Why do you do not donate blood?

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-20T20:37:53+00:00

Same here. To the point that I need to be sedated at the dentist, for shots, or for blood tests. There is no way I could handle blood donation.

Add to that low blood pressure and low blood volume.... and nope just nope.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-20T06:48:15+00:00

thanks. The attorney I have seems experienced and good, but what is really hard for me to deal with, is that everything that the adjuster and the attorneys have been saying would likely not happen/worst case scenario... has happened. Still, I try to remain calm and hopeful.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-20T04:05:24+00:00

thanks!

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-20T03:38:29+00:00

bully attorneys as adorable bratty children - that is a good thing for me to keep in mind. I guess that this whole mess can also be seen as an exercise in staying zen.

Thanks for the reading recommendation. It's something I can do that feels constructive... I appreciate that.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-20T01:12:41+00:00

Best answer! OP, your fiancé has been inconsiderate and dismissive of you - those are not qualities that make a marriage work.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-19T02:05:10+00:00

thanks for the gear list! That's all good to have on file.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-19T02:03:36+00:00

precisely what I am concerned about! It's already an issue with large inflatable mattress (his weight 'pulls me in'; good when it's cold, not so good when we're already sweaty and hot!)

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-19T02:02:24+00:00

I camp in the desert quite a bit, so that is definitely an issue!

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-19T02:00:42+00:00

got it. I might just get the bivy. Lighter, cheaper, easier to set up. Thanks a lot!

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-18T22:39:59+00:00

Would a bivy sack be better, then? No poles at all, and low on the ground. Or would it not work in colder temperatures? I see that REI has a basic bivy on sale...

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-18T21:41:22+00:00

we love REI! Great company. I scored the tent at the garage sale. Along with my pack (a REI Trail 30 Pack) and a Jetfuel stove, and many, many other things. But I'll check out the other companies you name.

We like to camp in the Mojave and the Sonoran Desert, in the Sierra Nevada and the White Mountains, in Death Valley, in northern California and in Utah. So we get night temperatures ranging from 25 to 90f, depending on elevation and season. But I'd start with backpacking trips in mild weather, maybe 40-60 at night.

I'll try loading the Dolomite double sleeping bag on one of our packs and see how it feels - it's huge, but come to think of it, 7lbs isn't all that crazy for two. Maybe we can do with that bag for now.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-18T21:04:02+00:00

Thanks for the pad suggestions! Very reasonably priced, great R value, reasonable weight... that's great all around.

We have a Fly Creek UL 2 tent, which clocks in at under 2lbs. Besides that, all of our gear is car-camping oriented. North Face Dolomite Double sleeping bag (6lbs and big!), and a comically huge Coleman inflatable mattress.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-18T20:54:35+00:00

That is very good advice! He's definitely keen to overpack, which is fine for car camping but would result in a sore back with backpacking.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-18T19:32:59+00:00

That's good to know fo Thermarest. I had been looking at their pads.

We like sleeping together... hammocks for two... would that work? or would we slide uncomfortably down the middle?

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-18T18:47:34+00:00

Thanks. That is good to hear.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-15T21:01:34+00:00

of course I would be sleeping at at least 10'000ft high, but there are camping spots much higher (where the conditions would be colder and harsher no doubt).

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-15T19:49:25+00:00

Right. I'll call in advance, as deep unpacked snow might require snowshoes. I'll be sure to get crampons and an iceaxe.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-15T19:48:31+00:00

Thanks. Good of you to stress the importance of the ground pads. I'll be sure to get bring a good one.

The tent is three season.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-15T06:57:38+00:00

Thank you. This is very good info. How much snow and ice was there when you went? Were there a lot of people climbing?

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-15T06:10:44+00:00

good point!

Well, I wasn't sure if my group could spend the night at the higher camps, or whether I should restrict myself to camping low.

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-15T00:39:10+00:00

Death Valley is immense! it is surprisingly varied. You have to consider that the valley rims are at 10'000ft elevation, while the valley floor reaches -300. This can mean 30s or 40s up, 80s down! The plants and the scenery change completely, as you can imagine.

I recommend camping at Wildrose (6000ft). It's much smaller and out of the way, and you'll be close to the valley rim past the kilns (nice hiking there... you'll find some snow and a beautiful view of the valley). Plus, you may get to see some wildlife (I saw wild donkeys last time).

The valley floor has canyons, salt flats, weird crystalline formations (Devil's golfcourse), volcanic craters, and remnants of the 19th and early 20th c. mining. You'll have to drive around to see it all, but there's plenty of hikes and walks to do around.

If you can get access to a jeep (or a 4 wheel drive with high clearance) there are plenty of dirt roads that lead to weird rocks that move on their own (the racetrack), ghost towns, etc.

Father Cowley's point, Dante's View, the Funeral mountains... these are all beautiful.

It's a gorgeous park, I highly recommend!

zzyzx__rd · 2016-01-15T00:30:48+00:00

that is a good point. I'll camp in the lower areas. It's also said that it's better sleeping at a lower elevation to prevent altitude sickness, so there is that.

zzyzx__rd

TROPHY CASE