Biking

I’ve been on the trek quite a bit the last few days, and I’m enjoying it thoroughly.  The bike is light, fast, responsive, and even (gasp) comfortable.  There is a slight issue with the left shifter that I need to work out, so I’ll be taking it back to Home Place soon.  It seems to be more of a mechanical defect than something needing minor adjustments.  It tends to be extremely difficult to down shift, and will shift down two stages at once rather than one.  It’s not a huge problem for riding, just annoying.

In other news the Boundary Waters canoe trip is fast approaching.  I need to dust off my gear and take inventory soon.  I’m planning on bringing a fairly spartan rig.  I don’t want to bring any unnecessary junk with me.  This is more about simplicity than lightness.  I’ve always been pretty wary about getting into the whole “fast and light” school of outdoor adventure because it seems like “fast and light” really often means “dumb and naked.”  Being dumb and naked can be fun, I do it regularly, but on trail it seems like all the grief you avoid by leaving things behind can come back at you in force when things get tough.

Actually, I’ve changed my mind.  I will be going fast and light on this canoe trip.  I’m bringing:

1 Knife (Small and sharp)

1 Umbrella

1 Straw

Total weight, 3.4 lbs.

I can use the knife to murder/forage my meals, the umbrella is my shelter, and the straw will allow me to easily drink water from lakes, streams, and puddles.  I intend to be completely naked, and swim rather than canoe around the BWCA.  If you see me, try not to laugh too hard.