Hello loyal readers! Here’s a hodgepodge of moderately interesting things to wrap up 2016!
Cascade Hiker Podcast
Belated announcement: I was interviewed a couple months ago for the Cascade Hiker Podcast, hosted by Rudy Giecek. Admittedly, I haven’t actually listened to my episode yet because I hate hearing my own recorded voice, but I remember we talked about a big range of things, including some of my background, recent hikes on the Hayduke and L2H, and ALDHA-West.
Rudy’s cranking out a lot of great interviews with a wide variety of really interesting guests, so be sure to check out his entire catalog of shows!
GEAR OF THE YEAR
It’s that time of the year where the blogging world makes up “best of” lists because we don’t actually have any new hiking content to share. So, I will follow the same and share with you my 2016 Gear of the Year: “Scoopy”
What the heck is it?It’s a MYOG water collecting device, hastily cut with a Swiss Army Classic from a 20oz Coke Zero bottle.
Why?A means of collecting water from shallow or stagnant water sources is critical on a desert trail, such as the Hayduke. Bubs initially started out with a metal 1/8cup measuring cup for this purpose. I started out with nothing (oops!). two days in, I bought a 20oz Coke Zero and cut the bottom off. Ultralight scoop – check!
Weight: 0.3 oz
Cost: free from a trash can, or under $2 with a delicious carbonated beverage.
Bonus use: In a pinch, it also doubles as a bailer when packrafting.
Bonus bonus use: In less of a pinch, you can wash it out in town and use it as a drinking cup for hiker eggnog, a recipe Bubs and I have not yet perfected.
Feel free to share on Pinterest
In your 32oz Powerade bottle (can sub Gatorade bottle), add:
6 eggs
1 pint heavy cream
1 glug imitation vanilla extract
4 to 6 sugar packets from the local gas station (adjust to taste)
Milk to fill remaining space in bottle
Whatever alcohol you can find in Utah
Take turns shaking vigorously. Pour into cups (such as Scoopy), sprinkle with the cheapest nutmeg you can find.
Plug for ALDHA-West Events:
I’m now well into my second year as Secretary of ALDHA-West. There’s a lot of energy in the organization right now and we’ve got a lot ahead! We recently voted to become a 501c3 organization and increase our focus on education and outreach. This winter, we will be hosting 4 Ruck events in Idaho, Oregon, California and Colorado. These events are a great way to learn about long distance hiking and connect with the community. Hope to see some of you there!
For the winter, I’m trying desperately to learn to backcountry ski. I’m really good at the uphill part (I love me some steady state cardio!), but the downhill….not so much.
ski touring near Snoqualmie Pass with my 2011 PCT friends
For the summer hiking season, I’m sad to say there are no plans for long thru-hikes. But I do have plans coming together for some multi-week high routes, some ultrarunning and of course lots of PNW peak streaking. Stay tuned!
Your Christmas Present
Congrats for reading this far! Your reward is a digital preview of the 2017 calendar of Hayduke Pinups. And yes, you can even order your very own 8×11 hard copy if you like. Total credit goes to Bubs for this creating fabulous work of art!
Tip: Click “View” then ‘Full Screen” for optimal Pinup enjoyment
OH MY GOD. I’ve been laughing out loud since the first paragraph. Like belly-hurts laughing. By far the most entertaining thing I’ve read here, but I might be biased. I especially appreciate the shout out to my 1/8 cup test scoopy.
And to everyone else: Please Order A Pinup Calendar! I’m so proud of it!
Excellent posting, very helpful scoopy advice. amusing eggnog recipe and the well-presented calendar too!
Bit of text with your fine photos each month to identify the settings would be welcome (next year?) for us armchair hikers, also maybe a calendar choice option both with or without sweet Pinup would be elegant, would suit the high quality of your landscapes while not losing those always enticing cheesecake shots.
OH MY GOD. I’ve been laughing out loud since the first paragraph. Like belly-hurts laughing. By far the most entertaining thing I’ve read here, but I might be biased. I especially appreciate the shout out to my 1/8 cup test scoopy.
And to everyone else: Please Order A Pinup Calendar! I’m so proud of it!
Excellent posting, very helpful scoopy advice. amusing eggnog recipe and the well-presented calendar too!
Bit of text with your fine photos each month to identify the settings would be welcome (next year?) for us armchair hikers, also maybe a calendar choice option both with or without sweet Pinup would be elegant, would suit the high quality of your landscapes while not losing those always enticing cheesecake shots.
Always enjoy your posts. “Scoopy” is pretty cool. I guess some use a zip lock; kinda hard to drink out of a zip lock though.
Hope you have a great 2017 and look forward to reading more “moderately interesting” stuff.