Recent content by watchmaker

I'm still prepping for the Batona trail backpacking trip, but in the meantime I'm doing some mountain biking. I have read that Batona is off limits to mountain bikers. Does anyone know where the mountain biking locations are?

Thanks again for the advice, Grendel.

WAMBA -- I got the Marmot Arete. It's rated for 40 degrees. It's pretty lightweight, for easier hauling. If it gets colder than that, I'll have to throw on a bunch of layers. On a side note, I just got an email from REI saying that it shipped, and UPS says it should be here today! :) I still...

Piney -- Thanks :)

I will likely be doing South -> North, but I have no date set in stone yet. I'm still waiting on the arrival of my sleeping bag which is back ordered at REI. They say it should be here by May 30. When did you plan on going?

Grendel -- Yeah, it is. I'm still trying to work that out. Piney -- Point noted. Is the Batona marked clearly enough that it's difficult to get lost? Or is getting lost a real possibility (i.e., are there lots of forks in the path that aren't marked)? Thanks again guys...

I'm thinking one way, from start to finish. Unless I'm feeling really good at the end of it, which I doubt I will. In that case, I might just turn around and walk back. :)

Grendel, yeah, since the Batona is flat, I'm likely going to be wearing a pair of New Balance trail running shoes (as opposed to hiking boots) that I've been running in for a couple months. They're nice and broken in and I've never had blister problems. Then again, I've never done 50 miles in...

Grendel -- This will be my first time, but I'm reasonably fit, and I plan on doing some practice hikes at a nearby park. There's a 3-mile trail loop w/ varying terrain. I imagine that walking that loop a few times w/ a loaded pack will give me a preview of what to expect? Keep the comments...

My backpacking partner has bailed on me. :mad: So I'm thinking about going solo. Just man and nature. But before I decide, I'd like to hear what you guys think. Has anyone or does anyone here backpack alone? Do you prefer going alone or w/ a partner or group? Any other thoughts, insights...

Just realized this was posted in the wrong place. Moved to "Recreation": http://forums.njpinebarrens.com/showthread.php?t=2681

Thanks Grendel, I'm checking those out now. Brucet -- Most recently doing freelance web development (HTML, XHTML, CSS, PHP, SQL; Fooling w/ AJAX a bit). How about you?

Will look into picking up more appropriate clothes. What do you recommend for a pack cover? Knife == Yep.

Interesting idea... Only... Why the heck didn't I think of that?! :)

Okay, looks like I'm at 15.291875 pounds w/o clothes, food, or water. I didn't get a sleeping pad, but since you're the second person to mention that, I think I will look into it. What materials do you recommend in place of cotton? I was going to roll out w/ standard Hanes t-shirts and different...