Hi Everyone,
    I hope that everyone is thinking about and getting out into the outdoors now that summer is just around the corner! The email below contains a link to www.backpacker.com which has a wealth of backpacking information. They rate gear of all kinds each year, and it's a great source to see what the buzz is about something that you might be considering. Remember that there is the option to rent equipment from a place like REI, www.lowergear.com, or a university outdoor program.
    Conditions in the Sierra are amazing after the huge amount of snow they had this winter. We may not be able to hike the exact hikes that we outlined in the brochure because it's possible that they will still be snow covered in July, but we faced this last year, too, and were able to hike alternates that we very enjoyable! Don and I will be arriving the week before out trip to scout our routes.
    Get out there and get in shape! I will be on a beginning backpack here on the Appalachian Trail starting at the end of the week, so I will not have computer access, but feel free to email me and I will get back to you ASAP to answer any questions that you may have.

Happy hiking, Francy
Francy Rubin
434 258-1750 (home and cell)

See: Gear Guide 2011: Backpacks at www.backpacker.com

last updated 24 May 2011