Author: Jim, Sagebrush

Jim (trail-name Sagebrush) codes audio software for Windows, Linux, Android, and embedded systems. When not working at sagebrush.com, he enjoys backpacking, which this blog is about.

Loppoween

  • GET 2024 day 31, Oct 31, Thursday
  • Start Springtime Campground
  • End HOME!
  • Lopped upper part of Apache Kid Trail between Springtime Campground and Shipman Trail junction, 0.3 miles

The night was cold, even at lower elevation of the campground, but sleeping inside the Subaru was comfy. Climbing up to the top of the ridge, I appreciated the fine views during the last day of my adventure.

I lop Gambel oak for a half-day where it is thickest, near the top of the ridge.

Finished audiobook 3 SF Stories by Jack Williamson.

Continue reading “Loppoween”

Loptitude

  • GET 2024 day 30, Oct 30, Wednesday
  • Start San Mateo Spring campsite
  • End Springtime Campground
  • Lopped 0.5 miles Shipman Trail starting at the junction with Apache Kid, cleared 4 fresh blowdowns on Apache Kid Trail between the junction with Shipman Trail and the campground

What a cold windy night! The wind did not decrease in the evening, and I did not dare put up a tent, and instead cowboy-camped under clear skies. Steady cold wind continues all day, until I climb down to a lower altitude.

The north part of Shipman has Gambel oak, and lopping should make the trail easier to follow.

Before/After

In places the oak leaves have dropped off, making lopping easier.

When the sun gets low, I head towards the campground, clearing blowdowns along the way, Normally I skip leaners, but this one was an easy fix.

Before/After

Finished audiobook A Strange Disappearance, by Anna Katharine Green, a Gryce novel.

Wind Break

  • GET 2024 day 29, Oct 29, Tuesday
  • Start San Mateo Spring campsite
  • End San Mateo Spring campsite
  • High gusting wind, so retreated to campground and car for safety, and returned in the evening.

Wind buffeted the tent all night, and the weather report says the wind will continue all day.

I could have tried to find a protected place to work, but in an abundance of caution I zoomed down the trail to Springtime Campground to shelter in my car, after caching tools and equipment. On the way down I noticed three new blowdowns across the trail from the night before.

Oh well, not much trail work accomplished today. Safety first.

Finished audiobook The Death Disk, by Mark Twain.

Finished audiobook 4 SF Stories, by C M Kornbluth.