How did I miss that story originally? That’s awesome! @Philreedshikes that sounds EXACTLY like something I’d do although my story likely would have included the line “after a couple drinks...” lol ... View more

Hi @AmberWaves - if you’re near an REI store, I’d recommend stopping in and working with a staff member to get the shoes dialed in. If you’re not, try the virtual outfitting option, too. They’ll be able to answer specific questions and help you determine a good shoe. Or boot. Or trail runner. 🙂 FWIW, I’m a big fan of Merrell and the Moab 2 hiking shoe. It’s got a nice sized toe box that, for me, eliminates any pressure on my toes.  Also know people who swear by Keen for the same reason.  ... View more

@John  I haven't washed my hair anywhere in the past 15 years ever since Mother Nature decided I no longer needed any. LOL ... View more

@H2OAlchemyst -  " Don’t act like you’ve been violated when you get attacked after washing your hair with a fragrance that makes you smell like a 200 pound strawberry." That may just be the best thing I'll read all day! LOL   ... View more

I hear ya, @SubaruSteve  My wife and I have talked about moving to the Denver area, too. Her dad and stepmom are there and we’d love to be there   ... View more

@REI-CarterC I can imagine that that is a Herculean task at times. How far/long can you go now?   ... View more

@Philreedshikes  And it gives you a whole new area of gear to start obsessing over and buying! As much as people talk about always buying outdoor gear, it doesn't come close to photography. When I was shooting professionally, GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) was almost unchecked. At least with hiking, the impulse purchases are usually under $100. Photography is more like "Taking out a fourth mortgage makes total sense because I love that new lens!"   ... View more

I had looked at those, too, @crtac37 - we have a Kia Sedona Every month or so, our kids spend the weekend with grandma and grandpa (after a self-quarantine period on both sides, of course). So last year my wife expressed interest in getting a pop-up to go away for the weekend. BUT, like most outdoor gear last year, the quality stuff couldn't be found and the stuff that could be found wasn't quality. So... I bought a set of heavy duty plastic utility shelves (you know those black, four-shelf snap together kits). With the last row seats stowed and the middle seats flipped up and pushed forward, I put the legs on the bottom of each shelf and then set them inside the van. It covers the back almost wall to wall (about 3" of space on each side and about 4" of space at the front and back of the shelves) to make a platform capable of holding about 1000 pounds. We can set a comfortable queen sized mattress on top with about 2' of space above the mattress and plenty of storage space under the shelves. It take about 5 minutes to set up, nothing to attach to the vehicle, no reduction in gas mileage because I'm not towing anything, and we can be ready to head out the door in under 30 minutes from the time we decide to go to the time we pack and load. The shelves cost me $60 at one of the big box home improvement stores and the mattress... well, they vary but a few years ago I found a Coleman mattress at a second hand store (new, still in the box) for $10. But even a full price mattress at under $100 and you have a great, inexpensive set up. Added benefit - if inclement weather forces you to abort your plans, there's no take-down time. Just slide into the drivers seat, start the car, and drive off.  Right now, because it's winter, it's all in my basement otherwise I'd set it up and take some pictures ... View more

@Philreedshikes those are great! A friend of mine got into astral photography a few years and it's just such a beautiful genre. I now (almost) regret that my time behind the lens was almost exclusively inside the studio. Back then, I said "I'll never be the guy who humps his gear for miles into nature to take photographs". LOL, if I only knew then. Keep posting those!! ... View more

One of the advantages in calling everything a "hike" is that purchases are easily (or, more easily) justified here at home. "Honey, I *had* to buy a new day pack for all my hiking" went over waaaaaaaay better than "Honey, I *had* to buy a new day pack for all my walking". LOL Seriously, though, you make an excellent point, @WinterWalker . I walk multiple times a week - even in Winter - but hike once a week. However, regardless of whether I am out for a walk or out hiking, I do wear the same type of clothing, pay attention to layering, and so on. And Nordic Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and can be done by virtually anyone at any age. I have a pair of Nordic tips for my trekking poles and they're as clean and dust-free as the day I bought them... (gotta change that) ... View more