What Difference a Year Makes

Last year at this time I was fitting with the Deer ticks. This year I have treated my self with a new pack. This one is very close in size to my old external frame pack, but the new on is MUCH lighter. It's a High Sierra Explorer 55, I really like the features and functions of this pack. The only downside is that if the pack is not completely full, the top doesn't seem to fit exactly right. I'm going to have to experiment a bit.


Its funny, I packed the new pack with everything that I normally carry and the total pack weight has decreased to 32 lbs. rather then the 48 lbs with the old pack.

I have determined that with an internal frame pack, you need to pack as much as you can in compression sacks to minimise the space taken by the equipment.


I figure with compression sacks, I may be able to get both the bag and the small tent in the lower compartment. That will leave more space in the main compartment for the rest of the gear.

I also determined that I can get my old ThermoRest into a small stuff sack if a fold it in half that's going to save even more space in the main compartment.

This new pack is SO much more comfortable than the old external frame. Can't wait to use it on the next trip. That should be late July or mid August. We'll see.

Late May Trip

Another trip to Nordhouse Dunes the week before Memorial day week. Overall not a bad trip, could have used a little warmer weather though. Days ranged in the upper fifties and nights in the low to mid thirties.

What a difference couple of days make. This is the beach on Sunday when I arrived. Mid Fifties and really windy on the beach. Back a camp I was sheltered from the wind so the temps seemed warmer.






This was the beach on Tuesday. Calm and warm. Temps were in the mid sixties. It was worth the walk toward Au Sauble point. Didn't make it all the way, under estimated the distance like always.






Did make it far enough to see the top of the lighthouse though.

No pictures on Monday. Spent the day fixing the stove. I have determined the the MSR Whisperlite will not run on standard no-lead fuel. My day Monday was to pack out and go to town for White Gas. Makes all the difference in the world.



Real bummer, no good sunsets this trip. Maybe next time. Hope to be at the end of July or mid-August.