Back in the day before pure sine wave inverters, motor-generators were sometimes used to convert DC from batteries into alternating current with units like these. They weren't real efficient, and required a decent current draw before they'd even spin up.
I do wish there was more roadside camping opportunities in the Catskills. I had forgotten how great the views are from Hunter Mountain and even driving through the Western Catskills. There are some nice hikes too but heading back to Schoharie County to roadside camp is a bit of a drag – and I’m not interested in campgrounds with all their restrictions.
For when I go out to the Finger Lakes, I am going to make sure to bring clothes pins. I think that might be a much easier way to hang flags rather then using bungee cords, and would make flag spacing easier. Plus it’s good for drying clothes properly, rather then just throwing them over the line.
Wednesday through Friday was my spring camping trip up to the East Branch of the Sacanadaga River. It was nice to get out there, but like so many of my trips lately, I have to wonder if they are worthwhile. It’s not like it’s my first time up there, and while it was the first time I made it to the end of the East Branch Gorge Trail and fully explored Fox Lair, it seems like an awful lot of work for not a lot of reward.
Packing – shopping – driving – unpacking all go into making the trip a success. Which except for the rain on Friday was pretty good, but these trips do cost a lot of money, and I’m kind of bored with camping. I should investigate other alternatives — new things to do, new things to see. I guess I had a good time, but I’m ready for something new. But I just need to figure out what that new thing is.
One of the best things I’ve discovered is that most Tractor Supply locations sell propane by the gallon. This means, any time I am heading out for a weekend, and I notice the tank is getting a bit light, I will top off the tank so I don’t risk running out of propane. Bulk propane refilled in a 20 lb tank is affordable, and the tanks last for decade, so that means a lot of cooking, light, and heat up at camp without a lot of waste.
This year, prior to camping season, I am going to get myself a pair of inexpensive farm muck boots to use while I’m out in the wilderness. Don’t get my wrong, I like my insulated hunting boots, but there is no way in hell I’m going to wear $100 huntin’ boots around a campfire where I could accidentally melt or burn ’em by getting too close to the fire on a cold night.
But at the same time, I really need something that is waterproof, especially if I plan to spend more time up at the Finger Lakes National Forest or other high-elevation, shallow soil area where the mud and muck is intensively deep. Work boots don’t cut it when your dealing with mud that is ankle deep. And deep mud, is just part of spending time in the woods, just like it’s part of time spending time on a farm.
A few general things I’m thinking about:
Based on the current forecast I would leave on Wednesday after work, set up camp that evening, then move camp sometime mid-week, so not be at any one campsite more then 3 nights per DEC regulation. I thought about heading up through the Adirondacks for the park of the week to the St. Regis Canoe Area or even as far north as Deer River and Massena, but that would mean I would end up spending a lot of my trip driving, rather then enjoying the wilderness.
I would like to do some day hikes. Probably one of the hikes would be back to Auger Falls which is often really raging this time of year, most likely from the backside of the falls. I am also thinking of hiking back the East Branch Gorge Trail, which hopefully this year won’t be icy, or if it does I should bring my ice crapons. I’m also thinking of maybe hiking back along the Oregon Trail which follows the Stewart Creek or maybe hike back to Pine Orchard from NY 8. It would be nice to do at least one hike, where I can walk right from my campsite — so no driving at least or two days. The solar panel should keep the camping battery well charged, especially if it’s sunny.
If I had a nice sunny day, it would be nice to stick around camp for a day, just to sit back, read, study nature. No rush to go anywhere, no camp to take apart or secure. Just relax with a book in the hammock, listening to music. Assuming it’s sunny, I won’t have to worry about the battery, as the panel will continue to charge throughout hte day.
I haven’t spent much time fishing this year, mainly because I don’t like driving anywhere and I’ve been busy, but it would be nice to see if I can get some good brookies or rainbow. For best result, I would probably be best off to Mill Creek outside of Garnet Lake, although the Sacandaga River might also work, but I doubt it’s been stocked at this point.