and be put into a patrol. 

Only Venturing (age 14-21) is co-ed.

This graphic explains it fairly well.

https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Family-Scouting_Infographic_v10-1.pdf

 

Edited June 21, 2018 by davidg

[Sbbruin 22082]

15 minutes ago, davidg said:

Its probably stated in the other thread but girls in BSA require their own troop/patrols/scoutmaster.  Girl and Boy troops within a chartered org can share a committee but thats about it.  They can't just join a regular troop and be put into a patrol. 

Only Venturing (age 14-21) is co-ed.

This graphic explains it fairly well.

https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Family-Scouting_Infographic_v10-1.pdf

 

This is very interesting, and I am quite certain our Troop leader is not aware of this.  Thanks.

[Chuychanga 134]

School me on Big Bend  walk up campsites in the Basin. What’s the best strategy for getting one?  Check in time is 1pm according to the website.  If we are there right at 1pm will it be a madhouse of folks running to campsites to claim them?  Do you claim it by plopping your stuff on it or at an office?  What should I do to increase my chances of getting the spot I want?

thanks

[Bone3421 716]

You want the ones by the parking lot or they ones you have to hike up to?

If ones by lot i would put gear on spot early and then head to office and request that spot

The ones up the trail a bit i would go to office first before you carry gear up

If office gives you a spot but someone else claimed it you would get spot

[Bone3421 716]

But not sure of demand for summertime big bend so not sure if it will be to problematic...went in February and they said only had spots that required 4wheel drive but found a spot with marker about 2 miles up pinnacle trail

[Chuychanga 134]

Thanks. I’m looking for a tent site on any of the car loops in the basin.   My kids and I may do a back country site on the south rim one night but I think I know the process for that: get a reservation in person the day prior, 1st come 1st served.  But my Dad is going to stay in the basin campground while we do that.  Every reservable site is booked, so the walk-up only non-reserveable sites (not to be confused with the back country hike-in sites)  are my only option.  Check in time is 1pm, check out time is noon.  I guess we’ll just show up in the late morning and see what’s open and who may be leaving.  

 

[Bone3421 716]

Yeah thats the best bet for walk ups...try to get to the basin say around 10 and see what's up

[stupidgringo 66]

Chuy, what day of the week are you arriving? If it's a weekday, including Friday, you shouldn't have a problem at or before 1:00 pm.

In 2016, I had 5+ sites to choose from at 3:00 pm on Friday of July 4th weekend. You may not have a wide selection, but you should get a spot. The process is to pick your site and register/pay at the self-serve box at the entrance to the campground area.

Summertime demand is low in Big Bend. Most folks don't realize that the daytime highs in the basin are a dry 90, and the nights are cool.

[Chuychanga 134]

I originally planned on arriving Saturday but now I’m thinking we’ll move it up,a day to arrive Friday.  I know this isn’t the busiest season but I don’t like not having a solid plan.  

[Txlc 10]

I am taking a weeks vacation up to Pagosa Springs for the 4th of July. Looking to do some day hikes/fishing and willing to drive a few hours if needed. What would y'all recommend as must see/do ?

[Saint Tacky 1647]

On 6/21/2018 at 11:19 AM, Sbbruin said:

Since we don't have a dedicated Boy Scout thread, I'll post here.  At last night's Court of Honor, it was announced that our troop is going to allow girls starting in 2019.  It is being driven by 2 dads.  They approached the Greater LA council, who then shoved it down our troops throat.  It will be very interesting to see how it will work.  It has not been decided if they will form a separate patrol withing the troop or be integrated into existing patrols.  

Another sign that I am losing my America.

There are actually four Scout programs that are co-ed.  Venturer Guides, Sea Scouting, Exploring, and Learning for Life. 

Nothing will change and the sky isn't falling.  I tell parents in our Troop that if you believe in Scouting, then you must believe that spreading the ideology, challenges, and advantages of Scouting is a good thing.  The world needs more people that believe in and abide by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, not less.

Let me know how it goes.

[dingleberryswitzer 2724]

No talk of that dad getting murdered in his tent?  Jesus fuck that's scary.   (Although who knows if it was random) 

Anyways, I always thought there to be a code in camping,  otherwise you wouldn't be able to leave hundreds of dollars of gear left unattended, or you wouldn't be able to sleep knowing there's nothing between you an an serial killer but  a thin nylon fabric.  

 

[Saint Tacky 1647]

Now taking suggestions for a trek for our Scout Troop over the long-weekend preceding Thanksgiving .  We typically go out to Palo Duro Canyon, and are thinking about substituting McKittrick Canyon/Guadalupe Peak instead, but I'm all ears.  Must be within driving distance of DFW (within 10 hours, because per BSA "[d]riving time is limited to a maximum of 10 hours in one 24-hour period regardless of the number of drivers available).   Also, we are doing Eagle Rock Loop in February 2019, so that's out.  THANKS

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

Now taking suggestions for a trek for our Scout Troop over the long-weekend preceding Thanksgiving .  We typically go out to Palo Duro Canyon, and are thinking about substituting McKittrick Canyon/Guadalupe Peak instead, but I'm all ears.  Must be within driving distance of DFW (within 10 hours, because per BSA "[d]riving time is limited to a maximum of 10 hours in one 24-hour period regardless of the number of drivers available).   Also, we are doing Eagle Rock Loop in February 2019, so that's out.  THANKS

What is the size of the troop?

[Saint Tacky 1647]

Depends on the trek.  For instance, last year we split the troop and let the younger kids do Guadalupe Peak, and the older kids did the canyon. So, we had about 18 kids total.  If it's too daunting, or if there's not an easier option, the younger kids will stay home and we'll get about 9 or 10 older kids going.

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

I was just gonna say that GUMO does have several backcountry campgrounds, all of varying sizes. Depending on number of tents you could maybe find one that would fit everyone, if not you could split up into two groups like you said, but it sounds like you probably know this already.

 

Trying to do something in Big Bend might be a little tough, unless you do primitive sites.

[Chuychanga 134]

Loooonnnng post!  Lots of pics! 

TL/DR: Desert, mountains, backpacks, sunrise...

 

Here's a few pics from my Big Bend trip last week.  

It was my Dad, my two sons ages 10 and 13, and myself.  Drove to Marathon Thursday afternoon, and spent the night there to arrive in the park at a decent time Friday morning.  The campground in the Basin was wide open but it filled up by Saturday evening.  Slept under the stars most nights except a few dashes into the tent during short rain showers and one night through a decent thunderstorm.  Highs in the 80's in the Basin, lows in the upper 60's.  Except the desert, out there it was hot as balls.

Day 1: Set up camp, beer and nap in the shade, then the Lost Mine Trail.  I'd never done it.  The Window has always been my "get used to hiking again" warm up hike.  Skipped it this year and did Lost Mine instead.  Good call, can't believe in all my times going out there I'd never done it.  The views at the far end looking south rival those on the South Rim even if there are't as many of those views.  

Day 2:  Had a storm that night and woke up to an evil-looking fog rolling in over and around Casa Grande.  It was eerie to watch.  We drove across the park and hiked around and up a little hill over-looking the river near Rio Grand Village.  Saw a million centipedes, which the kids got a kick out of.  Then we headed to the river crossing at Boquillas, took the row boat across, rented horses and rode to town for lunch.  I was planning on us walking to town and I assumed the locals were just trying to get some business when they recommended the horses due to the high water at the creek crossing.  But they were right, as we crossed the waist-deep muddy creek I was glad we were on the horses.  Had a great meal at Boquillas Cafe.  I had cabrito tacos, my older son had pollo enchiladas, and my younger son had tamales, my Pop had a combo plate.  It was loved by all.  After lunch we rode back, crossed back over, and went to the hot springs.  Meh... it felt good to get somewhat clean but it was too crowded.  Didn't stay long.  Headed over to Ernst Tinaja.  This place is under-rated.  It's one of the coolest places in the Park!  I don't know why it's not featured more in park photos.  I find it far more fascinating that the view from the Window or the Balanced Rock pics you always see on BBNP book covers and memorabilia.  It's a few miles up from the southern end of Old Ore Road and then a 1/2 mile or so hike in.  Very cool flowy sedimentary rock formations in a narrowing slot with a pool in the middle.  No swimming though, the water is stagnant and the surface sits several feet under the rounded rock rim of the pool.  If you get in you aren't getting out without help from above.  

Day 3:  Drove to Santa Elena Canyon.  The Terlingua Creek crossing was about knee-high and we had to bushwhack a little to get to the trail, but we did it.  Poor planning on our part put us there in the heat of the afternoon but we sucked it up.  Rewarded ourselves with cold beer, cokes, and mexican food in Terlingua on the way back. 

Day 4:  My boys and I headed up to the South Rim.  Leaving from the Basin Trailhead we took Laguna Meadows up to the Rim and went east along the rim to the eastern edge.  Was hoping to see a bear or two, but only saw some deer.  The boys did great.  The older has backpacked a little bit, the younger one never has.   But both are athletic and adventurous.  I knew my oldest would have no problems and I was prepared to take everything out of the younger one's pack if he had problems.  He carried about 16 pounds initially but we drank the water out of his pack first so he was down to 11 pounds or so by the time we got up there.  The older boy carried about 20.  I carried 30-ish depending on the water situation.  They came though like champs.  It was 9 miles and up almost 2000'  that day.  We started when it was cool and were hot and worn out by midafternoon.  Took lots of breaks, drank lots of water, and got to the campsite about 3pm.  Chilled out, enjoyed the view, threw some rocks, cooked some Beef Stroganoff, watched 3 separate thunderstorms all pass by in the desert without hitting us, and slept under the stars about 20 feet from the edge of the rim.  The desert floor was almost 3000' below us.   It was a cold windy night and we woke up to a great sunrise. 

Day 5:  Hiked 7 miles down back to the Basin via Boot Canyon and Pinnacles.  Refilled with water at Boot Spring.  Uneventful hike other than more great views.  Got to the trailhead and got ice cream... and a cold beer or two.  We all had a terrible but satisfying steak in the lodge restaurant that night and then one more night under the stars in the campground.

Day 6: Up with the sun, packed up and gone by 8am for the drive home.

Every day since then:  Fuck this Austin humid heat!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Biff Tannen 46061]

Awesome.  Did you keep your campsite in the Basin when you went backpacking or did you have to find a new one when you got back?

[Chuychanga 134]

My dad stayed behind in our Basin campsite. 

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

Hell. Yes. Good job, dad!

Awesome stuff, Chuy.

[davidg 4057]

Great pics and report. Makes me want the head out today.

[The Royal We 3090]

Damn, that is so awesome, thanks for sharing.  I hope to do something similar when my boys get a little older - they are 5 and 8 currently.

[txhorns 2421]

I'm wanting to go up to Rocky Mountain National Park in a couple of weeks to camp.  Obviously the main campgrounds are already full.  Anyone know about what my chances would be to get a spot at Long's Peak Campground if I arrived on a Wednesday?

[Chewbacca 7827]

4 hours ago, txhorns said:

I'm wanting to go up to Rocky Mountain National Park in a couple of weeks to camp.  Obviously the main campgrounds are already full.  Anyone know about what my chances would be to get a spot at Long's Peak Campground if I arrived on a Wednesday?

Better than they would be arriving Friday.  But it is summer.  You'll likely have to take what is there.  

 

There is a great campground outside the park called Olive Ridge that you'll probably have better luck with.  And it's much nicer than the campgrounds in the park.

[txhorns 2421]

1 hour ago, Chewbacca said:

Better than they would be arriving Friday.  But it is summer.  You'll likely have to take what is there.  

 

There is a great campground outside the park called Olive Ridge that you'll probably have better luck with.  And it's much nicer than the campgrounds in the park.

I have stayed at Olive Ridge before.

[patrickdrinksbeer 810]

I'm wanting to go up to Rocky Mountain National Park in a couple of weeks to camp.  Obviously the main campgrounds are already full.  Anyone know about what my chances would be to get a spot at Long's Peak Campground if I arrived on a Wednesday?

i’ve rolled into Long’s Peak campground a couple times with no reservations. Just have to be there early. #8 has killer view.

[BillyBadAss 197]

I'm slowly buying gear for a 5 day Grand Canyon trip next Spring. 
The exact plan is not yet set, but will be hiking down day 1, spend several days hiking in the canyon, then back out. 

I've car-camped a lot, but never backpacked. 

Since I have time, I've been waiting on sales and deals and trying to get a good price/weight/quality balance. 

So far I have (which can all still be returned):
pack: REI flash 65 - 3#10oz ($99/sale)
tent: REI quarter dome 2 - 3#5oz ($244/sale)
pad: sea to summit UL insulated 15.5oz ($97/sale)

I don't have a sleeping bag yet, but considering the Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 deg quilt @20oz ($285). 

This puts me at 9#2.5oz  for my big 4. 
I weigh about 145. 

Do I need to lighten this up? Or am I doing ok so far? 

For an extra $100 I could shave 1#6oz on the tent with:
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 - 1#15oz - $350

Similarly, for backpack I could shave 15oz for $120 more with:
Osprey Exos 58 - 2#11oz - $220 

That would get me down to 6#13.5oz

I still have to buy all the rest of the gear I'll need, so am somewhat price sensitive, but don't want to cheap out at the expense of being miserable either.. 

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Edited July 14, 2018 by BillyBadAss