In know it’s most fun to read blogs that are current to the minute, but when summer gets busy sometimes it takes a week or even two to sort through and post photos or jot a few sentences on what’s going on.  I’m still catching up on our recent backpacking trip to Point Reyes two weeks ago. But I plan to finish it up today and tomorrow and get it all posted.  Anyway, here’s the start of the story…

This summer I really wanted to go to Italy.  But to be with the people we wanted to be with, and see the people we wanted to see, at the optimum season and price, in the time frame we had available simply wasn’t working out.  As the difficulties mounted for a consolation prize I chose hiking the entire 164 mile Tahoe Rim Trail, which has also been on my list for a long time.  Committing to that adventure set a lot in motion!

To prepare for such a trip requires that your equipment (not to mention your body) be in good shape.  And with a fast pace, a reasonable set of gear including plenty of ultra-light items, is essential.  So we’ve spent a fair bit of time at REI this year, with a new backpack for Deanna, new sleeping bags for everyone, a second two-man tent, polypropylene clothing, and so forth.

With all this untried equipment, a couple of trial runs is a necessity!  The first small step was a simple two-night campout, only a hundred yards from the car, for which we chose the secluded Steep Ravine camp.  That proved our equipment to be largely successful and helped us pare down our clothing and other items (and in some cases beef it up - Tiva’s are worth their weight when you’re going near tidepools!)

Immediately afterwards, we headed north the few miles to Point Reyes, where we headed in from Palomarin Beach trailhead in the south end along the coast and hiked in a modest 5 miles and spent another couple of nights.  That gave us more opportunity, especially to try out some lightweight dinner ideas.

The weather was cool and foggy, a welcome change from the central valley heat wave, where temperatures of 108 were forecast.  Perfect hiking weather, and although fairly flat light isn’t the best for taking pictures, there are occasions when you can use it to your advantage.

Anyway, photos and transcripts of a few audio notes (recorded onto my camera while hiking) to follow.