HAMILTON MOUNTAIN 3/29/07

Although windy, we enjoyed blue skies and gorgeous spring views today on our hike up Hamilton Mountain. From the top, Mt. Adams was gloriously resplendent, as was the tip of Mt. Hood peeping over the southern ridges on the Oregon side. Quite a wonderful sight.

Toothwart was the featured flower of the day, sprinkled throughout the mountain in both white and spring lavender. A sparse representation of trillium was present, along with johhny-jump-ups and quite a good showing of brilliant Oregon gold star. Our delight, however, was finding one small colony of dutchmen's breeches alongside the trail.

We had earlier thought some blooms might be found on Little Hamilton Mountain, but opted out due to the winds.

Waterfalls are spectacular this time of year, gushing with the winter snowmelt, and Hamilton Mountain's "Rodney" and "Hardy" falls are no exception.

A great day for a hike!

Lorna

GETTING STARTED II, CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

New hikers are on the trails with just about every kind (or lack) of clothing and gear imaginable, but if you get serious about hiking, there are some essentials to consider for comfort and safety.

The following list is not to be construed as a complete list of all items a hiker may every need under all circumstances, but contains some basics for typical day hikes, AND a narrative follows the list with explanations and details:

- BACKPACK (Technical)
- HYDRATION SYSTEM
- HIKING BOOTS
- HIKING SOCKS (specifically for hiking)
- HIKING PANTS & SHORTS (breathable)
- LAYERED TOPS FOR WINTER AND SUMMER (Breathable)
- LONG SLEEVED SHIRT (Ventilated - sun and insect protection)
- WATERPROOF SHELL JACKET W/HOOD (breathable
- RAIN PANTS (Waterproof & breathable with FULL side-leg zips)
- HATS for winter and summer
- GLOVES
- GAITERS (Optional, but valuable)
- HIKING/TREKKING POLES
- SO-CALLED "TEN ESSENTIALS" (Listed separately)
- PERSONALIZED CHECKLIST

We've each probably had a dozen or so BACKPACKS over the years. There seems to be a constant evolution of lighter weight fabrics, more efficient space management and innovative designs in backpacks, making new ones pretty irresistible. For year-around hiking, we prefer two different packs and use only those which are adaptable to an internal HYDRATION SYSTEM, a removable bladder fitting inside the pack. Our summer packs are smaller, compact and lighter weight than our larger winter packs which require additional capacity for heavier clothing and other cold-weather items.

There are an increasing number of smaller, technical day packs designed for women that have higher chest straps and shorter torsos. It's definitely something to consider, particularly for women with petite frames. Torso adjustments only go so far.

For those of a serious technical persuasion, specifications on all aspects of backpacks can be found online or in manufacturer's specification handouts available at many outdoor stores that list weights, dimensions, capacities and other useful information.

Personally, I like an internal frame pack that distributes the weight onto the hips, off the shoulders and eliminates uncomfortable pokes from items being carried. The downside is additional weight for the frame, but the comfort is great. Al does just fine with and prefer the lighter weight but firmly padded backs without the rigid frame. He is evidently a better "packer" than I am, since I've rarely heard him complain about being poked.

So much comfort in hiking or lack thereof is due to the fit of a pack, that we highly recommend conferring with an expert at an outdoor store. Ask for a torso measurement so you can match that length to the pack's specifications, and make note of the dimension for future reference. A pack with a torso length that's too long can create severe dysfunction and discomfort.

When a decision has been made on a specific backpack, take it home and pack it with everything you expect to carry, making sure the capacity is sufficient before heading out on the trails.

The so-called "ten essentials" have evolved into a few more items with the advent of the cell phone for emergency use, which is a "must have". Be sure it is fully charged. Again, the following list does not attempt to cover every item a hiker may ever need, but is basic:

- CELL PHONE (fully charged)
- WHISTLE
- EXTRA FOOD & CLOTHING
- SUN PROTECTION
- MAP
- COMPASS
- FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP
- WATERPROOF MATCHES
- FIRE STARTER (candles are one source)
- POCKET KNIFE
- SPACE BLANKET (Our addition)
- EXTRA WATER
- INSECT REPELLENT

Although the lists sound extensive, it's surprising how light weight all of these items can be if you buy with weight as a focus and limit quantities or volumes to that which is needed for a few hikes - not for the balance of your natural life.

For some unknown reason, both Al and I carried far too much weight in our packs until the last few years when we finally decided it wasn't necessary to carry "forty-nine" essentials. Closer to "ten" was a much better number and quite adequate for our needs.

Now, we've reduced weight even further by changing HOW we pack.

Simple ways to lose backpack weight:

- Buy a small, shrill-tones PLASTIC whistle (outdoor store) instead of the heavier metal one.
- Carry only the amount of sun protection, insect repellent and other products needed for one
or two hikes, rather than whole containers.
- Outdoor stores carry tiny plastic, screw-top bottles that can be easily filled with a few days'
supply.
- LED flashlights are lightweight. Headlamps are especially nice.
- Replace original packet containing first aid kit items and replace with small plastic zip-lock bag.

Think about each items you intend to pack and how to lighten the load.

A lightweight umbrella has always been part of our rainy day gear, and Al uses one to lunch under a hot sun. After terrifying a trails horse with an open black umbrella one day, we decided it probably would be good defense against wild animals as well, with the intent to appear as large and formidable as possible.

HATS for sun protection should be of very light-weight material, have a chin strap and allow for maximum ventilation in the crown. Don't consider a wide brim that will catch in the wind. The hat will spend a good part of its life inside the backpack, so its construction needs to be flexible.

BOOTS are critical and although I've had almost no problems with fit or comfort, Al has had more than his share. One of the biggest frustrations for his is that boot manufacturers discontinue styles that fit perfectly and then replace them with ones that don't. So, every time he needs to replace boots, it's a major effort to find those that work. Complicating matters is that feet also seem to "spread out" after years of hiking and need an even wider toe box and possibly a bigger boot size, too.

We prefer waterproof hiking boots for the rainy weather in Oregon. Occasionally slogging through wet marshes or fording a small stream is inevitable on many hikes. Outdoor stores usually have knowledgeable personnel to help with the fit and make recommendations. There are slanted ramps designed specifically to determine whether your toes will hit the front of a particular boot when you're going down hill. Otherwise, they should be comfortably snug, not tight, and provide toe "wiggle" room.

GAITERS are indispensable, from our point of view, for keeping the trail debris out of the boots when wearing shorts. Our pack for the summer months are the short gaiters that just cover boots and socks. We sometimes wear knee-high gaiters during the winter if the trail is muddy or we will be walking through wet vegetation. Gaiters will keep the upper part of your boots from becoming caked with mud and protect pant legs from water.

Hiking SOCKS warrant special consideration. My personal preference is for Thorlo "coolmax" for hot weather and washable "smart wool" for cooler weather. Both these socks are also available specifically in women's sizes. Al prefers the softness of a heavy weight merino wool sock for winter and the same "coolmax" for summer. There is an appreciable difference in foot temperature using the "coolmax". However, hiking socks are an individual preference and a large variety exists from which to choose.

CLOTHING is critical to comfortable hiking and "layering" is essential. It's like "location" in real estate. The big "no" is cotton anything, from our perspective. Once cotton gets wet from perspiration or for whatever reason, it stays wet, plus it can be quite hot during a workout in warm weather. What works is what breathes and wicks moisture from your skin to the outside of the garment where it can evaporate, drying quickly. Outdoor personnel can direct you to the breathable clothing - don't consider anything else.

What has worked extremely well in basic layering for us is Patagonia's Capilene apparel, a synthetic fabric. These garments seem to last forever. We still have original pieces purchase in the early 90's. Many outdoor stores carry their own brands of next-to-the-skin, first layer garments that are excellent also. Smartwool brand first layers are fairly new to the market in the last few years and we have not yet tried them. One disadvantage of the synthetic garments is they tend not to be very comfortable indoors, whereas the Smartwool articles might work better in this regard. Apparently many are made from Merino wool and should be very soft. Comments would be appreciated from readers who have used both products.

There are generally three weights for these particular layers for the varying outdoor temperatures, and we've sometimes layered all three in particularly cold weather. Topped by a lightweight, waterproof shell jacket and hood, we've never been uncomfortable and can peel layers as the need dictates. Seldom do we wear the long underwear bottoms under our hiking pants, but they're always in our backpacks, just in case. Some will wear the "lowers" with shorts for winter and spring hiking. We wore that combination for a number of years with great comfort.

The "uppers" as they are called, are something I wear year-around, as a first layer in winter and as an outerwear top during the summer. Winter favorites are long sleeves with mock turtle necks and a neck zipper that allows for great micro heat management. During the summer, we wear short sleeve variations that are available in various colors. Long underwear historically was available in only one dowdy color, a loathsome shade of oatmeal, but now a number of good colors are to be found.

With a synthetic pull-over for colder weather and a breathable fleece third layer (expedition weight) and a light-weight shell jacket with a hood, we stay dry and comfortable in most of the moderate temperatures in the Northwest.

Never would be recommend denim jeans or other heavy cotton pants. Once wet, for whatever reason, they won't dry out and you'll have a very cold garment to hike in.

PANTS & SHORTS should be made from breathable material also. They need to be light weight, dry quickly and not restrict movement. Year around, we use the 100% nylon hiking pants either with or without the convertible-to-shorts feature. For pure function, it's hard to beat the zip-off legs that accommodate both cold mornings and hot afternoon without changing clothes. We like the nylon material treated with Teflon to avoid permanent but and vegetation stains.

Ventilated and breathable long-sleeve SHIRTS are great to avoid sunburn and double as an insect deterrent.

HIKING or TREKKING POLES have become our mainstay in the last few years. Previously we had both considered them to be sissy sticks. Al had been convinced that with his steady treads and unerring balance, a falls was completely out of the realm of possibility for him. Not until his feel became ensnared in trail-crowding bear grass and he landed flat on his macho, did he reconsider his invincibility.

I had used just one pole for quite awhile, being a little less sure of my own steps after slipping off a wet rock some time before. Using just one pole, however, eventually produced an imbalance in the symmetry of my gait, resulting in some discomfort. The pain disappeared when I converted to two poles. They're like having four-wheel drive and have kept us from disappearing off the trail into the bushes, or worse, a good number of times.

Some kind of SEATING material is needed to keep your backside off the ground. There are simple foam sitting pads available inexpensively, inflatable cushions and even small tripod seats that weight very little. We prefer the tripod seats, particularly when ticks are an item.

A personalized CHECKLIST - make this a priority. There is nothing more irritating than arriving at a trailhead to discover some item of clothing or equipment has been left at home. We rationalize that an airplane pilot would not just grab a few things, jump in the plane and simply take off. Although we don't worry much about our plane crashing on a trail, the result could be similar should an injury occur and we lack the essentials. Checking the list before heading out the door is security.

Even essential items like water and sunglasses go on our list - sometimes it's the seemingly obvious ones that don't make it to the trailhead.

Next blog - Guide books, maps and ticks

All written materials and photographs are copywrited and may not be used for any purpose without author's written permission.

GETTING STARTED - PART I

Look for Getting Started - Part II - Gear, Equipment & Clothing

Like many people, we began hiking with groups and only later gained sufficient confidence and trail knowledge to venture out by ourselves. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to group hiking and, in our case, specifically to the Mazamas hike leaders whose competence, dedication, encouragement and camaraderie made possible the active lifestyle we maintain to this day.

Venturing into solo (couple) hiking was and continues to be very rewarding, even though we continue to opt for the group experiences every now and then. Without the group distractions, it is possible to focus on the environment and the total immersion into nature with all its sights and sounds. Here is where we find our grounding tranquility in becoming part of the landscape. After a day on the trails, we often return home with a soft afterglow of the day's beauty still reverberating in our senses.

At times we feel a definite need for the social experience of a group hike, and indeed these outings can be extremely enjoyable. There are a number of people we've hiked with in the groups for many years in the past and it's always fun to visit with them again and extend that continuity of time.

Many group organizations offer not only day hikes, but longer excursions in numerous prime wilderness areas in the United States and throughout the world. Some involve camping and others offer lodging, but costs are usually a great deal less than with professional tour operators as there is so much volunteer involvement.

Frequently, clubs maintain local mountain lodges available to members and some offer a tremendous variety of social events, including kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, dinners & dancing, etc. For those so inclined, a group association can be a veritable feast of fun.

Selecting compatible groups is, of course, important. Although hiking organizations are typically composed of mixed ages and genders, some appear to be predominantly younger people while others are older. Occasionally, a group will define itself as a senior club. One such group which recently published in a Gresham, Oregon, newspaper indicates the following contact information: Gene and Ruthie Newcomer - email: eugeneis@comcast.net. The obvious concern in choosing a group or specific hike is pace and degree of difficulty.

Unless your hiking interests are limited to socializing, it's well to inquire about the level of interaction that is typical for a particular organization. Are they pretty serious hikers who enjoy a quiet wilderness experience that allows for reflection or is the group generally very social and pretty noisy? Once having said that, however, every hike comes down to who participates on a given day. In our minds, though, there are definite trends and it's well to make an inquiry, for whatever it's worth. That's the best you can do.

Organized groups names and their contact information is now listed individually on the web (as previously mentioned in an earlier blgo) and with some consolidation at: www.portlandhikers.com, the latter being a good starting point for the local organizations in and around Portland.

In addition, many individual communities and cities have organized recreation programs that include hiking, such as Portland Parks & Recreation. Check with your local municipalities. Conservation groups such as Nature Conservancy, the Native Plant Society and "Friends" associations such as Friends of the Gorge and Friends of Tryon Creek Park also offer hikes and guided tours. As you can readily see, there is no difficulty in locating group opportunities.

Next time: Getting Started - Part II - Gear, equipment & clothing

READER QUESTION

A reader has asked whether there are groups for beginning hikers.

Although we're not aware of groups specifically for beginners, many organizations have easy street rambles and hikes as part of their general program. For starters, two clubs in Portland which offer multi-level activities are: Mazamas (mazamas.org) and Trailsclub (trailsclub.org). At their respective websites, you will find street rambles for most ability levels and "A" hikes for the least elevation gain and mileage. Be sure to check the descriptions of each hike or ramble for degree of difficulty to ensure your comfort. It goes without saying, of course, that your personal physician should always be consulted prior to beginning a new exercise.

We just discovered a website, portlandhikers.com, that lists numerous clubs in the Portland/Salem/Vancouver areas which have scheduled hikes for the current week. For a monthly schedule, you still need to consult the individual websites.

A beautiful feature about most of these hikes is that you can simply "show up" at the designated meeting place. Clubs normally charge a small fee (usually $3 to $5). Car-pooling and shared mileage costs are encouraged, but don't automatically assume a ride will be available. Also, note that the time shown on the schedule is typically the departure time, not arrival.

A "Getting Started" blog is forthcoming with basic tips on clothing and equipment that works for us.

Happy trails to you!

INTRODUCTION & A BIT OF HISTORY

This blog is written primarily for the older outdoor enthusiasts who have just started hiking or would like to begin, but hopefully will be enjoyed by all who love the special experiences one finds only on wilderness trails.

There is no intent to imply that we are experts, and our "tips" for clothing and equipment in future blogs simply represent our personal opinions on what "works" for us.

Our hiking often includes birdwatching (a passion), viewing wildflowers, observing wildlife, and landscape photography, in addition to the visual splendors encountered at every turn.

Although it's not uncommon to see older hikers on the trails, we're definitely in the minority. We've enjoyed the company of a few hikers in their 80's and, indeed, there are a number in their 70's who still lead group hikes for clubs in the Portland area.

It might be said these hiking oldsters have maintained their physical strength and health because they do hike. It's difficult for us to imagine another physical activity that affords such enjoyment and healthful benefits.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Neither Al nor I were "always" hikers. Originally, Al lived in parts of New York, Connecticut and Michigan where mountains were just high places on a flat plain. It wasn't until 1979 while driving with his brother through the Mt. Hood winter wilderness to Bend, Oregon, that he "knew this was where he had to live". He had that "sense of coming home to a new place". It wasn't however, until 1989 at age 55 that he moved to Oregon and began hiking.

As an athletic runner for 20 years in the Mid-west, which continued with his move to Oregon, it was an easy switch for him to become a serious hiker. His first hike was with the Mazamas hiking group to Table Mountain the the Columbia River gorge which, at that time, was a nine mile roundtrip,with 3500 feet elevation gain. Now, at age 72, he still can't be kept out of the mountains or off the trails.

"Not only is hiking as physically rewarding as running, but no where before in my life had I been so completely fulfilled in all my senses as "working out" in the forests. All the wonderful infusion of my senses in the wilderness seems even richer as I continue to hike through the years.

As a native Oregonian, raised among the towering evergreens an seemingly endless horizons of snow-glazed mountains, my call-to-the-wilds came quite naturally, although hiking was not a part of life until age 50.

After a bout with a physically debilitating health issue, I started from scratch walking around a local school athletic field, then began street jogging and, finally, to Forest Park, an urban showcase of 30 forested miles for runners, hikers and malingering strollers, all within the city limits of Portland. Although most of the trails are fairly flat, it's possible to get up to 1000 feet elevation gain by combining it with a secondary trails system that affords spectacular view of the city and surrounding volcanoes. Whoa!

Diligently, I walked the trails building strength and endurance until it became possible to join a group hike and begin the most rewarding adventures of a new life.

Al and I met on a group hike to Cast Lake on the slopes of Mt. Hood in 1993, and we now have over 600 hikes logged in our journal.

We both have a fascination with the beauty, magnificence and total perfection of natural areas that are almost in our backyard and yet a complete world away. Most of our trailheads are well within a two hour drive of Portland and many an hour or less. The serenity, solitude and total experience of being part of the natural landscape is quite overwhelming at times. We laugh about the level of endorphin activity that must be present after trekking four to six hours. It is evident to us, however, that nothing else we do in lift gives this kind of life; emotionally soothing and spiritually connected to our surroundings.

Next blog: "What's Out There"