Grand Gulch - Finished!

[PaleoRob]

Alright, in addition to the 4th SAPDR ( viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3663 ) I'm looking at a March Grand Gulch backpacking trip, and wondering if anyone would be interested in coming along. I've got permits for the 28th-30th, in Bullet, out Government, for four people. We can get more if needed. We'll be averaging about 6.5 miles a day, with our first day being the longest, about 7.5 miles with the remainder of the 12.5 miles taking place over the other two days. Total mileage is about 20.
For some information about Bullet: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1283
Anyone?

[PaleoRob]

I could always bring you some iodine pills if you like. Just let me know. I don't mind!

That'd be pretty cool. I'll let you know.

[oliverr99]

How are the temps looking your way Rob?

[joebartels]

http://hikearizona.com/forecast.php?LAT ... -109.94962

[PaleoRob]

Thanks for the response, Joe!
It was nice and warm up in the Escalante this week, with lows a bit chilly in the mid 30s. Right now it is 61 outside here in Page.

Also, I managed to get my hands on some iodine, so I'm good to go with that!

[oliverr99]

Cool! temps and iodine pills! Sounds like it will be nice weather!

[oliverr99]

One more week!

[PaleoRob]

I'm stoked!

[PaleoRob]

Just a reminder; Utah is one hour later than us here in Az. So 8am is 7am on your Arizona watch/car clock.

[Vaporman]

That's right... Let me recap the info to make sure I have it right. We should expect low in the 30s? Meeting at that ranger station at 8am (Utah time)? Sounds like most people are bringing iodine though my filter is pretty light so I'll prob bring that. I'm thinking of just forgoing a tent or hammock and just sleeping on a tarp, what are you guys doing? Looks like Rush & I will be coming up in a car, are there already enough high clearance vehicles going up for the shuttle? I can't wait, I'm starting to throw the stuff together.

[oliverr99]

I am also throwing my stuff together to make sure I have everything. I might bring my filter too. I haven't decided. It isn't that heavy, but the pack will be no matter what I put in it. I am sleeping in my tent, since it weighs about a pound or 2, and to keep me somewhat warm. I think I am ready, I hope! :-))

[PaleoRob]

According to NWS, low should be around freezing Friday night (for those camping on the Mesa before the meetup), and high thirties Saturday and Sunday night. We'll be meeting at 8am, Utah time, at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station. I'll be driving a gray Explorer with the AZ plate DUNCHY. Y'all have seen pics of what I look like on here.
I was planning on bringing my tent etc., but I might see if I can switch out for a bivy. That might get me into a smaller, lighter pack I have. I've never done a bivy before, so I'll have to see how easy it is to set up etc. I'll also have to see if my friend needs to share a tent or not; if so the bivy and lighter pack are out. I'll throw the basics together tonight and see how things look.

[Vaporman]

Hmm, looks like the region with be recovering from a storm on Thursday when we roll up there on Friday, but it'll slowly warm up thru the weekend.

[PaleoRob]

That's how it is looking to me too.
Just tried some new stuff out, and it looks like I'll be bringing along my whole tent (the bivy that my wife had was not very good, and just as heavy as my Eureka Zeus Exo). Oh well, base weight of 16lbs or so pre-water, so it shouldn't be too bad. Just hoping to mix things up and maybe get a little weight off. I like my external frame, but it certainly isn't trendy or pretty!

[PaleoRob]

My friend just informed me she may have to back out due to a work conflict. We may have one opening here...

[oliverr99]

How in the world did you get it down to 16lbs before water? I am at 22lbs before water. Might be the extra clothes for night time...hmmm, warmth or weight? That is a bummer that she might back out!

[PaleoRob]

Well, to be fair, I didn't count the weight of empty water containers, so that probably adds a little bit. Nor did I have all my food (though that won't add much more than a pound, at most). There's about 2 pounds of error room on my bathroom scale I took these measurements on, so 16 seemed decent based on the readings I was getting, and that error'll take in any weight I didn't have in the pack yet. I'll do a final weight with water before heading out just to see how things match up then.
It seems pretty sure she won't be coming, actually. Some kind of conference for work. So maybe someone here'll step up.

[oliverr99]

Well if I can keep the pack 30 and under, I know I did pretty good, especially for 3 days, and cold temperatures!
Bummer, I was hoping another girl would be there! Oh well.

[PaleoRob]

Okay all you sideline sitters, we're coming down to the wire. With my friend having a work related thing interfere, we've got ONE, count 'em ONE open slot for this weekend's trip! I know it is short notice, but first to jump gets it.

[rushthezeppelin]

My base weight as well is 16 pounds. I usually don't take a ton of luxuries though tbh. Just shelter system, food and stove and extra clothing pretty much with other small light odds and ends.

[PaleoRob]

My one big luxury is a crazy creek chair. I could probably cut a good bit of weight if I got a sleeve for my foam pad to use as a chair, but I haven't had the money to fork over for that.