back in town already

Things didn't work out as well as hoped.  I spent only 2 nights and 2 days backpacking, instead of 3 each.  I'm back in town (and showered) already.  I'll check camera photos later, maybe post them tomorrow.  Right now, everything aches a bit and I need to relax.

I did learn a few pearls of wisdom that I'll recount here.

1. One liter of water is not enough; bring containers for 2L of water at a minimum.  I was very happy with my Katadyn Vario microfilter!  It's a little bit leaky, but I really only cared about the "good water" which it provided easily.  The water was still stained slightly brown from the tannin from the leaves and pine needles, but it was very tasty!  I could drink my water immediately (which was refreshing) instead of waiting like the other guy who used the chemical treatment on his water (that looked very brown).
2. Get a sleeping pad.  I can't believe I've been camping for so many decades without ever using one.  Such bliss!  My Light Core 1.5 kept me well insulated from the freezing ground, and it includes sticky spots that keep the sleeping bag from sliding around.
3. Forget flashlights.  Get one of those nifty headband headlights that does Red light too.  It doesn't mess up your night vision, and you can still see well enough to do most anything.  I had to set up my tent at a camp ground the first night after sunset.  I really appreciated my new Energizer 7-LED headlight.  Both hands free, and still plenty of light to work under.
4. Going uphill is the hardest part of a hike.  I consumed most of my water during frequent stops on uphill sections.  Leg muscles, heart, and lungs tire out quickly under the exertion, but they also seem to recover fairly quickly.
5. Going downhill is the hardest part of a hike.  (Don't question the wisdom!)  It jars the bones, being especially hard on the feet and ankles.  The downhill jaunt (850 ft elevation) is what put the kibosh on my ability to travel any farther.  Both of my feet hurt, and my left ankle was only slightly sprained.  Recovery will have to wait overnight, I think.  I slowed down considerably when I began feeling the aftereffects of that shock absorber treatment.  That ache/pain marked the end of my first backpacking adventure.
6. For your first trip, take it easy.  Try to avoid going more than 5 miles in a day, especially if hills are involved.  If "the plan" requires breaking camp as soon as daylight appears in the sky each day, then you're being far too optimistic for your first hike.
7. For your first trip, avoid swamps, okay?  Just turn around and head back home immediately if you see swamp ahead of you.  Do they call them marshes instead?  Avoid them too.  Do they name a city after them (in French) and call them Grand Marais?  Definitely avoid them!  Renaming doesn't make them any more pleasant!  Do they place wooden bog walks for your convenience?  They lie; it's a trap!  There isn't enough wood in the whole forest for all the bog walks that need to be built!  Just turn around and go home, end of adventure.

So on my first hiking trip which happened to be near Grand Marais (French for "huge freaking swamp"), I plunged through way too much water/mud/detritus mush.  I slipped (but didn't fall) on frost-covered muddy bog walks in the early morning.  I discovered that my left boot had a hole somewhere and was making "squishy sounds" any time I stepped on it even on "dry" land.  Bad news, since wet feet are a great way to develop blisters.  (So far I don't see any.)

I am again very pleased with the performance of my Light Year 1 tent.  It held up well, keeping me very dry during the gentle rain that lasted an hour or two. There was actually frost on the ground in the morning, but the tent ventilated well and still kept me dry inside.  My sleeping bag (some REI model that I forget) kept me very warm even without extra clothing (besides a t-shirt, boxers, and socks).  I credit the sleeping pad for providing extra insulation.

Now, I think maybe it's time to go buy some Crown Royal whiskey to wash away all these various aches.  And maybe spend some time with Mr. Bubble.  I think a husband would be a better consolation right now, but a few shots of whiskey with Mr. Bubble will have to suffice.  *laugh*

Oh, and no ticks so far.  I think I'm good.  But all of my used clothing is in a plastic bag waiting to be washed, just in case.

Off to the liquor store.  Hopefully some nice pictures of the landscape for tomorrow.