(Water) Trail Review: the Narrows of the Harpeth River

Perfect for a beginner (or lazy) water lover!

Today was my first time inner tubing the Narrows of the Harpeth, but I’ve kayaked it before. Other than the speed at which I moved, there was little difference between the tubing and kayaking experiences.

The Narrows of the Harpeth is part of the Harpeth River State Park. If you put-in/take-out at the standard spots, it’s a 5.5-mile float (or paddle) down a Class 1 river.   Continue reading “(Water) Trail Review: the Narrows of the Harpeth River”

Gear Review: Intex Inner Tube

Intex River Run Connect Lounge, Inflatable Water Float, 51″ X 49.5″

My friend invited a handful of people to join her for a day of tubing on a nearby river for her birthday, which is a brilliant celebration idea. I had never gone tubing with a group of people, and didn’t own an inner tube. My friend recommended the Intex River Run Connect Float, and everyone bought it. I don’t have anything to compare it to in my experience, so take this review with a large grain of salt.  Continue reading “Gear Review: Intex Inner Tube”

Finance List: El Camino de Santiago costs

It’s all about the money, honey…

Here’s a breakdown of my expenses for el Camino.

A few notes:

  • I had most of this gear before the trail.
  • I only pay retail about half of the time; the rest I find on sale, at REI yard sales, thrift stores, other outfitters, Amazon, etc.
  • There are obviously ways to hike el Camino for less, and for more. Cook your own food or eat out. Indulge in alcohol or not. Stay in an albergue or a hotel. Hike your own hike.

Continue reading “Finance List: El Camino de Santiago costs”

Packing List: El Camino de Santiago

Camino Frances route (~500 miles, 780 km); springtime

Here’s a list of all the items I brought (and/or recommend) when I hiked the Camino Frances route of el Camino de Santiago this May.

(Note: I’ll hyperlink the items in this list to my reviews as I write them; otherwise, the links are to product pages. Remember, you can probably find items less expensive than retail price – check the product site, but also outdoor retailers, Amazon, and thrift shops. Here’s my post breaking down my el Camino finances, gear included.)   Continue reading “Packing List: El Camino de Santiago”

Gear Review: Osprey Aura 50 AG Pack

a.k.a. Rosie, the best pack in the world

Meet Rosie.

I purchased the Aura 50 in 2012, so I have the older purple model, but it’s the same basic setup. I’ve used it for small backpacking trips, as well as my 2016 5.5 month thruhike of the AT.   Continue reading “Gear Review: Osprey Aura 50 AG Pack”