It's 10 pm, and it's been a busy day. I've shoved things into panniers and there's no extra room. I have everything including the kitchen sink. The bike is heavy and cumbersome. I feel defeated before I get started. The front end of the bike is twitchy, the rear end of the bike is twitchy. I have a day to get used to it -- it's why I am only going 17 miles the first day. I am leaving the spare tire behind (the bike's, not mine) and the floor pump that I took last year, but I've substituted the hammered dulcimer and ice cooler - NOT an even exchange, by any means. I've switched out a tiny, digital camera for a mid-size DSLR and lens AND tripod. I have the BoB this time around, and no panniers and tent on the rear rack.
Oh, and it's supposed to rain tomorrow.
ON a bright note... I got the front derailleur adjusted. The nice man at Cycle, Sport and Ski in Greensburg gave the cable an adjustment and gave the bike a quick look-over. I'm all set to go. He even made me an extra spoke to carry. Price - just over $10.
I picked up snack food at Wal-Mart. I went there hungry and came out $75 lighter. 2/3's of the food went into the resupply box, to be divied up next weekend.
My friends, Neil B and Neil F named their tour the "Shake, Rattle and Roll" tour. I'm thinking about naming this one the "Old, Fat and Sassy" tour.
Jeff presented me with 100 brochures for Fort Ligonier to take on this tour, as well as 10 magnets in the shape of the fort's historical marker to hand out. I'll put some of the brochures in the resupply box he's bringing to Old Bedford Village.
Early start tomorrow. Gotta hit the hay.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Last Day of Work - Part Two (evening)
Where was I when I was so rudely interrupted by this thing called "work"? The checklist -
Unload the car (check)
Get bike checked over. Um, Houston, we have a problem. My local shop never has time for walk-ins, and I couldn't leave it because they are closed tomorrow -- they're having an "event" on the mountain. They also don't stock spokes. Oh well. My fault for procrastinating. I called another shop and they are busy tomorrow, but will squeeze me in if I'm there when they open at 10.
Everything else fell by the wayside and now I'll just tack another list to it.
Work went smoothly, no major trauma. I flipped my name badge over to the blank side and wrote "Call Me" on one line and "Irresponsible" on the next with the China marker. I was asked to change it. I rubbed out "Irresponsible" and substituted "Ishmael". The new cashier in the lane next to mine and I did the "Time Warp". The customers were amused, as usual. Seven hours went, well, like eight (as usual). Then I was done.
I came home to find that the baby squirrel was gone. Brian and Sarah took it to a place that specializes in wildlife rescue, and the baby has a chance with one of the mother squirrels there. I hope it survives.
Things are winding down, and I'm very tired. I've got a tremendously busy day tomorrow. Goodnight.
Unload the car (check)
Get bike checked over. Um, Houston, we have a problem. My local shop never has time for walk-ins, and I couldn't leave it because they are closed tomorrow -- they're having an "event" on the mountain. They also don't stock spokes. Oh well. My fault for procrastinating. I called another shop and they are busy tomorrow, but will squeeze me in if I'm there when they open at 10.
Everything else fell by the wayside and now I'll just tack another list to it.
Work went smoothly, no major trauma. I flipped my name badge over to the blank side and wrote "Call Me" on one line and "Irresponsible" on the next with the China marker. I was asked to change it. I rubbed out "Irresponsible" and substituted "Ishmael". The new cashier in the lane next to mine and I did the "Time Warp". The customers were amused, as usual. Seven hours went, well, like eight (as usual). Then I was done.
I came home to find that the baby squirrel was gone. Brian and Sarah took it to a place that specializes in wildlife rescue, and the baby has a chance with one of the mother squirrels there. I hope it survives.
Things are winding down, and I'm very tired. I've got a tremendously busy day tomorrow. Goodnight.
Last Day of Work - Part One (morning)
I work a 2:30-9:30pm shift this evening. It's my last one for a month. Some of my co-workers have already wished me "bon voyage", and some I won't see again until Christmas break. The inevitability of this trip won't hit home until after my shift at work tonight.
I've got one pannier packed, and the camera bag. The new camera bag I bought last night to hold the camera and the new lens I also picked up last night. The lens? An AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED. Whatever the hell that means. What it means to me is that I can extend my reach (so to speak) and get closer to what I want to shoot without having to physically be there. In other words, I hope to get some action scenes at living history events without having to be in the ranks. The lens isn't the one I really wanted, but the one I could afford right now. Anyway, the camera bag is packed - no room at the inn.
On today's list... so far
Unload the car. (halfway there, at noon)
Get bike checked over. (on my way at one)
Wash work clothes. (in the dryer now, at noon)
Await Wayne's arrival (our UPS guy). I'm still waiting for my REI shipment, and Wayne's here by 11:30 like clockwork. (Ok, it was 11:50 am today) check.
Air out sleeping bag. I had hoped to wash it, but I'm not going anywhere near the laundromat soon.
Work on the list of stuff I need for Jeff to bring to the Bedford event.
Get "smilin" BoB out of the rafters in the shed and re-assembled.
I found my headlamp! When I went to Gander Mountain for Isopro yesterday, I saw one that I liked and Jeff almost bought it for me. I also saw a Lexan JavaPress. Coffee or light? Coffee or light? Yes, the light would keep me from careening over the guide rail in the Paw Paw tunnel, and would be helpful finding my way to the porta-john in the wee hours of the morning, but the lure of fresh-brewed coffee, that elixer of wonderfulness in the morning, proved too much. I opted for the JavaPress. Lucky me!
Speaking of luck... a customer checked out at my register Wednesday and he was wearing a T shirt with a picture of a chimney cleaner on it. I happened to ask if he was a sweep, and he said "yes". I asked him if he minded if we shook hands. Sure, he said, but he didn't think that he was particularly lucky. I asked him if he ever fell off of a roof, and the reply was, "twice". I asked him if he broke any bones. He said no - the worst he ever got was a couple of scratches. That's good enough for me.
It's 12:30 - Deuce (grandson) can't find his swimsuit, Libby called from band camp because she can't find her permission slip, Cocoa (one of the cats) dragged home a baby squirrel -- it's eyes aren't even opened and I had to wake Sarah up so she could call the local animal rescue. At least the REI order was delivered. I just may make it to work on time... barely. Oops, forgot about fixing lunch.
I've got one pannier packed, and the camera bag. The new camera bag I bought last night to hold the camera and the new lens I also picked up last night. The lens? An AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED. Whatever the hell that means. What it means to me is that I can extend my reach (so to speak) and get closer to what I want to shoot without having to physically be there. In other words, I hope to get some action scenes at living history events without having to be in the ranks. The lens isn't the one I really wanted, but the one I could afford right now. Anyway, the camera bag is packed - no room at the inn.
On today's list... so far
Unload the car. (halfway there, at noon)
Get bike checked over. (on my way at one)
Wash work clothes. (in the dryer now, at noon)
Await Wayne's arrival (our UPS guy). I'm still waiting for my REI shipment, and Wayne's here by 11:30 like clockwork. (Ok, it was 11:50 am today) check.
Air out sleeping bag. I had hoped to wash it, but I'm not going anywhere near the laundromat soon.
Work on the list of stuff I need for Jeff to bring to the Bedford event.
Get "smilin" BoB out of the rafters in the shed and re-assembled.
I found my headlamp! When I went to Gander Mountain for Isopro yesterday, I saw one that I liked and Jeff almost bought it for me. I also saw a Lexan JavaPress. Coffee or light? Coffee or light? Yes, the light would keep me from careening over the guide rail in the Paw Paw tunnel, and would be helpful finding my way to the porta-john in the wee hours of the morning, but the lure of fresh-brewed coffee, that elixer of wonderfulness in the morning, proved too much. I opted for the JavaPress. Lucky me!
Speaking of luck... a customer checked out at my register Wednesday and he was wearing a T shirt with a picture of a chimney cleaner on it. I happened to ask if he was a sweep, and he said "yes". I asked him if he minded if we shook hands. Sure, he said, but he didn't think that he was particularly lucky. I asked him if he ever fell off of a roof, and the reply was, "twice". I asked him if he broke any bones. He said no - the worst he ever got was a couple of scratches. That's good enough for me.
It's 12:30 - Deuce (grandson) can't find his swimsuit, Libby called from band camp because she can't find her permission slip, Cocoa (one of the cats) dragged home a baby squirrel -- it's eyes aren't even opened and I had to wake Sarah up so she could call the local animal rescue. At least the REI order was delivered. I just may make it to work on time... barely. Oops, forgot about fixing lunch.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
T minus 5 days...
It's raining here in Westylvania. So much for getting into the shed and going through gear. I reconciled the checking accounts and paid this month's bills. I now have access to my personal checking account on the web. I need to go through re-enactment clothing for Bedford and set aside things I need Jeff to bring for me (no room on the BoB for the cello and fiddle). Maybe I should try to sort out minor (and I do mean minor) dilemmas...
Coffee
I'm not OK unless I have a cup (or five) of coffee in the morning. People tell me I'm like a bear with a sore ass without my morning cup of coffee. I've made coffee many ways on camping trips, and some ways were quite successful. Last year I took grounds and made cowboy coffee, using a Nalgene bottle and a piece of stocking to strain the stray grounds. I was able to make LOTS of coffee -- a liter at a time, at a minimal cost. Never mind that the coffee container I brought it in took up a lot of space, and cracked open in my pannier, leading to a royal mess. The other drawback was I couldn't use the Nalgene for anything else but brew coffee -- I never got the coffee residue out of it.
Coffee bags are much simpler, but more expensive. I tend to use two bags to a mug. My friend Dan makes a coffee concentrate that he just adds to hot water (reminds me to call Dan for the recipe). I don't think I'll use it this trip - how do I store it? Some people purchase coffee concentrate -- it's available on-line. Instant coffee? Never (unless I use a coffee bag - they contain some instant).
Tires
My friend, Neil F. recommends running a tire with tread instead of the stock tires on my Novara Randonnee. It's good advice, but I think I'm going to run out of time before I get a chance to change my tires. I leave on Sunday. Hutch at Cumberland Trail Connection said he'd take care of me when I ride through. [Neil B -- stop in on your way through and watch out for wet RR tracks; Neil F -- Hutch said to tell you "hello"]
Tents
I prefer sleeping in a hammock. You would think that with all of the trees along the Passage and C&O you could find suitable ones to tie a hammock to. You can in most places, especially if you stealth camp. Now, I'm not anti-stealthing -- I just try not to do it on these particular trails. Landowners adjacent to the Passage get pretty upset about people leaving the trail, and as a matter of fact, one has posted nasty "No Trespassing" signs on his property. I'm pretty sure camping is only in designated areas on NPS property along the C&O as well. I had a hard time finding suitable trees along the C&O. Most are old and very wide around - and there's usually too much distance between them to hang a hammock. I took a tent for Libby and myself last year, but I prefer the hammock. I guess I could use the hammock as a bivy on the ground, but I worry about it being waterproof enough. Perhaps I'll take both... and hope for the best.
Stoves
I love to cook. I've used: Trioxane, alcohol gel, Sterno, wood, propane, iso-butane -- pretty much everything. Backpackers swear by their alcohol burners, but I can leave them. I haven't been able to heat much more than water and dump it into a cozy to do freezer-bag cooking. I like the flexibility of having a real stove around. I have two: a Markill Dragon and a Primus Omni-Fuel. The Primus is the more versatile of the two - you can use canister or petroleum-based fuels. The Dragon is strictly a canister stove, but it is no-fuss and quiet - so much that you can hold a conversation without screaming to make yourself heard. The Primus, on the other hand, sound like a jet engine on take-off.
The thought of being able to use unleaded gasoline appeals to me, I don't have to worry about finding iso-butane canisters along the way. However, more shops have opened along the route that cater to camping bicyclists, so finding iso isn't such a logistical problem anymore. The verdict - take the old Markill.
Coffee
I'm not OK unless I have a cup (or five) of coffee in the morning. People tell me I'm like a bear with a sore ass without my morning cup of coffee. I've made coffee many ways on camping trips, and some ways were quite successful. Last year I took grounds and made cowboy coffee, using a Nalgene bottle and a piece of stocking to strain the stray grounds. I was able to make LOTS of coffee -- a liter at a time, at a minimal cost. Never mind that the coffee container I brought it in took up a lot of space, and cracked open in my pannier, leading to a royal mess. The other drawback was I couldn't use the Nalgene for anything else but brew coffee -- I never got the coffee residue out of it.
Coffee bags are much simpler, but more expensive. I tend to use two bags to a mug. My friend Dan makes a coffee concentrate that he just adds to hot water (reminds me to call Dan for the recipe). I don't think I'll use it this trip - how do I store it? Some people purchase coffee concentrate -- it's available on-line. Instant coffee? Never (unless I use a coffee bag - they contain some instant).
Tires
My friend, Neil F. recommends running a tire with tread instead of the stock tires on my Novara Randonnee. It's good advice, but I think I'm going to run out of time before I get a chance to change my tires. I leave on Sunday. Hutch at Cumberland Trail Connection said he'd take care of me when I ride through. [Neil B -- stop in on your way through and watch out for wet RR tracks; Neil F -- Hutch said to tell you "hello"]
Tents
I prefer sleeping in a hammock. You would think that with all of the trees along the Passage and C&O you could find suitable ones to tie a hammock to. You can in most places, especially if you stealth camp. Now, I'm not anti-stealthing -- I just try not to do it on these particular trails. Landowners adjacent to the Passage get pretty upset about people leaving the trail, and as a matter of fact, one has posted nasty "No Trespassing" signs on his property. I'm pretty sure camping is only in designated areas on NPS property along the C&O as well. I had a hard time finding suitable trees along the C&O. Most are old and very wide around - and there's usually too much distance between them to hang a hammock. I took a tent for Libby and myself last year, but I prefer the hammock. I guess I could use the hammock as a bivy on the ground, but I worry about it being waterproof enough. Perhaps I'll take both... and hope for the best.
Stoves
I love to cook. I've used: Trioxane, alcohol gel, Sterno, wood, propane, iso-butane -- pretty much everything. Backpackers swear by their alcohol burners, but I can leave them. I haven't been able to heat much more than water and dump it into a cozy to do freezer-bag cooking. I like the flexibility of having a real stove around. I have two: a Markill Dragon and a Primus Omni-Fuel. The Primus is the more versatile of the two - you can use canister or petroleum-based fuels. The Dragon is strictly a canister stove, but it is no-fuss and quiet - so much that you can hold a conversation without screaming to make yourself heard. The Primus, on the other hand, sound like a jet engine on take-off.
The thought of being able to use unleaded gasoline appeals to me, I don't have to worry about finding iso-butane canisters along the way. However, more shops have opened along the route that cater to camping bicyclists, so finding iso isn't such a logistical problem anymore. The verdict - take the old Markill.
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