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Recent content by Driftwoody

  1. Driftwoody

    Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

    The geologic formations along this short trail are a must-see for anyone interested in such things. I was blown away when I saw it for the 1st time a half century ago when I went to school at SIU-Carbondale. Didn't realize my home state held such wonders. I've been back many times since. When I...
  2. Driftwoody

    Wearing orange all the time

    I think a good product would be an ultralight small tarp that could double as a minimalst shelter or poncho -- like a Gatewood Cape but highly reflective and laced with small creases to reflect sunlight in multiple directions. This could weigh less than a typical mirror, but much more effective...
  3. Driftwoody

    Increase in hiking good or bad?

    If more people on trails helps to save public lands from private exploitation, I'm all for it. Trails and camping areas can recover, but clear-cutting, extractive industry, and commercial development means that natural areas and ecosystems are likely lost for good (bad). In my view, these...
  4. Driftwoody

    Are you ready for the winter?

    I enjoy hikes in local forest preserves on lightly used narrow pathways .... in temps below freezing when bugs, heavy undergrowth, and mud are no longer an issue, though I seldom venture out in single digits or colder.
  5. Driftwoody

    What's your favorite sport?

    NFL for watching on TV. I'm a lifelong slowpitch softball player, growing up with the bare-handed 16" game in Chicago, then the nationwide 12" game. Started playing in Senior tournaments when I turned 50 in 2007, now playing 65+ (still have outfield speed). Senior divisions are every 5 years...
  6. Driftwoody

    What's your favorite band?

    Favorite band often depends on what you listened to during teen years and young adulthood. Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin were my early favorites. My first rock concert in June 1973 was the last day of my sophomore year in high school. My buds and I took the bus to the Chicago International...
  7. Driftwoody

    Scariest trail experience

    This occurred in the mid-90's. I had a map & compass, but no GPS or overnight gear. It was a 9 mile day hike loop with my wife and our yellow lab in the Wilson Creek Wilderness, North Carolina (just east of Linville Gorge). Several waterfalls and creek crossings. More than halfway thru, the...
  8. Driftwoody

    Boots are most important

    I rate footwear as the 3rd most important gear, after shelter and insulation (both of which may be necessary for survival). However, if your footwear hurts your feet or fails in some way you'll have a miserable time and perhaps be more susceptible to accident & injury. Notice I said "footwear"...
  9. Driftwoody

    Show me your recent fall colors!

    View from Sugarloaf Mountain Oct 19, Michigan Upper Peninsula near Marquette.
  10. Driftwoody

    Show Me a Natural Arch / Natural Bridge!

    I thought that arch looked familar, now I'm certain. In March 2012 I backpacked with a friend into Coyote Gulch. We entered thru Crack-In-The-Wall, then down a 600' sand dune. Stevens Arch is one of the first awesome sights we saw. We did NOT attempt climbing up to it.
  11. Driftwoody

    Show Me a Natural Arch / Natural Bridge!

    Natural Arch of Kentucky, with a 100' span. If you look closely, you can see me sitting on the rock outcrop under it.
  12. Driftwoody

    Show Me a Natural Arch / Natural Bridge!

    I did not know about this one! Thanks, I'll have to check it out.
  13. Driftwoody

    Name Brand versus Off Brand Gear

    My current shelters are a Warbonnet tarp & hammock (Blackbird XLC), and a Durston X-Mid 1 tent. These may qualify as off-brand cottage industry, but they're not cheap. Still, each set-up costs less than a top of the line Big Agnes tent. My backpack is a Granite Gear Blaze 60, which is sold by...
  14. Driftwoody

    GPS Unit

    I use Gaia on my android phone, along with paper map & compass. I would consider purchasing a PLB if venturing solo into a seldom frequented area.
  15. Driftwoody

    Day Hiking East Godwin to Hutchins Creek (River to River Trail Section)

    I've considered doing that hike over the years, but couldn't find detailed accounts of its attractions. Does Hutchins Creek have any special features like cascades, or a real nice camping spot?
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