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Ultimate-Ultralight-Backpacking News |
January 2010
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WELCOME ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKERS
 Greetings!
A new year and a new decade have dawned. I was recently asked in an interview, "What is on your hiking bucket list for 2010?" Jim at Florida-Keys-Guide.com got me thinking when he posed that question. My answer was that I wanted to introduce my nearly two-year old granddaughter to day hiking. I've never been one to label goals as "New Year's Resolutions," but I guess you could call it that. I think it is never too early to instill in the next generation an appreciation of the great outdoors--resolution or otherwise. Jim presents in his beautiful website some great places to accomplish my goal. I highly recommend checking out his site whether or not you are planning a hike in Florida. He has many, many activities to participate in. From active hiking to lazy beach visiting. Check out the interview here. And be sure to check out the rest of this excellent site too. Who knows, maybe I'll pass you on one of those Florida trails. Strap on your ultralight pack, lace up your boots and follow me to the great outdoors.
--Laura Mathys Coleman  |
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 SUGGESTED HIKE
Are you looking for an easy trail to "try your wings" at your new-found hiking skills? I have a suggestion:
The Little Manatee River Hiking Trail is located in central Florida about 4 1/2 miles south of Sun City Center along US Hwy 301.
What's so special about this venue? Simple...beauty and options. You can choose to take the shorter 3 mile hike to Cypress Creek and back or the longer 6.3 mile loop trail. The longer trail even has a primitive camping site if you'd like to try out that new tent without making too much of a commitment. You're always close enough to hike it out if you change your mind. Read more about this hike by clicking the link above. If you decide to give it a try, don't forget to tell me about your adventure.
Have you visited this destination? Tell me about it. Have another destination that you would like to tell me about (either to recommend or warn against)? Let me hear it. Do you have a funny, most embarrassing or exciting hiking story? I'd love to hear it. Send me your story and it might be chosen to be included in a future newsletter edition.
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WHAT'S NEW
White Gas Stove: For ultralight hikers, the white gas stove is the most common type of cooking appliance used. Learn the pros and cons here.
Bear Bag: Read this before using a bear bag on your next hike. Bears have acclimated well to humans in their territory and have become much more adept at robbing us of our cache.
Is there a subject that you would like to see discussed on this website? Contact us here. Suggestions are very welcome.
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Tuna Salad Rollups
by Lydia Wasserstein
(Lincoln, NE)
Foil package of tuna
packets of pickle relish or small plastic container of relish
packets of mayo or miracle whip
salt and pepper
flour tortillas
Mix relish and mayo with tuna in package, add salt and pepper to taste.
Spread on tortillas, add cheese if desired.
Roll up tortillas and enjoy.
Do you have a favorite backpacking food? Share it with others here. Each month I'll feature one recipe in the newsletter.
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YOUR IDEAS
Zadock in North Carolina writes:
"I'm just getting into the idea of ultralight backpacking/kayaking. I've been all over the web and your site is the best organized and practical content I've seen."
First of all, thanks Zadock for the compliment. Secondly, Zadock brings up a good point. Whether we are just beginning to explore the idea of lightening our load or are seasoned professionals at packing light, we all have ideas to share. What works for me might just work for you and visa versa.
One of the characteristics of backpackers that I most admire is the willingness to share what they have learned. I'd like to thank each of you who are willing to take the time to coach a newbie hiker. You probably don't realize what a gift you are giving when you share from your expertise.
I challenge you to ask any seasoned hiker to tell you a story about an individual who mentored or encouraged them in some way that enhanced their hiking experience. The stories are colorful and heart warming. Keep sharing!
Do you have a hiking tip or observation that you would like to share with others? Send it to me and you might find your tip highlighted in a future newsletter..
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ASK THE EDITOR
Q. "I like the idea of an alcohol stove because of the minimal effect to the environment. Do you have a suggestion as to which model to choose?"
A. There are several reliable models available for sale. However, if minimal impact on the environment is your main concern, I have a great solution for you.
How about a free stove made from materials laying around the house? Talk about minimal impact! You can make your own alcohol stove from an empty soda can in about 20 minutes. Look here for all the details.
Do you have a question about your next hiking adventure? Contact me . I'll be happy to answer your question immediately via e-mail. Then, each month I will choose a question to share with my readers here. Perhaps your question will appear in a future edition of this newsletter. |
LOOKING AHEAD
Starting next month, I am going to begin a new section in the newsletter. I'll be delving into the "best of."
I will be exploring and exposing the "best of" many categories, i.e. the best backpacking tent, the best hiking shoes, the best trail food, the best hiking story, the best backpacking photo, etc.
Do you have a nomination for our first "best of" submission?
Send it to me and I'll share it with others. Photos are especially welcome.
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JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Ultimate-Ultralight-Backpacking was born to share my passion for the outdoors with a group of people who, like me, want to enjoy the outdoors without carrying a heavy load.
Many people are intimidated by the daunting task of deciding what to carry and what to leave at home. This typically results in carrying a pack that is much heavier than necessary. For me, and for many others, this decreases the enjoyment of the outdoors.
My hope is that by decreasing the weight you need to carry, while maintaining enough supplies for comfort and safety, that you will get into the outdoors more frequently and savor the enjoyment of each trip.
Please contact me with questions and comments. I am always striving to make my website more informative and easier to use. Your suggestions can help me do that. I always like to hear from you--the people this site was created to serve. Send pictures, stories, comments and suggestions.
Enjoy the outdoors and share it with others.
Sincerely,
Laura Mathys Coleman
ultimate-ultralight-backpacking.com
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