High Sierra Topix

Rlown wrote:
you never know who you might meet

Like?

no one special, but you don't wanna stink when you do..

The Japanese tourists on Rafferty in late Sept '08 were a kick. All I understood was "how far to Vogelsang?" I wasn't sure if i should answer in miles or km's. We met them 3 miles out. She was in inappropriate foot gear. So, 4 miles to Vogelsang as we came from Evelyn off-trail.

Rlown wrote:
She was in inappropriate foot gear.

Oh, you mean like high heels on the way back to Mirror Lake inappropriate.

seriously.. she was in semi-highs.. i don't even know what that might mean but it was way wrong.

A good rinse and some air time works for me. My shirts stink fresh out the washer so....lol

I have met solo female hikers twice, my stench was the last thing on my mind.

Its more when i come back to civilization that i become self aware

met a group of college women in '06 on the way out of Evelyn. 20 of them. It's not where you want to stink.. same darned place as the Japanese couple. Rods strapped to the backpack.. they asked, "did you fish?" answer: yes. I love who one meets on the trails.. always something new. Had some really nice Gouda and single malt last year near Puppet; after I made them quench their fire.

I wouldn't mind figuring out an even better way to do my laundry out there then what I already do. If this thing really worked well it would be worth it to me.

Once the rest of you have spent 3 months hiking with the same clothes you will appreciate why I do laundry every other day out there.

Although a did meet a girl who seemed to be a bit proud that she went 35 days backpacking in Colorado without bathing once.

I wash daily. I do enjoy super cold water though, so its for fun and for getting clean. I just use mud or sand....same with dishes.

RoguePhotonic wrote: Once the rest of you have spent 3 months hiking with the same clothes you will appreciate why I do laundry every other day out there.

Thanks for the image there Rogue! One of the major reasons why a solo tent matters. Don't understand why, but every time I share a tent, while I continually stay sweet my roommates always reek.

I go out for long trips and wash myself and clothes regularly. Guess what works the best! The bear cannister. Temporarily take out the food and keep an eye on it. Fill can with water, put in one small drop of soap, put in clothes and roll it back and forth on the ground. If you are with someone, you can make a game of it and roll the can back and forth between each other. Be sure to dump water well away from water sources.