As a way to calm my mind with the absolute madness that is the end of the school year, I have done my best to only concentrate on other things going on in my life - happy, personal things. Last Saturday was a big day because Brian bought a mountain bike and he also cut off about 2 feet of hair. He looks great and we had a wonderful evening bike ride together which we have been looking forward to making a reality for many months. Since then we have gone on an evening bike ride together every night.
My bike:
Brian's bike:
Besides our bikes, we have added some new gear for our upcoming four day backpacking trip in the canyon. Here's a look at what I chose and the reasons why I decided it was the right one and the right time.
1. Water Filter
While we will only be on the Bright Angel Trail for this trip, (where there are plenty of water stations/pumps), the reason for the filter is that the water pipeline is currently undergoing some maintenance and there are warnings in effect about being prepared for the water to be turned off without warning. We've been waiting for an excuse to get a water filter anyway, and this one was a favorite since it was on sale and we've used it before. It's the filter my sister and brother-in-law have and they love it. It worked well for us on our trip to Aravaipa Canyon this past March.
2. Sleeping Bag Liners
With temperatures in the canyon in the 60's and 70's at night when we are there, a sleeping bag isn't going to suffice. I have a zero degree bag, a 30 degree bag, and a 45 degree bag. The only one compact enough to take backpacking is my 30 degree down bag, and we decided we are going to take it for my eleven-year old niece. For Brian and I, basically a sheet will do, but he has different concerns when sleeping than I do, mainly being constricted. So for him, we bought the one on the left, and for me the one on the right. They were a great deal because I was able to use a coupon for BOTH items.
3. Lastly I bought a mug, but it's not really that exciting.
On this trip, we are only taking the pot. We only have one stove, so we only need one pot, and we plan to eat all our meals out of the pouches they are dehydrated in, so this makes packing a camp kitchen pretty light.
Twenty years later still going strong. I'm ok with giving the mug a retirement.
See you on the other side of the trail....
