Check Your Gear and Plan for 2024
Seriously, Fall is upon us and it’s time to check your gear. Freezing levels at night are usually above 7,000 ft. Even knowing that the freezing level is at the elevation that’s above your hike, it doesn’t keep you dry and warm at lower elevations. A 40 degree day with rain and limited views is a situation that’s not your usual desire.
Day hiking may be a step back from what you’ve been doing all summer. Your decision ought to be weighed on the scale of what you know, as opposed to what you want. If day hiking is what you intend, it also gives you an opportunity to check the gear that you won’t be using.
Over-night packs, tents, sleeping bags, tarps, ropes, stoves, pots, utensils Therma-rest, and water filters are items that are not necessities on a day hike. Don’t just set them aside until spring. Fall and winter gives you an opportunity to look over your gear, repair your gear, replace your gear and come spring you’ll be in the right gear for hiking.
At the point that winter sets in and even day hikes are hard to come by, you should give all your gear a serious look-over, everything from pack straps down to boot lacings. If nothing else, all your equipment should be cleaned, conditioned and stored where it will be ready as the ice and snow recedes.
Aside from the holidays, rain and all other distractions, it’s time to consider your hiking goals for the 2024 hiking season. There have been several quality hiking guides over the years. “Loop Hikes in the Olympic Mountains” gives you a different look at what hiking in the Olympics can be. The book describes 27 loop hikes, 21 of which have never been published until now.
The Book not only identifies the loop hikes, but my description of the trails goes far beyond the normal text regarding length and elevation. Aside from the description of a given loop, “Loop Hikes in the Olympic Mountains” advises you about elevation, water supplies, fording, way-finding, rocky trails, overgrowth, dead-falls, washouts and exposure to the elements. This is the purpose for attending to the applicable elements that you’ll face on any one of the hikes; each one is different from the others.
The Book is written as a narrative. In print I travel with you, share my experiences and forewarn you of difficult segments that you’ll hike through. In addition, a fair amount of time is spent orienting you to the mountains, glaciation geology, flora and fauna. The book gives you the opportunity to expand your insight and bring subtle elements into a clear understanding and appreciation for this specific environment.
Pre-Ordering your copy of “Loop Hikes in the Olympic Mountains”
You can order the Book at Villagebooks.com in Late September.
Enter “Loop Hikes in the Olympic Mountains” in the Village Books search box below their logo at the top of the opening page.
I’ve been writing about some of the elements of the book since March and I will continue to do so. If you or your friends haven’t checked Loophikes.com lately, it will identify when the book is available. It’s what we’ve all been waiting for. There is no better time to order your book. I’m certain that you’ll be pleased. The book is one-of-a-kind, informative, and explores loop hikes that haven’t been published as a book. The “Grand Loop of the Olympic Mountains” is a loop that may not ever have been hiked. Whether you’re new at hiking or you’re an expert hiker, the book will be useful and helpful—and it will expand your collective experience.
All of the past articles beginning with March are accessible. Click here to visit the Archive page. Additionally, if you’re interested in what’s coming next, here they are:
October 1: Order “Loop Hikes in the Olympic Mountains”
October 15: Trail Conditions and “Loop Hikes in the Olympic Mountains”
November 1: Questions and Answers loophikes@olympus.ne.
Visit LoopHikes.com frequently. Photos, information and stories change periodically, but sharing information with you comes first. Questions? Contact me at LoopHikes@olympus.net. Your curiosity is the foundation of building a better understanding. Tell your friends.