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1/99 Wildcat Hollow "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip." II Sam 22:37 Day 1 Quite a crappy day! Started off at 2 pm driving down to stay at Old Man's Cave. Traffic was terrible! Spent 3 hours getting to Old Man's Cave and the walk in camp was closed for the season. Spent another hour driving to Wildcat Hollow. Ahhhh, the good old stand by...Wildcat Hollow! When the shit hits the fan I can always depend on Wildcat Hollow! I got there right at sunset and spent two hours getting camp set up as I was doing more of a winter car camping thing. I finally got everything organized. I have decided to lighten the load and do the whole loop (13 miles) backpack style. I have spent the whole day pissed off at myself for one reason or another. Driving always gets me hot but half way down here I realized I forgot my boots and hiking staff! Pisser... Oh well, half the fun is getting out of trouble. I keep telling myself, "You don't have to be anywhere until Sunday night. You don't have to be anywhere until Sunday night." It's 10 PM and I think it's just now beginning to work. It's amazing how I have so much background noise in my everyday life but here I sit watching the fire I have nursed for the last 3 1/2 hours. three guys came in at about 9 PM with a couple dogs. Nice guys. They were hiking in a mile or so. I wish for company and wish they would have stayed at the trailhead that night. I curse myself for being so forgetful! I must say that the things I have remembered to bring are working out great. the Nebo pyramid tarp/tent seems OK so far (except for my retarded knots on the guy lines). Lithium batteries are the cat's ass! Especially since I forgot to fill the oil candle insert for the candle lantern! Curses! the winner of the day is my new Head Sokz. Very versatile. I was afraid it would be over-kill but it's just right. I love my new digital thermometer too. No more guessing what temperature it is anymore. By the way...it's 28 degrees! The Zipp Stove continues to Impress me. It will burn whatever garbage you throw in it. Another surprise is my camp chair [$15.95 @ Target`. I have since come to despise camp chairs for backpacking and won't take one]. It is doing great. I will strip my pack for tomorrow and try and find room for it. All's well that ends well! Day 2 10 AM- It doesn't get much better than this! It is a nice sunny day and I have my hiking legs on. I stopped in a small group of pines for tea and jerky. It got down to 25 degrees last night and I stayed nice and warm. 8 PM- It's not as cold as it was last night but I feel colder. Maybe because I'm tired. The new tarp/tent was great last night. The corner right over my head had a little frost on it but that was it for condensation. I will try the door closed tonight. I'm just waiting around to go to bed because I'm cold and tired. I would give ANYTHING for some chap stick! I left it in the car. My Vans were surprisingly comfortable to hike in. Even so after 12 miles my dogs are barkin'. [This trip would be the ending for ever wearing hiking boots except for snow hiking. I had day hiked in running shoes but never backpacked. I will never go back.] It was 59 degrees in the sun when I stopped for a lunch of Mac and cheese with pepperonis mixed in. It felt great! I kicked my shoes off and lied in the sun for over an hour. I only have about an hour hike out in the morning. Total miles: 13
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