Baja, My 1st Multi-day Trip

Advice
#1

First, thanks to everyone who commented on my previous thread, “Preparing for First Multi-day Trip, Things I Should be Aware Of”. There were some great tips provided by Forum members.

I got back yesterday, had a long shower, slept like a little baby. The trip was everything I hoped it would be. It was physically challenging & highly educational… I am definitely a better paddler now after daily coaching by our guide Marcos, especially in challenging conditions (wind & waves)… I made notes on lot’s of camping “hacks” to ease life in the wild… it was a significant test of my 61 year old body’s ability to withstand discomfort (Advil was my daily friend), or maybe more to the point my mental willingness to accept discomfort. Hot sun, little shade, cool windy nights, sand in every possible nook and cranny, nice comfy barnacle encrusted LAVA rocks under-foot and under-ass. One good surprise; I am so addicted to 24 hour internet access, I wasn’t sure how well I would deal with the separation… in all, I actually enjoyed letting it all go for a few days… I read a good book, did some hiking and spearfishing, climbed a decently challenging mountain… all good stuff.

I can NOT say it was non-stop fun… I definitely CAN say there was not a single moment I questioned my decision to go. My biggest issues were: (1) My back was killing me every morning… took a good hour plus a cup of coffee to feel less of a zombie, and (2) My ass hurt like blazes every day after about 4 hours of paddling, and I developed a painful hemorrhoid… yeah, I know, TMI… but them’s the facts of life when wilderness kayaking, right?

I feel like my preparation was good, but not great… I have a list of gear upgrades I will start making immediately. Does anyone know of some sort of water-resistant-origami-Lazy-Boy-recliner I could tuck away for the next outing? ; )

A few of the best things: Starbucks freeze dried French Roast packets… Burt’s Bees Lip Balm… my cheapo $3 Walmart hat, what a lifesaver!.. the smoked yellowfin tuna salad Marcos made for us on day 4, that’s a keeper recipe… and of course dark Baja nights, clear and full of stars <my one technology miss, access to Nightsky.com on the iPad>, combined with days paddling clear water over reefs filled with colorful fish and sea creatures, and a mind boggling variety of bird species providing constant entertainment.

Gotta say it: Mission Accomplished.

#2

I’m proud of you! Great trip synopsis. Where are the photos?

#3

Not quite a La-Z-Boy, but I have a Helinox Ground Chair and it’s great! You may want to consider the Chair One though, as the ground version is a challenge to get up from. Probably more so the case for your “61 year old body”.

One thing about the ground chair is that you can still use it inside a compact tent when the weather outside is nasty. I don’t find it comfortable laying on my front, back or side for hours on end inside a tent reading. Sitting is a nice change.

Another tip: Don’t bother trying the ground chair in the sand. You will regret it - trust me. Put it on some sort of platform you find nearby or bring with you if you must use it on sand.

Congratulations on returning alive, and for reflecting on your experience. Gear adjustments are a constant thing. I have my staples but everything evolves with your activities, location, season, and comfort criteria.

#4

@string said:
I’m proud of you! Great trip synopsis. Where are the photos?

Thanks String… no photos this trip… next time!

#5

@Sparky961 said:
Not quite a La-Z-Boy, but… Don’t bother trying the ground chair in the sand. You will regret it - trust me. Put it on some sort of platform you find nearby or bring with you if you must use it on sand.

Thanks for the tips Sparky… here is the chair I got for the trip… easy to deploy and pack, sturdy, and the “sand foot” worked like a charm. As you say, far better than sitting on the ground (though I did plenty of rock sitting) but not a replacement for the Lazy Boy… let’s keep lookin’!

https://www.amazon.com/Trekology-Portable-Camping-Adjustable-Height/dp/B076KBVJ6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523342799&sr=8-1&keywords=Trekology%2Bcamp%2Bchair%2Blightweight&th=1

#6

Have you seen these? lots of different brands. I have yet to try one. Also I always take a wide brim sun hat of some sort as you found out a hat is good! I love taking photos here are a few from last weeks trip to FL.

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=inflatable+beach+lounger&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=178134609267&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1405806586725773567&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010411&hvtargid=kwd-6413332950&ref=pd_sl_7cu3dvnloy_e

1975×1480 436 KB

3496×2623 541 KB

2390×1786 657 KB

1953×1467 491 KB

4608×3456 2.81 MB

#7

Sounds like you had a great trip! Thanks for the report.

#8

That lounger holds a lot of critters!

#9

Castoff: Dang, Man! I was kidding about the origami-Lazy-Boy… that inflatable thing is awesome… we’re talkin’ serious siesta time. Pictures from Floriday? Looks like Jurrasic Park.