Backpack

Posted By: Dave Melius
Date: 10/24/06 11:19p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: P.S. (Tom T. House, Salsa (Stiletto 27))

Wow, I cant thank you all enough for the great information. I understand the need to keep it light and simple for this trip. I am in Switzerland now, and have spent the last month backpacking through the Alps on the SAR. I know how to keep weight down. Tom, we have the same ideas for storage of gear, but I have not put these ideas into practice yet. I am glad to know that that system will work. I have two hobies, but still am planning on taking one for the two of us. We dont really have a time limit on this trip, and I think it will be ok. Correct me if I am dead wrong here... We are going to be starting in late January or Early Febuary. The plan is to move down fast to the Bay of Conception, making that a home base. The north winds are blowing hard in these months so getting down should be fast. With such a small boat, loaded down, I am worried about the steep choppy waters. I cracked a rib this year when we pitchpolled in 20kt winds, I dont want to do that agian. I am also worried about man over board in high winds. Like I said before, to singlehand in 20kt winds is almost impossible. With the currents and such, this could be a very big problem. I want a great adventure, and not death. All the same, we need to plan a bit more. I will have a GPS, compass, and charts. Thanks for the info on the Regata, we are going to try and make it. I have some problems with your advice about keeping contact. Cell phones dont work in Baja. We plan to email every time we get a chance, but that is about it. We are kinda going at it alone. If we demast, we are in big freakin trouble. A VHF is a good idea, but like you said range will be limited. I think it might be in the group 1? I didn't even think of flares, very good idea. From what I know about Baja, its empty. We plan to be alone and rely on ourselfs. I am now scared, this is a healthy fear. Adventure is not knowing what is going to happen... Thanks so much I go to Italy now =)