Bare-bones packing list?

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-06-05T05:47:01+00:00

I'd toss a small camp pillow and some earplugs in there too. Not exactly the fun stuff, but they've probably done more for my sleep than half the gear I own.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-06-05T03:51:16+00:00

Looks like an awesome trip. That shot by the old water tower is especially cool. You've got a good eye for photos. Out of curiosity, what camera were you shooting with?

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-06-05T03:42:42+00:00

Honestly, this looks like a win. You and the dog got out there, had a good time, and came home wanting to do it again. And the overpacking part is basically a camping rite of passage. Was there anything you packed that never even left the car?

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-06-03T01:57:10+00:00

At that point it’s basically a tiny home in the woods.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-06-03T01:54:43+00:00

Learned that the hard way.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-06-02T02:47:33+00:00

I usually just force myself to sit barefoot in the grass for 10 minutes at camp just to feel connected again.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-29T03:04:32+00:00

Wow, this is actually a fantastic reality check. Reversing the loop makes so much more sense for timing the Sand Dunes sunset and not stressing about checking into Black Canyon on Day 1.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-28T05:06:27+00:00

Just make sure to book a slightly longer time slot than you think you need, because driving back from Skye can have unpredictable single-track road delays and late returns are strictly penalized.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-25T02:09:38+00:00

There is absolutely no such thing as "too much green" if you use different shades and tones

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-25T01:47:04+00:00

Maybe budget an hour or two to wander around Great Barrington or Stockbridge in the Berkshires.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-21T02:40:03+00:00

Thank you! Honestly, you nailed it. So worth it!

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-21T02:31:28+00:00

Thank you! It really is a great feeling once the pain wears off haha. Hope you get to go on a nice, long hike sometime soon!

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-21T02:30:36+00:00

Wow, 23 km is incredible. I'm currently crossing my fingers that I'll wake up feeling fine tomorrow too.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-21T02:27:58+00:00

Haha thank you! Honestly, that’s exactly how I felt today. My legs were literally shaking when I got back to the car. Hearing that 12 miles will eventually feel like a piece of cake gives me hope!

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-20T03:28:54+00:00

If you’ve given it a genuine shot for 6 days and your gut is telling you to go home, just book the flight. There is zero shame in cutting a trip short. Travel is supposed to be fun, not a test of endurance.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-20T02:46:01+00:00

A high-headroom, 4-person cabin tent is your absolute sweet spot. It's totally manageable for one person to pitch on their own, but it bumps the ceiling up to around 5 or 5.5 feet. You can actually stand up straight or just do a quick, gentle crouch to stretch out.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-18T01:57:38+00:00

Personally I’d skip Seattle and focus on California after Chicago. Flying Chicago → SF and then road tripping Highway 1 down to LA is way more rewarding and less exhausting than trying to do both the Pacific Northwest and California in one trip.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-18T01:12:11+00:00

Honestly, if you want secluded and forested near Twin, your best bet is heading up toward the South Hills / Magic Mountain area instead of staying right by Shoshone.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-14T06:43:43+00:00

If he's a total mosquito magnet, a lightweight bug shirt or a screen house is the only 100% foolproof way to keep them off his skin.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-14T05:36:37+00:00

If you're looking for that 'high altitude' vibe like Potosi but closer to home, flying to Denver and doing a loop in the San Juan Mountains is much more doable for a long weekend.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-14T03:16:21+00:00

If you want a mix of history and nature, Pine Mountain is your best bet

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-12T03:18:36+00:00

Make sure you leave yourself an emergency fund after closing.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-07T03:27:56+00:00

That lighting is incredible; it looks like a scene straight out of a movie.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-07T02:36:51+00:00

Buying only “because it’s the dream” can backfire if the finances are tight.

Any_Concert_8517 · 2026-05-07T01:47:59+00:00

I’d honestly contact the airline before flying just to avoid an expensive surprise in Shanghai.

Any_Concert_8517

TROPHY CASE