There are some places I love see at least once a year. The Lost Creek Wilderness. A favorite hike in the local foothills. And this loop that goes over the Continental Divide twice.

For those hoping to find a detailed description of the gear I took during the shoulder season hiking…go elsewhere. Backpacking is not about what gear you take, what titanium widget works best or if I footnote my gear choices with the proper attributes from the gear manufacturer. I just hike with the gear that I know works for me.

(OK..I did take some apple brandy. Made in New Jersey. One of the oldest distillers in the county! That’s MY kind of thorough research. I am qualified to endorse it because I think it tastes good.. )

Backpacking is about sights seen. Laughs shared. And perhaps a nice, warm campfire at night with some friends.

And on this weekend, I had all of those experiences in spades.

Continue reading The Double By-Pass at PMags.com.