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| no partners | | Set out for a very short backpack with multi purpose in mind. Test some gear, go somewhere where there could be good photo potential, also somewhere I didn't have to drive many miles on muddy roads, and explore a mine.
Asbestos Point filled the bill. I parked low down, because I wanted the exercise. The road good but washed in spots till the green shack. It was cloudy but no rain just yet. The road went to hell in a handbasket in the burn section, gullied 2-3 feet deep with large rocks. Then a burned log across the road and on up a large rock had slid into the road. It started raining and I donned the gear. The clouds came in near the top and closed in, the visibility very poor within just a few feet of the road boundary. I walked the road out on top but no view, and went back and down along the rock face with the adits. I went in one of the main portals, and dropped my pack. The next few hours were exploring the mine, then pop out and check the weather. Back in, more exploring. One time I went " oh, schyeatt" as I did get turned around then retraced my steps and out. Got into an old section, and admired all the rock and wood work. Very little artifacts as this thing has been explored a lot over the years. But I got into some sections that those who don't want to crawl or stoop would go.
Wimped out and camped in the mine. Sunset was spectacular with the undulating clouds. I put up the bivy and my plastic small pipe worked instead of the metal poles. Snakes were not seen but I am sure were around. The Granite Gear Vapor trail backpack was wonderful, it hugged me and carried the weight very well. I was carrying water for the dry camp and a winter weight bag, not necessary but I wanted to see how the pack did.
I slept pretty well, near an entrance, some bat action of course, and air flow such that it was drawing in some of the clouds streaming in the entrance, but I was nice and warm in the bivy, no condensation.
Next morning the clouds were laying below me. As the sun came up they started to rise. Just magical watching it all. I went to Asbestos point since I could now see something and again down to the end of the road. I wasn't going to carry the heavy pack up to Zimmerman, but dropped it and went out to a point around the corner to check on a prospect.
Walked down and saw someone had tried to come up but had to turn around before the really bad section.
I thought the weather was awesome, and I am satisfied that my new/old gear configuration should work well for some upcoming trips. |
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