tell globetrotter where to go

[globetrotter]

some things fell through, and now I have about 10 days where I don't have any work travel planned, and my wife and kids are visiting my MIL. I am thinking of doing something more or less fun. I could hang out at home by myself, I literally haven't done that in more than 10 years. but I was more thinking of going wilderness camping. 5-9 days of camping was sort of what I was thinking about. the first thing that came to mind was to hike a piece of the apalachian trail. since I am in Chicago, I was looking at some closer options, but honestly nothing is that interesting, its all flat here.

I was also thinking about going out on a canoeing trip, maybe in the boundary waters in Minnesota. I've never been on a canoe camping trip, so I am sort of wondering if its a little foolhearty to do my first trip solo.

anyway, I am open to pretty much anything, so please throw out ideas.


oh, and my first thought was actually macho piccu, but its the crowded season.


thanks

 

[globetrotter]

hey, what the ****, nobody has any idea ?

 

[Kai]

Do you fly fish?

 

[lefty]

A solo canoe trip may be tough. Depends on the water and your ability to deal with whatever happens. "Whatever" can happen quite quickly. There are waters that may be easier to traverse, Adirondacks for example. Here is an outfitter I've used: http://www.canoeoutfitters.com/ and they lay out many 4-5 day trips.

Solo backcountry camping may be as tough if you haven't done it before. Kai is the best to advise you there, but it really depends on what you want to experience. Altitude? Hit Colorado. Desert? California. Passable waterways? North or east.

The other option is winging it. Grab a last minute flight deal with whatever carrier is near you. Rent a car and explore the area by doing some car camping/hiking.

lefty

 

[impolyt_one]

Since you're used to the per diem meals, you should go courage wolf and get a packable tent, a backpack, some firestarting supplies, and then challenge yourself to both hunt and eat for 10 days. No fishing allowed, straight red meat or fowl.

 

[Cary Grant]

If you have never canoed the boundary waters, don't go it alone unless you are terribly accomplished. And this time of year you have to really love Mosquitos and black flies.

Apostle Islands?

 

[globetrotter]

thanks - no, never fly fished, Kai.


I've done solo backpacking, that would be my default. I've done pieces of the Appalachian trail. I don't want anything way up above the tree line, maybe, but a hike that requires going up and down hills won't kill me.

I was a little concerned about the apostle islands, that would require being out on a big lake, and that does scare me to do alone.


thanks

 

[Gus]

Fly to SF, drive south to Big Sur. Backpack in the hills. You will meet a lot of cool people and see amazing scenery.

http://www.backpacker.com/september_2005_adventures_big_sur/destinations/9166

The weather is mixed this time of year. It can get a bit foggy or it can be nice an warm. Probably plan on a little of both. Best of all you don't need extreme gear, just good, smart lightweight stuff that if you don't own you can rent from REI.

 

[Gus]

While in Big Sur before or after backpacking stop at this historic inn http://www.deetjens.com/ for dinner or to stay for a night or two. It is very special and right down the road from Napenthe which is great for a meal and a view of the ocean. http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/

 

[globetrotter]

cool, thanks

 

[lefty]

Is this the next 10 days? If so, you're somewhat limited.

Big Sur is okay, but you have to drive through places like SanFo and Carmel and I'm not sure that's worth it.

If you want up and down try the high Sierras. Find a locale and an outfitter and start walking. You will not see anyone else for days. Downside is altitude and bears. Upside is this:



lefty

 

[fwiffo]

Don't the bears worry people here?

 

[lefty]

+




+




=




Besides, bears just want to party. Action picks up at 0:37.


lefty

 

[fwiffo]

What kind of gun is that? Won't it just piss it off more?

 

[Bounder]

+1 on the High Sierras. Wilderness camping around Big Sur? Well, I suppose if you want ironic hipster wilderness camping, sure.

But the High Sierras are something special. Go East Side or go home. The western side is far too crowded in August. Mammoth makes a great base. There are lots of hotel rooms, restaurants and places to gear up there. Plus, you are literally a bus ride away from serious wilderness trail heads where you can start anything from a day hike to trip to Canada. Luckily, I think you can get direct flights from LA and SF to Mammoth. Otherwise, you have to fly to Reno and rent a car for a 2-3 hour drive.

What kind of gun is that? Won't it just piss it off more?

With a Grizzly, you would be 100% right. But there are bears and bears. Despite what you see on the flag, there are no Grizzlies in California, only black bears. Black bears are actually quite wimpy and are extremely unlikely to attack. Injuries from black bears typically occur at night to people who keep food in their tent. The bear smells the food and then tries to tear the tent open, with predictable results. If you don't keep food in your tent and aren't using bacon-scented sunscreen, you won't have a problem.

And yes, there is such a thing. And yes, it is just a matter of time before some twit is attacked by a bear while wearing it.

Anyway, bears are perfectly manageable with a little bit of knowledge and a bear canister. Don't let them put you off.