Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Perhaps some helpful info

Hi all. I know I have been a terror and I am sorry I get so argumentative. Sorry, I am gonna do my best to just SHUT UP and go with the flow of things. SO here's some info I thought we could use as we utilize these last couple days to get ready for GNP! I thought I would repost Matt's Havasu list of camping stuff because I remember it being pretty thorough.
Also, I think you all probably know that it totally IS going to rain and that we have to not only bring rain gear for ourselves and bodies, but perhaps extra tarps for under our tents, and also....a true coat is a good idea. It gets COLD at night!

Here is a little excerpt about weather from a Glacier website.

Glacier's western valleys generally receive the most rainfall. Daytime temperatures can
exceed 90°F. It is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Strong wind
s and sunny days predominate on the east side of the park. Overnight lows throughout the
park can drop to near 20°F, and snow can fall anytime. In August of 1992, a foot of snow fell on the northeastern corner of Glacier.

Prepare for a variety of conditions and pack accordingly. You may start the day in a T-shirt and
shorts, and need a parka by evening. Dress in layers. Always bring raingear.

During the summer months of June, July, and August, daytime temperatures average in the
60’s and 70’s. Nighttime temperatures average in the 40’s. These are merely averages and
daytime highs can exceed 90°F and overnight lows can drop to near 20°F. Snow can fall anytime,
especially in areas above the treeline, where it is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler.

And here is Matt's list from last year. Maybe not everything is totally use-able on this
trip, but you get the picture. Love you guys. It's gonna be fun.

-Essentials-
------------
backpack (obviously)
tent
sleeping/mummy bag, blankets will probably do just fine since it'll be so hot
water bottles: SIGG, Nalgene, canteen, whatever
stove + fuel (Dad, Joey and Matt have)
water purifier (Dad, Joey and Matt have)
mess kit + cup/mug
utensils
biodegradable soap (I like Dr. Bronners, because you can use it as soap, toothpaste, detergent, shampoo, etc.)
waterproof matches or lighter
good sunscreen
insect repellent
flashlight(s) -- LED flashlights are light and powerful
spare batteries for flashlight
bathroom essentials: toothbrush/paste, soap, contacts + solution, hair-ties, vaseline, spare contacts, etc.
biodegradable toilet paper (apparently there's a lack of it in the facilities)
first aid kit (I know Joey has one, anyone else?)
[contents of first aid kit: bandaids (including waterproof), butterfly bandage, ace bandage, waterproof tape, acetaminophen/ibuprofen/aspirin, snake bite kit -- there's a good list here]
----------
-Optional-
----------
camera + a good case + spare battery
disposable camera (just in case)
lotion (apparently we'll need it)
compass
poncho (black garbage bag or two would suffice--rains expected!)
CamelBak or water bladder
watch
rope
mirror
knife/pocketknife
dish scrubber
ziploc/plastic bags (good for camera protection and storing/carrying little items)
maps and field guides
carabiners to secure stuff to your pack
backpacking towel
sleeping mat
headlamp
rain cover for your pack
rain poncho
----------
-Clothing-
----------
I don't know girls' clothing that well, so this is what I'm bringing:
sunglasses
swimsuit
2 pairs shorts
2 t-shirts
maybe 1 long-sleeved shirt, but I'm not sure yet
maybe 1 pair of pajama-y pants or something, also not sure on this one
underwear
hat
sweatbands (if you're me--yes)
good shoes or foot coverings of some kind, at least two pair: for water and/or hiking (I'm just bringing Chacos and flipflops)
socks (if bringing shoes/boots)



5 comments:

AdieSpringB said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
moonshinejunkyard said...

mysterious, above.

anyway good info. i liked the excerpt about weather cause i've been confused but now i understand why i have seen temps ranging from 20s to 40s for nighttime. ugh i don't think we have any extra room for COATS this is supposed to be summer. oh well, it's pretty exciting.

there is an extra first aid kit in the van plus darin and i have a real camping stove as well as a one-burner type and a backpacking stove. people are more than welcome to share these.

addie i heard you are planning a spaghetti feast, true? should darin and i plan a meal?

Papa Dan said...

Thanks for posting that message and the list from last year from Matt. That type of weather is pretty usual for those Canadian folks. Wouldn't it be something to live up there. I first learned about the beauty of that part of Canada when, a long time ago, Al Hamlin showed some pictures of himself crossing the southern Canada on a motorcycle. Some of the most gorgeous country I've seen; at least on pictures.

Joseph Beatty said...

pops, now you get to see it by your own jolly eyes!!!

moonshinejunkyard said...

dad i remember you said al hamlin said cour d'alene idaho was the most beautiful spot in the US or was it Glacier NP? anyway, it's funny that you've remembered that all these years and now you're finally going to see it! right on joey! also this is why it is so important to leave so early so hopefully we can drive through the most beautiful part of northern idaho when there is still a little light. or the light of the moon will be great too!

CANNOT WAIT! tonight we leave.