Coming from living at 300 feet above sea level in California to 6850 feet above sea level in New Mexico had it’s challenges at first. I had a little bit of altitude sickness (headache, no appetite and lethargy for the first week, but I adjusted slowly. Riding my bike uphill to the mailbox was a bitch but I did it daily to get those red blood cells built up! But, since I’m already half way there, why not go up a little further? Just 35 minutes from my house, the mountains rise to over 10K feet! Let’s go check it out, shall we?
Tag: backpacking
What’s in my Day Hiking Back Pack?
Even if I’m doing an easy 5 miler in the wilderness, I always carry the 10 essentials and MORE! After having to almost spend the night in the Lassen National Park wilderness completely unprepared after a short hike to a lookout tower, I learned a hard lesson! I now carry items to sustain me in the wilderness until help arrives. This could be hours or even days!
Disclaimer: This is what I carry. You may have different ideas! I’d love to hear them!
Here is the link to the fiasco I was involved in a few years ago where I almost had to spend the night in the freezing cold forest!
The Story about my (almost) night in the mountains!
My Day pack is an REI Trail 40 and Here’s what’s in it! (NONE of the links are affiliate. All are non-sponsored)
- First Aid kit: Put together what you like. I also add Leuko tape for blisters.
- Fire Starting Materials (Cotton Balls soaked in Petroleum Jelly work great) Don’t forget the lighter or waterproof matches. Even though a fire could save you from freezing to death, you could possibly start a devastating forest fire, even in winter so be very careful! Learn how to start, maintain, and extinguish a life-saving survival fire. There are many videos on Youtube!
- Compass & Maps: https://amzn.to/2t2yoQ4 My REI Compass Class Video https://youtu.be/iMaSsgeEHno?si=V5iI963sQcyIt_Nc
- Signal Mirror: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=signal+mirror&ref=nb_sb_noss
- Whistle and Air Horn
- Emergency Bivvy Bag: https://amzn.to/2ykuwyS
- Emergency “space” Blanket (Amazon): https://shorturl.at/YR3jO
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter: https://amzn.to/2tbtCyV
- Water Collection Bag (Amazon): https://rb.gy/r1rkil
- Water Purifying Tabs in case your water filter fails. Shop on Amazon
- Small Gerber Knife: https://amzn.to/2t0wTlz
- Neck Knife https://mtknives.net/
- Light folding Saw (sometimes-depending on conditions): https://amzn.to/2HSFVWj
- Tyvek Sheet (5×5 ft) : https://rb.gy/arbnl5 This is super light (weighs nothing), waterproof, and can be used as a ground sheet, wind block, shelter, etc. I’ve used this to sit in the snow!
- Inreach Mini with Subscription: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/592606
- Bug Head Net: https://rb.gy/c8q42f
- Bug Spray with Deet. Good luck using the foo foo kind with no Deet. These mountain skeeters mean business and laugh at your feel-good perfume as they bite the living hell out of you. Trust me, I’ve tried everything!
- Anker Charging Station (20,000 mil Amp) https://amzn.to/2l9Nwa5
- Butt pad: https://amzn.to/2t1aS5Y
- Cooling towel: https://amzn.to/2LPw2Lt
- Paracord (Amazon): https://rb.gy/5tc3c1 About 15 feet will do
- Rain Gear (Amazon): https://rb.gy/sqwjep This rain gear is super light and works! Mountain thunderstorms are real and can really dump water!
- Salt Tabs and Electrolytes
- Extra socks and long sleeve top
- Down Jacket – In case I have to spend the night in the woods. Temps drop dramatically at night at high elevations.
- P-Style (This one’s for the girls. Guys… you have one built-in) Amazon https://rb.gy/7vxv3w
- Day Pack Rain Cover or Garbage Bag
- Fanny Pack: This is the one I have and I love it! https://www.thrupack.com/
- FOOD! Pack extra in case you get stuck for a while!
A word about navigation apps and what I use:
I rely on a few essential navigation apps, tested and trusted by hardcore mountaineers and thru-hikers. These apps provide reliable navigation and have been field-tested by the toughest adventurers. Here are my go-to primary choices:
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Gaia GPS is a powerful app offering detailed topographical maps, weather data, fire information, private property boundaries, and many other useful layers. It’s widely used by serious backcountry hikers. While the free version offers many features, the paid version is highly recommended for those who frequently venture into remote areas.
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FarOut: FarOut is particularly valuable for the three long trails: the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Continental Divide Trail (CDT), and Appalachian Trail (AT). A one-time fee allows you to download the trail you hike most often—for me, that’s the PCT.
These are my secondary apps:
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AllTrails: AllTrails is excellent for researching and finding hiking trails. The paid version includes a cool 3D animated feature, plus up-to-date trail data from recent hikers, which is especially helpful during the spring thaw. However, be cautious with the navigation feature, as it has been known to be unreliable on backcountry trails.
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Wikiloc: Wikiloc is another useful app for researching trails and discovering new hiking destinations.
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PeakFinder: PeakFinder can be hit or miss when identifying peaks. It’s great when it works, but don’t rely on it in a moving car. The app is free.
Other Things I take:
Hiking Umbrella – Trekking Poles- Water Bladder-Cell Phone- Hat- hiking gloves- roll of duct tape wrapped around chapstick, garbage bag, toilet paper (pack out used!), Hand warmer, Smart water bottle, it fits the water filter, and A FRIEND! Don’t hike alone!
Here is what’s in my multi-night (backpacking) bag!
76 Year old Started Backpacking at age 68!
Meet my friend Jo Anne. She’s 76 and is a backpacking fanatic! She started this journey at age 68 but just last year, (2022) she had to overcome a huge obstacle to continue on her backpacking journey!
Last week Jo Anne and I went on a backpack into the Hoover Wilderness in the high Sierra of California. Check out her incredible INSPIRATIONAL story! Her message.. Get off the Couch!
PS.. this Youtube vid is on my new channel geared to senior hikers. If this is your thing, and/or you’d like to watch other inspirational stories of outdoorsy seniors, SUBSCRIBE to that channel “Old-ish Hiker”
WATCH INSPIRATION HERE!
ANNOUNCEMENT! New YouTube Channel!!!
Hello, nature enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to introduce my new YouTube channel, “Old-ish Hiker,” specially curated for adventurous souls over 60 who are passionate about hiking and exploring the great outdoors. As some of you may know, I’ve been running a channel called “TwylaWorld,” but I’ve decided to shift my focus and dedicate more time to this new venture. In this blog post, I’ll share some details about Old-ish Hiker, its purpose, and why you should be a part of this exciting journey-even if you aren’t a hiker!
- A New Adventure Begins: Old-ish Hiker
Old-ish Hiker is the latest addition to my YouTube ventures, catering specifically to the vibrant community of hikers aged 60 and above. As we age, our interests and preferences change, and this channel aims to provide valuable information, tips, and inspiration for senior hikers who want to embrace the beauty of nature in their golden years.
- Why the Shift from TwylaWorld?
You might be wondering why I’ve chosen to focus more on Old-ish Hiker and what that means for TwylaWorld. While TwylaWorld will continue to be active, it will now serve as a platform for music and various intriguing content. Old-ish Hiker, on the other hand, will take center stage with its purpose-driven content, showcasing my hiking experiences and the magnificent landscapes I encounter.
- What to Expect on Old-ish Hiker
Old-ish Hiker isn’t just about hiking trails; it’s a journey of exploration and education. Through this channel, I’ll be sharing my extensive hiking footage from both past and future trips, highlighting the beauty of Mother Earth. Expect engaging and informative videos that not only inspire but also educate on the best practices for senior hikers.
- The Awesome Production Value
I’m committed to delivering high-quality content on Old-ish Hiker, making the most of my experience in creating captivating videos. The production value will be top-notch, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning visuals of nature and feel like you’re right there with me on the trails.
- Embracing the Beauty of Our Planet
Old-ish Hiker isn’t just about hiking; it’s also about appreciating and protecting our planet. With every step, I hope to instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment and the need to preserve it for future generations.
- The Call to Action: Join the Journey!
I have set an ambitious goal to reach at least 100 subscribers within the next month on Old-ish Hiker. Even if hiking isn’t your typical interest, I encourage you to check out the channel and subscribe. By being a part of this community, you’ll not only support my passion but also get a chance to witness the splendor of nature through my lens.
Conclusion:
Old-ish Hiker is a channel designed with love and purpose, tailor-made for senior hikers and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the great outdoors. By subscribing to this channel, you’ll join a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for exploration and a deep connection with nature. So, hop on this adventure with me, and together, let’s discover the wonders that our planet has to offer!
Thank you for your support, and I can’t wait to see you on Old-ish Hiker! Let’s embrace the joy of hiking in our senior years!
- Tips for the Older Hiker
- Gear for the Older Hiker
- Safety for the Older Hiker
- Health issues and fixes for the Older Hiker
- and MUCH MORE!
Blazing a Trail in Big Snow!
The Sierra saw huge snows in December and the back Country is another world. Huge granite boulders and outcroppings that are impossible to traverse the summer. In the summer, the trail makes switchbacks around this rough terrain. In the winter, the terrain is transformed to rolling hills of snow high above the granite. This is a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail that is just south of I-80 near Boreal Ski Resort. We pretty much went way around where the PCT that sits under 15 feet of snow and forged our own path to an awesome overlook of Donner Lake. The hike was hard and very slow going through the thick powder, but it was worth it! Head over to my YOUTUBE CHANNEL and subscribe and don’t forget to hit the notification bell!
My 2022 Hiking Stats
With my heat related issues, I’ve had to scale down my summer hiking. In the summer months the sun is almost straight above at 9:00am! The temps are already climbing into the 80s and it’s not even noon. In the high country where it’s nothing but granite and lots of uphill, its HOT! So, that means I need to be at the trail head at sunrise which is 5:30am, and that means leaving my house at 4:00am! If that’s what I have to do to keep hiking in the summer, then so be it! I’ll also be doing more Kayaking!
Advantages of the early morning mountain hike: No people and more wildlife! Win Win!
***There were a few trails which I hadn’t done before which are highlighted.
Rebel is the only one who is willing to get up that early!
2021 Hiking Stats
I finally got around to tallying my hiking stats for 2021. (scroll to bottom) With the fires it was a challenge so I went to the coast as much as possible. However, it was hard to escape the smoke even at the ocean on some days! In May, Alex and I took a Colorado/Utah road trip with the camper for a couple of weeks and explored lots of roadside trails, in Colorado, Moab, Arches and Canyonlands. Not much real hiking was done, just some meandering with a poodle riding in a backpack. Check out the vids!
Here are my 2021 stats for a total of 149.76 miles
Trees with Tumors and Jumping Fish! Desolation Wilderness Delight
It’s day onehundredeleventysomeningorother of the pandemic so onward I hike. On June 29, 2020, my niece Jenny (trail name Legs) and I head off from Wrights lake and find out way up the granite to Twin Lakes.
The trail goes on for miles deep into Desolation Wilderness, but since we took our time and really savored every moment in this area, we turned around at Lower Twin Lake which made for a 6.5 mile day.
The route up to the lakes is mostly granite so there isn’t much of a trail. We lost the trail many times, but having GPS on my phone, we were able to find the trail easily again. Going up, it was hard to see the cairns and the lines of rock in places that marked the route. Going back down was a piece of cake as you can see the cairns a lot better.
We were treated with many waterfalls, small lakes and exceptional views. I want to go back and explore further in, maybe with my overnight bag!
Because of the Pandemic, the Forest Service has suspended the need to get a day hike permit, but you still need one if you are an overnight backpacker.
Welcome New Hikers, Now go the F**k Home!
I know… that was kind of harsh.. right? Let’s talk about the current state of our Forests, Mountains, Water Falls, Trails and other nature areas during this time of Pandemic. Simply put, they are being mobbed by bored humans! Is it because venues such as movie theaters, concert venues, etc are closed? Maybe. Is it because we had to spend two months in our homes? Maybe. Will this wave of crazed humans that suddenly want to explore the outdoors fade when this pandemic is over? Hopefully!
Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve been encouraging people to get outside and explore our fabulous wonders of the Earth for a long time! This current situation has put me in a quandary! And, I know some of you longtime outdoor people feel the same! What I’ve been seeing on social media, with the mountains of trash that has been left in the wake of all of these humans, sickens me! The mile long line of cars at trail heads where emergency crews can’t get through. Big Foot is getting pissed and I don’t blame him! I just have to tell myself that these people are temporary tourists and they will soon be back going to the movies, bars, concerts and other stuff that typically keeps urban dwellers busy.
If the pandemic got you out for the first time, and you decide that this hiking lifestyle is for you, then WELCOME! But know this… romping around in the woods comes with responsibility for yourself and others. THE WILDERNESS IS NO JOKE AND SHOWS YOU NO MERCY.
Forest Service personnel are working harder than ever to put out illegal campfires, pick up trash, and RESCUE lost and injured hikers.
Do your part and be smart. Like that rhyme? Here’s another one for ya.. Stay safe and leave no trace!
Let’s go hiking! But, let’s go hiking the responsible way! Don’t Piss off Sasquatch!
Here is the link to what I carry in my Day Hiking pack and other useful information to help in your quest for the outdoors.
The Big Thaw in the Northern Sierra is Happening!
While the blazing sun is lighting our hair on fire in the Valley, there is still quite a bit of lingering snow in the high country. Here’s a short clip of me and my hiking buddy John on our little romp in the slushy snow heading towards Peter Grubb Hut. It was slow-moving, but we had a ton of fun and out of the heat. Snow will probably be mostly gone in a couple of weeks.
twylaworld.com 
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