The Moving Point

Idaho

2009-08-24T12:42:00.000-04:00

As seen from the bus.

Lions Ridge to the Winds

2009-08-24T12:28:00.000-04:00

A detour around SW corner of Yellowstone NP. One bus, nine people, $15
per person park entry fee just to pass through. I guess I'll have to
come back with my anual pass.

Dawn in Bozeman

2009-08-22T06:42:00.003-04:00

After two weather delays, one in DC and one in Denver I arrived in Bozeman. The wheels touched down at about 1:00 am. I made my way along N7th Ave to Comfort Suites. The business center is nice. Internet access and the smell of a free continental breakfast wafting through the central air system, I can't wait to be away from the trappings of the everyday. First thing on the agenda is to locate a place to store my stuff for a while. I have my computer with me and I don't really feel like lugging it into the mountains. I wonder if I can trick the front desk into holding a bag for me... Probably not. Well, not until the morning shift change anyway. Oh, right. I'm not paying for a room. I've been awake for about 22 hours. It’s about 5:10 am now and I don't see any reason to sleep (edit- upon finishing this entry I am spent. I'm going to have to find somewhere to sleep).
Nevertheless, I need to acclimate. Not that half a day is enough, but some is better than nothing. So, I'll hike out along the Bridger Range later... today. Wow I'm tired.

I won't do the full route tomorrow, but maybe before I leave I'll spend a night at Ross Pass and on up to Blacktail Mountain. WT2 ends on the 5th and I leave on the 9th. I have time to do the whole range and back before my flight. This is going to be a great trip. I am looking forward to learning and increasing my backcountry skill set.

In no time the sun should be creeping up over the mountains and I will have to figure out where I can nap in the sun for a few hours.

Here's a look at the Bridger Range in part, up to Ross Pass

View Bridger Range Traverse in a larger map

AT Thru-hike Video Update 1

2009-08-15T11:38:00.003-04:00

Greetings everyone. This is my first video update on my Thru attempt. I am considering this research and will be changing the format depending on the feed back I get. I have come off trail to prepare for Backpacking Light's Wilderness Trekking School. Travel and logistics have all been arranged and I am happy to say that I am very excited to be attending. Much thanks to Mike Clelland, Addie Bedford, and Mom and Dad for helping me get into the class. I will post a full report of the trip as soon as I have time. Enjoy.

Off Trail in Monson, ME

2009-08-06T10:07:00.002-04:00

Well, the 100 Mile Wilderness (100 acer woods, says Mom) is over and done with. 114 miles in 7 days. Three quick words for hiking in Maine: Fords, BUGS, and MUD!

I am taking a break from the AT to attend Backpackinglight's WT2-LDH course in Bozeman, MT! Damn exciting! Hiking with Andrew Skurka (again), Glen Van Peski (wow), Sam Haraldson (super cool), and the one the only, Mike Clelland!. Thanks Mom and Dad for making it happen!

Here's the deal though, I'm looking for super cheap travel options to Bozeman, MT. I've posted here at craigslist. If you think of anything send an email or reply below! No time to waste! I hope all is well with every one.

To Maine

2009-07-28T02:44:00.002-04:00

After two false starts I am on my way. Dad still proves his 'Road Warrior' status. Knee replacement be damned. Mom and I pee every thirty minutes. The only problem, she can't aim into the bottle like I can. More updates to come. Pre date 7/26/09.

AT Thru-hike Update 19-07-09

2009-07-19T09:54:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow, my father and I will start our drive to Millinocket. I am excited and apprehensive.

View Larger Map

In preparing for a journey of this size, I've learned a few things. Undoubtedly, this knowledge will help me prepare in a more efficient fashion if I do, in fact continue to hike after this attempt. A few facts:
You will never be as prepared as you want. Simple fact. There will always be something you forgot, something you just couldn't cram into you deadline. Though, I would have liked more time, I could always find something else to do. This delays the start of your trip, and could indefinitely. Do your research, plan your journey, but don't lock yourself into a divisive trip that will not flex and breath. Its better to be comfortable with improvising. The old "lemons into lemonade" bit. Understand you can only have so much "control", your diet, your planned mileage, your direction... well sometimes, your direction. Aside from a very few factors, you are at the mercy of the journey. In this case the Trail will do with me as it wishes. I only have to be there to accept this and do my best to care for myself as I travel.
You will be humbled by those that come to help you. Just yesterday I was flying around the house collecting, repackaging, cooking, mixing, weighing, and trying to finish typing out the last of the Thru-Hiker' Handbook. Mom came to help, taking over typing. Before she got up for a rest she had finished Vermont. Then, Mo, my sister, says, "What can I help you with?" She made a double batch of Mike Clelland's! "Super Spackel". She repackaged contact solution, DEET, Hydropel, and aquamira. Then my aunt Terri and yougest cousin, Caroline came over. Terri took the keyboard and typed in New Hampshire as Mom read out landmarks, mileages, and elevations. Caroline and Mo got to work packing petroleum jelly soaked cotton balls that I'll use for fire starters.
The Girls Help me out.

Caroline makes cotton ball fire starters.

Mom and Terri finish off New Hampshire.

Mo making fire starters.

Thanks ladies!
Look for an update later this evening.

AT Thru-hike Update 27-06-09

2009-06-27T10:08:00.006-04:00

My wonderful parents have volunteered to ferry me to start my hike. They arrive here in DC tomorrow. Monday morning we leave for WV so I can spend some time with my family finalize mail drops, timetable, and itinerary. As of now I have a short hike planned with my cousin Chris. A short out and back starting at Pearisburg, VA; along the AT (hike may change if I feel I can't make the cut off at Baxter). We'll do that in 2 days and then Dad (and maybe Mom we'll see if she wants to take a road trip) and I travel to GA. If all goes well I'll be on trail by 15-07-09. I'm a ball of energy. I can't keep from bouncing around and pacing, looking at maps, and constantly trying to wrap my mind around just what a thru-hike attempt is like. This is what 3 months of Clif Bars looks like.

I plan to finally finish my SpinnTex tarp tomorrow... I hope I can find time.

Bivy v1.0

2009-06-19T13:46:00.006-04:00

The bivy is done. Here are a few photos and some information.

Bivy Weight: (edit after boxing the ends) 6.3 oz.
Bottom Fabric: 1.1 Silnylon from Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics
Top Fabric: Momentum 0.9 from Thru-Hiker

AT Thru-hike Update 17-06-09

2009-06-17T10:03:00.001-04:00

There is a satisfaction that comes with deciding where you are to receive mail drops. The process of going through the Data Book and looking for the most opportune access to the USPS was good fun. I don't think I have to hitch more than 5 miles at any given time with the arrangement of drops at this point. I have mostly planned my mileage around pickup points. Conveniently, there seems to be a shelter or campsite prior to entering a town or approaching a hostel. For me, this is most opportune as I am trying to aggressively limit my time in towns and in places where I could spend money. Preservation of funds has been a goal from the onset of my attempt to thru-hike. Penny pinching.

Looking for Work... after a hike.

2009-06-05T12:01:00.003-04:00

I'm always amazed at how things work. Yesterday I got laid off. Last week I was hunched over my spreadsheet trying to figure out how in only 3 months was I going to accomplish what takes most hikers 5-6 months . That's no longer a problem. I may take 4 months to walk now. I think I can handle 4 months. Things have always shifted for me. I'm not saying I've had it easy, I'm proud of the fact that I've had to work for what I have. Though, I think I'm always able to find the good in the bad. I've read many stories of people going off for months at a time to hike, returning to their jobs to find that they can't do the same type of work. The office is too confining, their passions have shifted, they don't miss the life off trail. I've been given a clean slate. I can have my time over months on foot, and come back to something new and frustrating, and exciting, and unexpected. So, here's to those who currently find themselves unemployed. I'm happy to be among you.

Bust

2009-06-04T09:47:00.003-04:00

There were a number of factors that contributed to my absence at Trail Days. I hadn't seen my family in... well a long time. My cousin had a soccer game that weekend. I got interested in exploring Kanawha State Forest after my parents sent me the article about the hiker that went missing there. I wanted to see the new deck my penny pinching Gran was having installed. I missed sitting on the front porch with my mom. I wanted to see my dad's new collection of stoves. He's a MBD stove man, exclusively. I sat by a fire with my sister and my cousin for hours talking about whatever came to mind. Love, politics, beer, sex, the economy, family, (not listed in order discussed). I think I found something I love more than gear. Now the question is: Will this effect my forum ranking at BPL.

To Trail Days

2009-05-13T22:40:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow morning I drive to WV to visit family. I'll swing by and drop Mom her late mothers day present and same for Gran. I'll spend a night there, and next morning, Dad and I are off to Damascus for Trail Days.
I've never been. I hope to see a few reps from BPL. Hopefully I can talk dad into staying a night so I can pick up an over night there on the trail. We'll see. Much like Jolly Green Giant and Jason Klass, I am a gear head. I really can't wait to bounce from display to display checking out all the vendors. Damascus or bust.

AT Thru-hike Update 05-08-09

2009-05-08T16:00:00.003-04:00

I've requested time off from my employer. I am taking a voluntary leave without pay. My salary will be annualized so that I'm not without rent payment for three months (yes, 3 months is all I can get). There are 2 options for my hike time table.
Option 1:
Leave DC on Saturday June 27th. Drive to Charleston, WV. Teach my wonderful father and mother how to use my spread sheets for mileage and shipping timelines. Make sure all mail drops are packed and ready to ship. Hand my parents the finalized shipping itinerary. Drive to Amicalola Falls State Park and make the 8.8 mile hike up the approach trail to Springer Mountain Shelter on June 30th and start my first full day of hiking July 1. The hike would continue northbound through October 1. I hope to finish the trail at that time, but if I am slower than I anticipate or if I incur injury and am unable to maintain my pace I will hike as far as I can. But to maintain employment I have to return to work at that time. I am fortunate to have a job that is this flexible. The office has to reduce the number of hours of operation during this time frame due to pour funding and financial strain. However, my boss, to my understanding, has been throwing tantrums due to less than optimal circumstance due to finance as well. Selfishness tends to prevail. So we'll see.
Option 2:
I wait until September. I travel southbound. I try not to freeze my ass in the White Mountains and Smokies. I would also be leaving my job at a time when we have more paying work. Just based on mileage to the trail heads, I have my preference.
Charleston to Amicalola Falls State Park 8.3 hours

View Larger Map
Charleston to Millinocket 17.1 hours

View Larger Map

Ken Knight Found!

2009-05-03T18:29:00.002-04:00

Ken walked out on his own after setting a signal fire. Way to go Ken. Godspeed and good will. More information here. Congrats to all who helped.

Emergency: Hiker Missing on Appalachian Trail in VA

2009-04-30T16:59:00.004-04:00

Ken Knight is missing in VA

Ken was last seen on the AT on Sunday morning, around 9-10am, at Punchbowl Mountain, Blue Ridge Parkway, mile 51.7, in the area of Buchanan and Bedford, Virginia.

This is Ken

Ken is 5'4" tall and approx. 180-200 lb. He is vision impaired, has dark hair, and is probably using a dry bag-style pack with an orange packbag.

Please stay tuned here for more information: BPL Forum Thread Ken Knight Missing in VA

To Middletown

2009-04-15T07:35:00.000-04:00

7:30 am. BWI gate B6. I'm sleep walking.

AT Thru-hike

2009-04-12T22:08:00.002-04:00

This is what a Thru-hike looks like. For the last few weeks I've spent any free time I can muster into a spreadsheet of landmarks and mileages. Yesterday, I finished Georgia. Today, I start on North Carolina and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Ah, Spring...

2009-04-12T11:11:00.003-04:00

The bloom is all but gone from the Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) that resides in the yard. I took the picture just past the pinnacle of this years bloom. I love this tree. It blooms early in the spring if the temperatures are right and then greens for the rest of the summer. It's a thrilling change to watch. The petals blow down in streaks of pink and white when the wind blows. The time it takes to bloom and lose all petals is about a week and a half.

Back to DC

2009-04-02T09:45:00.002-04:00

10,000 ft. at 9:45 am. Bradly to BWI. I am looking forward to my first weekend off in two months. I'm going for a hike.

Good weather in Houston.

2009-03-29T13:43:00.002-04:00

Beautiful blue sky and green trees on campus at University of Houston. Last day before I travel back to DC and then on to CT. On the road again... Sing it Willy.

Sights from Guyana

2009-03-27T11:32:00.007-04:00

Leaving Vermont

2009-03-08T22:16:00.008-04:00

I've been in Burlington for the past week for work. I can't say that I've seen a lot of the town. I've been too busy. Today I took some time to look around. There are a good number of outfitters in town. Outdoor Gear Exchange, Climb High, among others. So I've had fun looking around. Today, my walk delivered me to Burlington Bay. I took the picture above a little North of College St. Seeing the mountains across the water pulls my thoughts back to hiking.

View Larger Map

My next location will be Connecticut. I leave VT tomorrow, early. I still have to schedule a shave and a hair cut before it's off to Guyana.

Trip Report 02-07 - 02-08

2009-02-12T07:11:00.003-05:00

I went to Turners Gap on Saturday to hike north along the AT for a quick refresh and an unexpected primer on foot travel through mud and over ice. Conditions were perfect. With temps spanning the low 60s and mid 40s I was comfortable in running shorts and long sleeve poly T. From Turners Gap I hiked north, past Washington Monument, and over I70, to Pine Knob. There, I went to work making camp as the light transitioned from orange sun to pale moon. I pitched my tarp in a modified lean-to configuration. Pitching this tarp gives me a feeling of satisfaction. I made this tarp, and I have become skilled in regards to site selection and making a graceful pitch. This trip I selected the modified lean-to for wind protection and the ability to block light from the bright moon. This is a feature of tarp camping that I thoroughly enjoy. By moving just a few inches I can transition from watching the moon to blocking it's light when my eyes get heavy. For ground insulation I took a torso length egg crate Evazote pad and a small section of 1/8" Evazote for my feet. Add a 3 mil plastic ground sheet to help keep my down quilt clean and you've got a great sleeping system that is light and comfortable in a wide range of temps.

After a short lived morning drizzle I loaded my pack and continued north to Annapolis Rocks. The sky had cleared and the view was amazing. The rounded hill tops roll out like 3D sine waves. Trees stand leafless and stark revealing the forest floor. Simple beauty. My gawking done, I made my way past empty camp sites to the trail and turned south for my return. Just as I was passing my camp site form the night before I met a woman hiking opposite my direction. We talked over the beautiful weather, our fantastic luck, and her child's ball game at 1:00. We didn't share names, or where we had come from. We departed giving warnings of ice and well wishes. Then, over I70, along the low, flat ridge of South Mountain, down into Turners Gap I went. I fell four
times on long swaths of ice that covered the trail. No harm done. I was intentionally challenging my speed over the ice. I found that a low center of gravity and careful foot placement provided efficient means of travel. Of course skirting the ice would have proved the best course of action. However, I use these weekend trips to expand my
skill set. Walking over ice without crampons isn't something I'm exposed to on a regular basis. The risk is minimal given my proximity to help if I need it. There is a ranger station just three miles away. So, I experimented. Where should I put my weight? How should I place my feet? What is the ice telling me? Are there soft spots that will break and provide traction? Which contours provide for good placement and how do I position myself to take advantage of that? What is the best method for using my trekking poles? Once I made a system for travel I pushed it with speed until the system broke and I would fall. No harm done. All in good fun.

As the day warmed ice gave way to water, mud and more mud. It was a slippery day through and through with the exception of the last 8th of a mile. The AT ribbons across a small clearing as it drops south into Turners. A small church sits there in the grass. I stopped to have my breakfast for lunch. For the first time I used my Bush Buddy Ultra to heat my water. Yes, an alcohol stove is lighter and faster. Yes, an alcohol stove takes up less space in my pack. Yes, alcohol stoves, if made correctly and burning the correct fuel, leave you with smut free pots after cooking. But for me none of those reasons comes close to negating the enjoyment I get from cooking over a fire. A fire I made without a lighter, without matches, without Tinder Quick tabs, without
cotton balls covered in petroleum jelly. A fire I made with a flint and steel, with tinder and fuel provided by my surroundings. I like knowing how to find dry materials for building a fire even given the wet conditions of the weekend.

All in all, it was a great over night. I wish I could take longer forays into the woods and travel the trail longer distances. Those wished will be fulfilled in time. Soon I will begin planning my thru hike. Appalachian Trail, here I come.

To Houston

2009-02-10T07:16:00.006-05:00

Yesterday morning I caught the Super Shuttle to BWI. My flight departed at 6:46 am. The trip is for work, but I've already found a climbing gym that's not too far from the hotel. I hope I can get some bouldering in. If not the highs are in the mid 70s so no matter what I'll get to run every day. I wish I was hiking, but there are bills to pay.

Exit Stage West

2009-02-02T15:57:00.003-05:00

I'm sitting in the hotel lobby in Sapporo. This is my last morning in Japan. Tomorrow... later today I'll arrive back in DC. I have taken some pictures and a little video which I will have time to post on my return. My moving point shifts.

Welcome to Oita

2009-01-27T07:23:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I arrived in Oita. My obligation here is small compared to that of Fukuoka. I hope to have more time to observe and document my surroundings as I don't have quite so much to do.

And why so vague?? What the hell? Who just picks up and goes to Japan? I am here for work. The craft by which I conform to the mean of our human experience, the all important, job. My job brings me here. You are here...

So, yes, physically I am here, in Oita. My mind on the other hand is playing in the mountains of West Virginia.

Tarp Delay or A Trip to Japan

2009-01-13T10:57:00.001-05:00

Tarp making has to be put on hold, at least for now. I am traveling
to Japan today. In fact I'm writing from Gate B. A connection in Seoul
and then on to Fukuoka for 10 days, Beppu for 2, and Sapporo for 4
days. Should be a great trip. I will do my best to keep updating on my
travels, but I will have limited Internet access.

The First Day of 2009

2009-01-01T20:20:00.002-05:00

Undoubtedly I will have to amend the date on the first rent check I write this year. I seem to allow my muscle memory to take over and keep me in the past, well at least on the first check written in the new year. But this is a minor annoyance. It has become a ritual of sorts. A brief visit into the past and then I'm off exploring the same old same old, paying rent and bills in a brand new year.

The New Years Resolution or The Hoarding and Eventual Strangulation of Human Potential

I have no resolution for the new year. No plan to make myself a better person. No plot to change the world. But I am curious. Rather than add more stuff, I am using this year to let go of a few things. As far as I know, we are only able to access and use a finite amount of space on this Earth, so why keep adding and taking up that space with new plots, plans, resolutions, diets, cars, meetings, houses, stuff, stuff, stuff...

Clothing that I have not worn in six months has been thrown into the arms of Goodwill and The Salvation Army. Duplicate items have been regifted to owners I thought would truly put the item to use, not just graciously thank me for it and then throw it into a landfill. Into the shredder go invoices, receipts, chronologies, advertisements. Bag the confetti and haul it to be recycled.

I find myself saying, "I don't need that. I'm better off without this. Someone could get more use of this than I am." instead of "I'll keep this just incase. You never know when you'll need that. I couldn't live without this." Own less. Be more.

Apologies, I'll be back to tarp making next post.

Step 1: Design

2008-12-29T23:24:00.001-05:00

I have elected to build a working prototype from 2.2 oz.* woodland camouflage polyurethane coated ripstop nylon. My selection of this fabric is based on two separate but equal criteria.

Cost. Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics rotates sale items every so many months. I found this fabric for something like $3 per yard. I purchased 3 yards.
Hike Aesthetic. Making a working prototype allows me to go to the bargain bin and not feel like I'm wasting my money on fabrics I wouldn't use in the backcountry. I like for my intentions to be clear when I'm out for a few days solo. If I'm hiking, then I want people to know that I'm hiking. I do not want to be, even remotely, likened to a hunter. Therefore, I will not take a camouflage piece of kit with me when I hike. Like wise, the weight of the fabric wouldn't withstand the 4th step in Backpacking Light 101. Withstanding cost 1.1 oz. silicone impregnated ripstop or SpinnTex, or Cuben would all be better picks weight wise.

I've been working out a few different designs with Sketchup. Given the yardage at my disposal, I will be making a tapered tarp. I have chosen to cut two halves, flip flop one side, and sew the pieces together along a 96" edge. By cutting the pattern at 96" I will loose about an inch in total tarp length, but its a sacrifice I am willing to make for simplicity sake. 7' 11" is fine for this prototype. Ron Bell (MLD) used the diagonal cut to pull off a poncho from SpinnTex that was pretty ingenious. The diagonal cut allows maximum use of yardage with very little waste. I'm standing on Ron's shoulders here. Will Rietveld wrote a great review of the MLD SpinnTex Pro Poncho Tarp for BPL.

Another Reason for a Prototype

Being that the fabric is a PU coated make, flipping one side to make this tarp is going to give it an... interesting look. On one side the coating will be out, exposed on the exterior of the tarp when pitched. The other side will place the coated side in, down, or protected from exterior conditions. This will be an productive outcome of circumstance. Productive because as I use this proto. I will be able to examine which way, if any, is best to use PU coated ripstop. Using this tarp will provide me a list of things to do different next time, or may debunk some accepted knowledge of this specific fabric. We will see.

Along the same lines I will be testing two different techniques used to attach guyout points made of grosgrain ribbon. One method is a double bar tack the other is a box stitch. Both are used a attaching tieout points and for reenforcing the junction between the two materials. More on this in the future.

On to cutting...

* fabrics are distinguished by weight per square yard. One square yard of my selected fabric weighs approximately 2.2 oz.

Making a Tarp

2008-12-13T19:03:00.004-05:00

In examining the outdoor gear industry, one will discover simplicity is making a comeback. It is slow and grueling, yes but, a comeback nonetheless. For me this is a welcome change. For years things have been too costly, heavy, over built, time consuming, and focused too narrow in their intended use. Companies like Mountain Laurel Designs and Oware are just two of the cottage variety enterprises that are helping change the long standing adage: "Prepare for the worst." and lets not forget one of my personal favorites, "You don't need to know how it works, only that it works." I don't buy into either of these tidbits of sage advice. I'd rather know. Likewise, I want to keep my pack weight low, and that, at least for me, means planning and packing for the conditions I am likely to encounter while I am outdoors. And since I want to know and my interest is pricked... Let's make a tarp.

As always, I've given myself a few goals to meet along the way.

1. I would like the tarp to keep me dry if it is raining.

2. I would like the ridge line to be at least 8 feet long, and that the width be at least 6 feet at the head or "front" of the tarp.

3. I don't want to spend any money making this tarp. I have to use fabrics and notions that I already have.

4. Given my limitations I will do what I can to design this tarp so that it is simple, light, and easy to use. I would like something fairly durable that will pitch taught and fast.

My next few posts will be updates on this project.

Starting Again and Finding my Bacon

2008-12-05T10:37:00.014-05:00

It is with much trepidation and cliché that I embark on the meager task of starting my very own blog. I have abstained with great resolve and have managed, at least until now, to keep locked up my desire to spew out my thoughts to the world, my family, my lack of friends. My story is not much different than any other, raised in a small town, left that town to pursue my lot in life, found that I do not want what I have and thus, eking out the modest steps of starting again. So, this is a tiny step in what I hope is the right direction. This is my experiment to see if I can track my moving point of interest and physical position.

I am in the process of locating and enjoying my bacon. I like bacon, though I do not agree with the system by which the majority of the country obtains its bacon. I purchase my bacon from a local farmers market. I understand that my bacon comes from a small farm and is raised by the man I buy it from. His moral dilemma of slaughtering a living thing trickles down to me as I place the thick slices of meat over my camp fire. Gleaning the information that I can in the limited contact I have had with farmers it is not so much a dilemma. More, they describe a way of life that has always been. They describe the need to take the resources they have access to and provide for their families and for their way of life.

"It's a pig. Look at their social structure, they eat shit... And they don't wait in line to do it." It seems to be a cycle of activity that the human race has understood since our beginning. Life, death, consumption, death, rinse and repeat.

Though I do not understand the techniques employed to butcher a pig, I have to say I do enjoy the outcome. Maybe I would feel different if I was the one doing the butchering. Maybe not. But, I feel I need to know. I would like to understand all the parts in the process of how my bacon arrives at my plate. What are the truly necessary steps that have to be taken to produce this outcome? Where can I simplify the process and how can I diminish the impact my choice in food has on the ecologic economy? As of now, I don't want to give up on bacon, but I would like to streamline the process.

To those ends or means, I have started to educate myself on the art of archery. Just reading for now and making sure that I understand all the parts before I try to fit them together. I find myself reading hunting magazines, and studying the anatomy of deer and of wild pigs. I'd like to know what I'm doing before I have any blood on my hands. I wouldn't want to make the moose mistake made by Chris McCandless. But like Chris, I want to know and do for myself.