Bronze's Expedition Log

Archive for April, 2009

Managing Expectations

Monday, April 27th, 2009

My mule being of the utmost importance to the successful persecution of the expedition, I have resolved to spend at least some small portion of each day with her, from now until our departure.  She has demonstrated her capacity for bearing and conveying my panniers, for standing quietly for grooming and body work, for generally obeying my commands and directions.  Likewise, I have come to a basic understanding of her handling, her care, and the usage of her attending equipment.  All of this knowledge will however want for employment should we lack that basic level of trust and camaraderie which will keep us working towards the same goal harmoniously. (more…)

Waterskins

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

My water gourds being deemed too fragile and canteens deemed too bulky, I decided some form of waterskin as the most effective means of transporting liquid.  Thusly equipped I would be carrying only a few extra ounces of gear, and said gear would collapse or expand to take up exactly the amount of volume required to complete its assignment. (more…)

Sutter’s Fort Mountain Man Traders Faire

Sunday, April 19th, 2009

I spent the weekend in Sacramento where I attended the above event to acquire some missing elements of my equipage.  Purchased were the following items: (more…)

Evaluating Preparations

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Only 6 weeks remain until I pack my panniers for Oregon, where my expedition will begin.  I’ve been grappling lately with my level of preparation–at times I feel pretty on top of things, other times woefully unprepared.  It is generally difficult to assess my preparedness since what I am attempting is largely unexplored territory to me.  I imagine the first week on the trail will reveal the extent of my readiness.  Until then I can only lie in bed rehearsing a day on the trail ad nauseum. (more…)

Pemmican Production

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

After much pondering and lively debate (internal or otherwise) I produced a 12lb batch of pemmican this weekend.  The main contentious issue was storage.  Do I make individual portions wrapped in wax paper?  Do I put a day’s supply in tins?  Do I follow the plains Indian’s example and pour 2 weeks worth into a rawhide bag and seal it with melted fat or beeswax?  Yesterday I settled on a bit of a hybrid approach. (more…)