Algonquintripper wrote:

Blobsquatch wrote:

Right now I'm aiming for mid-September. Will likely book a Friday off work, hike on the Highland into Provoking and set up base camp for the weekend, or if I'm feeling more energetic head to Ramona on the Western Uplands. I don't have enough vacation time to book a couple of more days and do a loop

Tracy

Given those option, I'd choose Provoking. Ramona has never impressed me. Other options you may consider for a weekender:
Clockwise on the WUT to Maple Leaf (Pretty lake but feeling the pressure from constant traffic), Little Hardy (seclusion - only one site) or Maggie.
On the Highland, to Faya (also only one site) or Head Lakes both would be in range.

Thank you for the suggestions, Dave! I'm going to carefully consider those options before booking sites. On the topic of site bookings, they filled up fast last year so if anyone is going, make sure you book well in advance.

Tracy

Speaking as one who has serious neck problems, I have suffered through multiple camping pillows. The MEC Backpacking pillow and the MEC Base Camp pillow both left me very sore in the morning.

I am currently using a Nemo Fillo Pillow which is a huge improvement, has memory foam and packs down nicely. It works so well I also bought the larger deluxe version for my bed at home.

Tracy

Thank you for letting us know about your ordeal. I'm sure you're glad you had man's best friend along as I'm guessing the two of you were able to share some body heat. Being someone who hikes solo without a dog I would not have had that advantage.
I'm curious, was the tent you were using that bad, or were the campsites just flooded to the point where water got in?

Tracy

ATVenture, that first photo of Kiosk is stunningly beautiful. Did you use a filter when taking that one?

RAB Silponcho. Though I haven't had occasion to actually use it yet, it's lightweight, gets great reviews and can double as a tarp.

Congratulations, folks! Thank you for your contributions.

$149 at SAIL.

Went to the show this morning. It was very busy and there was enough camping stuff to keep me interested.

I bought a couple of things that were good deals:
- 550 7 strand paracord from Boreal Ventures ($10 per 100 foot hank, and if you bought 4 they would give you a 5th at no charge).
- At ScoutTech's booth they had the Nemo Fillo Pillo Deluxe for $49, much less than I've seen it elsewhere.

I stopped by the Utah booth and talked to the lady there about Zion National Park (on my bucket list). She tells me it's only a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas Maybe that trip is closer than I thought it was.

 

Incredible, you were as cool as a cucumber. Not sure I would have been able to stay still during that close encounter. Thank you for sharing!