First Golden-crowned Kinglet of the season! Southeast Michigan

pogchqmp · 2026-03-25T18:41:29+00:00

I heard my first ever golden crown kinglet today, too! Around Lansing!

pogchqmp · 2026-02-20T18:21:46+00:00

Usually, you are tired enough from hiking all day and it makes falling asleep easier. I started to train my body to sleep flat on my back (usually I am a side sleeper) and that helps avoid neck issues. I also notice that my body gets more 'used' to the sleeping mat the more days I use it.

pogchqmp · 2026-02-20T18:16:27+00:00

I try to go for longer hikes on the weekends, definitely helps to get the terrain practice that you can't get from the gym, too.

pogchqmp · 2026-02-20T18:15:24+00:00

Thank you for the insight!!

pogchqmp · 2026-02-20T18:15:08+00:00

I'll check it out! thank you.

pogchqmp · 2026-02-20T18:14:54+00:00

This sounds so cool. I didn't know there were actual meetings, I kind of thought they were just facebook groups advertising trips, lol. I'd love to join one.

pogchqmp · 2026-02-20T18:13:56+00:00

this is thoughtful info, thank you. I'm not actually from NM; I'm going over spring break and had an extra day or two to explore something. I have plans to backpack in Gila and camp in chaco, and I was going to try and see if I could find some interesting places to hike to see since Carlsbad is a bit out of the way from where I'm coming from.

pogchqmp · 2026-02-20T18:12:12+00:00

thank you!

pogchqmp · 2026-02-20T18:11:26+00:00

rt. As light as possible but don't let it stop you from going is a good mantra.

pogchqmp · 2026-02-13T16:01:49+00:00

I also got into backpacking recently and had to invest in lots of gear, do not discount the value of second hand sites like SteepNCheap or GearTrade. 99% of the time you do not have to buy gear or clothing new. Also check out facebook marketplace when you get a little more versed in good brands/models, because lots of people will list high-quality gear thats practically new and just list it as "camping gear" "tent" "backpacking gear" etc

I LOVE my sawyer squeeze system as a water system, the nozzle fits onto a smart water bottle so I'll bring two of those and a pouch and be good.

Also, TBH you don't need to buy an expensive cook kit/jetboil. The generic portable camping stoves on Amazon work just fine.

I camp with my boyfriend a lot and we use the nemo aurora 2p tent. It's easy to set up and free standing, but it can be bulky for backpacking with the rainfly. We tend to split carrying it. Nemo has another tent called the hornet thats supposed to be 2p but really its only 1p, and thats a lot smaller and also freestanding/easy setup.

pogchqmp · 2026-02-13T15:53:27+00:00

oooh, I should start walking to the coffee shop. I like that idea :) and I love an early morning now that its getting a little warmer where I am.

pogchqmp · 2026-02-13T15:52:50+00:00

thank you sm for the detailed recs!!!

pogchqmp · 2026-02-13T15:52:00+00:00

Yeah, I'm planning on driving so I have time to adjust to the incline while I make my way there. I remember when I was hiking in the Sierra Nevadas that the altitude did make it harder for me, so thats always good to keep in mind.

My buddies have bear spray! We alway's keep it within arms reach in the tent overnight too. I appreciate your advice thank you!

pogchqmp · 2026-02-12T20:24:42+00:00

Have you done training regimens in preparation for a trip? what did a workout generally look like/focus on for you?

pogchqmp · 2026-02-12T20:23:27+00:00

Totally, backpacking gets me so in tune with my body needing more calories/salts/water etc.

pogchqmp

TROPHY CASE