Hello all, I wanted to post a quick
update to the blog and throw in a gear review for my latest piece of
hiking equipment: the Osprey Talon 33 Pack! Also, thanks goes out to
all my current followers. As I am new to this, I appreciate you all
following along and in some cases even noting my story in your own
blog.
First in this post, I've listed a few waterfalls that I enjoy visiting. These first couple pictures are from a place that I visited last
year. These are of
High Falls on the Oswegatchie River, Cranberry Lake, NY. This falls is a
popular trip for my friends and I. We usually make a 2 or 3 day
camping trip out of it and kayak/canoe upriver several miles to the
falls. I made the trip twice last year and actually, this was where I
last dislocated my shoulder, swimming in the pool under the falls. Its a
beautiful trip, there are lots of campsites along the way as well as a
total of 4 lean-tos (2 of them at the falls).
These next are of Auger Falls on the Sacandaga River, Wells,
NY. This is right up the road from my friends’ place (Matt and
Caitlin). It is not far from the highway although does require a short
walk through the woods back to the river.
Next is Rainbow Falls on the Grasse River, Tooley Pond
Rd, Cranberry Lake, NY. This Grasse River which runs closely along
Tooley Pond Rd. has a number of fantastic waterfalls to visit. They are
all short hikes, for the most part, off the backcountry road. Rainbow
falls has a unique effect though, its name comes from the pleasant
rainbow that is formed from the huge amounts of mist thrown into the air
from the crashing water. When the sun is up and the river running
strong, the rainbow will be seen from the top of the falls.
Finally
I wanted to give a short review of my newest hiking pack: the Osprey
Talon 33. Simply put, I love it. This lightweight, 33 liter, short
trip backpack is exactly what I was looking for. I needed a day pack
that was light, carries water, lots of pockets, and had a capacity to
carry a change of clothes and rain jacket. This weighs in at 2 pounds
with its internal aluminum frame, is top loaded, and has mesh-covered
shoulder straps and waist belt to allow air through to keep you cooler.
While
I wouldn’t want to use it to pack a lot of weight in, I wouldn’t
hesitate using this for an overnight camping trip or any day trip you
can imagine. There are several brands out there but Osprey has a
reputation for tough material and long lasting products. I bought this
in the Syracuse Eastern Mountain Sports store while it was having a
sale. The price then was less than $100 which is good for this type of
pack. If you look around online, you can usually find a store selling
it cheaper than the regular price. REI has it listed as $129.00 online.
The pack has a separate pocket for a hydration bladder outside of it’s
main pocket. This is nice because it helps keep your back cool and if
the bladder leaks, it won’t get your pack contents wet. As of October
when I bought this, it has been on 6 trips and over several miles of
trail. I even took it on the airplane with me when I flew to Florida.
This all purpose, short trip pack has two thumbs up from me and I’m
looking forward to using it a lot more this coming hiking season!
