...Memory Lane...

[conanjaguar]

18 hours ago, ManicManiac said:

I was looking over the stats kept in the Journal... I realized when I cited the run at 205 days; turns out I had mistakenly been looking at one of the "All Time" columns.   😖  Oops.

Well, to rectify that I will now clarify:
As of today's route and the following night's sleep the duration of the run so far  -  41 days.

For anyone else interested in The Numbers...

  Hide contents

[Obscured for those who don't really want to scroll through pages of stats... ]

An almost completely nonviolent run… the only critter you hurt was that poor bunny .

[ManicManiac]

@conanjaguar

I tend to only hunt when there is a real need.  Otherwise, I do try to maintain a sort of "live and let live" posture in terms of how I approach living on Great Bear Island (at least as much as possible - obviously survival overrules any other consideration ).

(as somewhat explained in this other thread)

[ManicManiac]

I think the only reason I took one rabbit and snared another was: just as I was getting established in Mystery Lake... I think I was contemplating some Rabbitskin Mitts.  However, I know I quickly abandoned the idea when I decided I didn't want to linger in any one place for too long and be more "on-the-move" (and also because I found these really nice gauntlets ).  So, where it not for that in the early days of the run... Rabbits Killed and Rabbits Snared would both be zeros as well.  🤭

Edited March 26, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

Early the next morning, I quicky got things sorted and took a moment to consider the day ahead.  Since I had coffee and a Go! Energy on hand, I decided I would try for a hard push to Timberwolf Mountain.  I didn't intend to stop-over or hole-up anywhere unless absolutely necessary.  Since the route was going to take me through four regions, I knew if it would be a night hike as well.    ...All I really needed was for the weather hold steady...

The first leg, of course, was just to get out of Desolation Point and Metal Gear my way back through Old Island Connector (Crumbling Highway).  However, on the way out... I did have a couple of stops I wanted to make.  

The vehicle turned out to be guarded by two wolves (and all I got for it was a package of beef jerky

 
I stopped by to deploy the climbing rope I'd found... I don't know that it will ever come in useful, but since I was passing by, I thought I would get it set up anyway.

 
The weather looked like it was taking a turn for the worse, but I was determined to press on. 

I ended up taking the scenic route back through Coastal Highway.  I don't know why I had it in my head that I was headed to Mystery Lake... but the time it hit me that I was going the wrong way, I just decided to roll with it and take the long way to Cinder Hills Mine rather than backtrack.

Pleasant Valley ahead...  The trek across Pleasant Valley may take the rest of the night... but if all goes well.  I hope to be in Timberwolf Mountain by dawn.

Stepping out of the Mine, it seemed Pleasant Valley was even more heavily overcast.  It would be difficult to spot predators... I'd have to keep a sharp ear.

As I crossed the frozen river, the skies cleared... but I was also getting cold very quickly as the winds began kicking up into a bitter gale.

I had to step inside Draft Dodger's Cabin (but just long enough to warm up a little).

Rather than stopping (by this point I was out of coffee and nearly exhausted), I slammed down the one Go! Energy I had on hand and powered my way up the climb.  The third leg of the trek was done... it was time to say goodbye to Pleasant Valley.

As I entered Timberwolf Mountain, I caught my first glimpse of the Summit for the first time in this run... It's been a while since I last returned here.  It feels good to be back.

I'd managed to make the entire trek in one stretch.  It was a hard push.  I may take the next day to nap, gather sticks, and recover my strength.  

[Leeanda]

How's the progress on the coffee feat going? 

Is that Mr bear in the middle of the Burch forest?    I do love it there but on stalker it's a bit too risky , especially if the moose spawns as well.

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda
I'll check the next time I get a session in, but I'd guess something like maybe 57%. (?)

Yes, this run is also home to the Birch Forest Bear, but I didn't see hide nor hair of it this time.

Edited March 27, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Ah. I thought that dark spot in the middle of the picture was him...   Very unusual to be absent when you don't want to see him🙂  

 

[ManicManiac]

It wasn't long before sunup, and I used the time to get things sorted and stowed away.  I wasn't in very good condition after the hard trek from Desolation Point, so I'm going to stick close to Crystal Lake.  I only have maybe one day of food, so I was going to have to either find some or I may actually need to resort to hunting/fishing.  I'd have to see what the day would bring, but I have to be careful until I get a proper night's sleep. 🤭

It was a beautiful morning on Crystal Lake...

I thought I'd spotted that moose when I was on the way in... I heard it nearby at any rate.  But for now, I don't really have a need, let alone a means to hunt it.  However, it's always a good idea to get to know one's neighbors.  

So far, I've spotted two rabbit run, two small packs of wolves, a moose, and a solitary deer out on the ice.  I stashed a few sets of Fishing Tackle in the Fishing Hut... so if push comes to shove, I'll fish.

Even though it was getting a bit late in the day.  I thought I might risk a short trip up to the bluff overlooking the lake.

Found a fair bit if food and supplies, by I had to careful of the wolf nearby... well as the two wolves below.  Rather than follow the river back down... I worked on finding a good spot to goat my way down the bluff.  With the contents of both containers, I my pack was exceptionally heavy.  It was getting dark before I made it back to the Mountaineer's Hut.    ...crawled in bed for long night's sleep.

I don't know if I want to head towards Echo Peak tomorrow... or explore further up the frozen river. 
I think I have container options for either route, if I tread carefully. 🤔

Edited March 31, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

I rarely seek a session right after an update... I usually wait for at least a round of hotfixes.
However, I'm really interested in seeing about fire-hardened arrows. 🤭

Hopefully the any bugs I encounter aren't... catastrophic.

Edited March 31, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

When I got up this morning... I was greeted by a rather thick fog. 🤔
I suppose I could spend the day boiling water to bolster my meager supply of drinking water.
However, my food supply is rather low and the first days of getting established in any region are generally the most critical.

It didn't take long before I decided I'd have to venture out in the fog... I figured I had two potential routes to consider.  The first would take over to the nearby birch forest (near the lower wing wreckage), but between the wolves and the Echo Peak Bear... seemed a bit risky with how dense the fog was.  The other, that would be a more meandering path, but one that I considered a bit safer (if a bit longer for the round trip).  After a shot time considering it... I choose the later.   

As I was making my way back up to the bluff...
"Freight Train of Hate and Hunger... ALL ABOARD!!!"
...Umm, no thanks.  Maybe I'll catch the next one...  

With the bear skulking down along the river, I took the chance to take a look inside the cave just further up the slope (and just inside that arrow pass).

Sticking close to the ridge line I was hoping to skirt past... as I slowly crept forward, I found at least two wolves prowling out in the fog, but far too close for me to slip by.  I'd have to take the long way around by backpedaling and head over to the containers from yesterday.

As I continued along the edge of the bluff, the fog began to lift.

Spotted my first Oak Tree on Great Bear Island, but with the wolves nearby it didn't seem like a good time to root around for acorns.  

Moving onwards and slipping by the wolves I made it to the slope I'd need to compensate for the lack of rope on the climb I spotted the other day (the area leading the "upper engine wreckage").  

However, before moving on up the river to look for Cargo Conatiners... I thought I'd make a stop to visit Adre's Peak.

On the way back down, I passed by one of the interconnecting caves.

Just a little further up the river was what I was hoping to find.

Further on ahead and around the bend... another cave; but that one will have to wait until much later. 😉

I did take a quick walkabout the rest of the area on this shelf, however not much more of interest... a fairly good cluster of saplings though.  If I ever decided to harvest any, this is certainly a good sport for it.

Rather than use the rope... I decided I goat my way down.

That black/brown spot in middle of that shallow cave... bear taking a nap. 
Mother always said, "let sleeping bears lie." 🤭

Finally made it back to my main encampment just after dusk, and quickly began to sort and stow the day's find.

My basic supplies are looking better. 
I still could use a day to focus bolstering my water supply... but it might be better to press on towards the Echo Peaks tomorrow.  🤔  I'll have to think on it some more. 

[Addendum]
You'll have to forgive the snapshots where the HUD elements snuck in... I suppose my timing F10+F12 wasn't as perfectly synched in order for it to come out right.   
I didn't notice at the time, and they were shots I still felt warranted inclusion. 

Edited April 1, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Always great views however high up you go.😊. 

I'm glad you mentioned the sleeping bear or I wouldn't have noticed😁. 

Nice to see my first oak tree too.  

[ManicManiac]

Not sure which route to take next.  I provided good visibility; I'd likely want to at least scout the Lower Wing Wreckage there in the Birch Forest.  There's always Echo Ravine (and the Casm Basin)... but the hacksaw that I have to hand is getting low on condition.  I do have one other hacksaw but started out with rather low condition.

I'm a bit concerned that if I keep taking the containers as I work my way up the mountain... I'll have no hacksaw for the back half of the fuselage up on the summit.  Finding one on the summit cannot be counted on (even if it is very likely).

So now I have to consider whether to make a push for the summit now... or risk having good luck enough to either find another hacksaw or at least a tool kit with which to be able to repair the ones I have. 🤔

Edited April 11, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

After much consideration... I did decide to take my two hacksaws and make a hard push for the summit.

That wolf from further up this slope doesn't often wander down this far... 

Echo Peak Bear... as expected. 🤭

Eric's Falls Bear; also yes.

And onward to Eric's Falls.

I had just enough energy for one more pull up the next climb... and just barely made it.

This cave near the last climb would be my encampment for the night.

Early the next morning... I left the comfort of my warm fire and made for the Summit.

As luck would have it, there was indeed a hacksaw to be found.  With the other two I had on hand, I knew I had what I needed to safely open all the containers.

The Flare Gun was nowhere to be found... I don't know if I'm just very lucky, but I instead I found this:

All-in-all there was a good deal of resources to sort and prioritize.  Also, most of the day was mired by a very dense fog... but considering I've spent most of the day in the Tail Section, that was fine with me.  

I decided to prioritize the food and water.
I loaded up my pack (going from 19kg to a hefty 40 kg) and decided to shimmy down the face of Timberwolf Mountain.

I took only one sprain on the way down... and got home before dark. 

What a great day.

I didn't have a lot of time to chronicle this evening, so I let the snapshots do most of the talking for this one.  It was a mostly smooth journey, and I figure at it will take at least two more to bring everything back down.  
But I'll worry about that after a good night's sleep.

Edited April 12, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Going by my memory you seem to have one more container than I did.  And your hacksaw is definitely not hidden like mine was.🤔. Very curious.. 

Nice to see your fan club is still following you😁.   Lovely pics 

[ManicManiac]

I thought about it more yesterday... while sitting in that cave just below the summit.  If I had coffee or an energy drink on hand... might have been able to power to the summit in just that one day.  After this first trip, I have a fair bit of coffee and three shots of Go! Energy.  

I may just decide to drop nearly everything from my pack (except one day's food and water - just in case) grab those energy drinks and see if I can power back up to the summit and back down again in just one day.  🤭  I know it's certainly possible, but I don't think I ever pressed myself to actually do it.  Spending two days on back-to-back pushes... might be enough to clear what I want from the Summit and haul it down to my main encampment here at the Mountaineer's Hut. 

I don't know that I will right away... but I'm seriously considering it to get it done.  Then I can shift focus back to more thoroughly exploring the region again.   

 

Edited April 12, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Accompaniment:]
Smashing Pumpkins - Today
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I decided I would meet this little personal challenge I've been mulling over.
All I had in my pack was two stones, two matches, one torch, five tinder plugs, a striker, two recycled cans, two cans of soda, one bottle of syrup, and 1.47 liters of water.  The only other weight I had on me was the clothes on my back and the three Go! Energy drinks for the last push to the Summit.

I set out sometime mid-morning (maybe 9 a.m.).  The weather was lightly foggy... but was soon taking a turn for the worse.


A full-on blizzard hit just as I was making way past the Deer Clearing.  I wouldn't be able to see wolves or bear... I had to be extremely cautious.  Rather than risk running into the bear and more wolves by Eric's Falls... I decided to take advantage of the climbing rope I'd set in place on my last tip up the mountain.  The problem was that it was a longer climb...

I'd started up the climb perhaps a bit too tired... I had to stop on the ledge.  For the time being I was protected from the wind... so I risked an hour nap out in the open.  Of course, the wind changed while I was napping as was starting to freeze very soon after waking up.

There it was in front of me... the final climb to the summit.  I was exhausted... but this is what I brought the shot of Go! with me.  I was determined to only use one... honestly I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it, but I was going to give it my all.

I stopped off at the second ledge.  I had a bit more in me from that shot of Go! Energy... but I had to wait a bit to catch my breath.  I didn't dare take a nap this time... I was freezing, and the biting wind was hitting hard.

With everything I had left in me... I made it to the Summit.

It was so cold, that the shelter of the Tail Section and my clothing wasn't enough.  I had to use one of my two matches to get a fire going.  I had about 20 sticks on hand that I'd picked up along the journey.  I used my recycled cans to replace the water I was about to slug down.  I also had to break down a crate for more heat.  I sat nestled next to the fire... waiting for the storm to break.  If it didn't... then I was going to have to make my way down the face of Timberwolf Mountain regardless.  Spending the night wasn't an option, that wasn't the challenge I'd set for myself.

After just an hour or two next to the fire, I was very warm.  The wind sounded much less severe, and the visibility was mildly better (but quickly getting better).  The most important thing... was that it wasn't nearly as cold.  Now was my chance.

My mini personal challenge was well and truly met!  

It left me a bit battered, sprained, half-dead, and hungry... but I made it up the mountain, and then down its face in one hard push.     "Today, was the greatest..." 🤭 

 

 

For anyone curious about how I was feeling afterwards. 🤭

Edited April 13, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Ouch!!!    But congrats!🙂👍

[ManicManiac]

I decided this morning to make one more Rush to the Summit.
Once again dropping everything but the barest of essentials (lightening my pack to just below 15 kg), and set out on trek for a third time around mid-morning.  I was already a bit parched, but I opted to forgo food and water until I got back this evening.

Hopefully the weather would be kinder...  

Turns out the pass just beyond the Deer Clearing was being prowled by wolves today... I'd have to careful.  I couldn't spare the weight bring anything more than stones to defend myself.

The Eric's Falls bear apparently also decided to journey towards Deer Clearing.  I'd have to especially careful; stones wouldn't do anything against that Freight Train of Hate and Hunger...

I made it around to Eric's Falls and made quick work that climb... just one more to go.

I did have to use the shot of Go! Energy, that I had on hand... still having to stop to catch my breath on second ledge; exhausted (as expected) but I made it.

I was making fairly good time.  All that was left for me to do was load up and see if I could get home before sundown.

The pack was lighter than the last two rips... just a bit shy of 38 kg, but I'd managed to haul down the last of the gear and supplies from the Tail Section.  This time I'd managed to shimmy down the face of Timberwolf Mountain without spraining anything.  

However, as I reached Crystal Lake... another blizzard hit.

I'd made it back home, and still well before sundown.  I'd spend the rest of the evening sorting, stowing, harvesting excess clothing, and mending up my good sets of clothing.

When I got up the next morning, I'd found that yet another blizzard hit.  That's three consecutive days that a blizzard struck, but I didn't mind that for today...  I just spent the time mending and organizing my things a bit more.

By the time night fell the storm had cleared, but I wasn't anywhere near tired... so I went out on a short night hike.

It had been a couple of years since the last time I risked goating up to this vantage point to look upon the "Mountains of Madness..."   

As I worked my way back down... a shot drop had damaged my Insulated Boots... because of course; I had just fixed them up.  🤭😒

Tomorrow, I'll get back to seeking out points of interest, gathering up gear and supplies from the other Cargo Containers (that I had to pass up in favor of preserving the hacksaws for the summit).  Hopefully, I'll be moving on to Forlorn Muskeg.

[Leeanda]

Nice amount of loot😊.    

That looks awfully close distance to yogi...

Edited April 16, 2023 by Leeanda

[ManicManiac]

I know that I've already explored up the river from Crystal Lake, the bluff, the first shelf (where we find the Upper Engine wreckage), and up high on the ridge line above the Landing Gear wreckage before three hard days back and forth between the Mountaineer's hut and the Summit.  With that haul finally all brought down to my primary encampment, it's time I get back to seeking out all the points of interest properly.  

I may eventually retrace the earlier route... this time to more careful checking over all the out of the way corners.  The last time I was in those areas the primary focus was emptying Cargo Containers.

I'm also going to need to find some scrap metal if I'm going to keep from ruining hacksaws... however, I can scrap the two lower condition ones and use them to fix up the best of the three.  I suppose I shouldn't be so hesitant to scrap tools I probably won't really need.    - I'll have to think on that some more.  I shouldn't have to make that decision today anyway.

Not sure what route to take today... I do still have Cargo Containers at the Wing Wreckage in the Birch Forest, Echo Ravine Casm's Engine wreckage, Deer Clearing, and Eric's Falls.  🤔

I may just have to see how the day goes...

[ManicManiac]

Early the next morning, I decided the next route would be to visit the Echo Peaks (East and West) and then hit the Cargo Containers near the Lower Wing wreckage.  From there visit the Forest Cave and explore along the Backtrail all the way back to the Landing Gear wreckage.

As I was scouting the Birch Forest, I realized that I'd forgotten to pack my hacksaws.  

I had to quickly head back to Crystal Lake...

As I got close to Crystal Lake, a wolf spotted me and gave chase.  Oddly enough, buy the time I'd gotten to the other side of the lake... it had apparently given up stalking me (very odd they are usually much more tenacious than that).  I made my way back to the Mountaineer's Hut, took a bit to double checked my pack (turns out there was still some items I could sort and stow), and making sure to grab two of my hacksaws; I stepped back out.

Well... I guess I'm staying put for now.  
I suppose that's just as well.  The two hacksaws I had on hand were both in rough shape (one at 9% and the other at 16%).  I was considering scrapping one to repair the other, but after thinking on it further... I decided to take the time to scrap the five extra Lanterns instead.  It would yield more lantern fuel to have on hand too.

It took several hours, but when all was said and done... I had three hacksaws (each in fair to good condition).  By the time I was done putting things away, it sounded like the storm was finally breaking.  However, it was a bit too late (and deadly dark) to be venturing out.

I was also nowhere near tired, so I opted to use my last cardboard match (with a torch) to get the fireplace going.  I'd spend the next couple of hours melting snow, and using my water purification tablets to more quickly bolster my water supply.

The weather had indeed cleared, but rather than a night hike to the Lower Wing wreckage... I decided to spend more time brewing the thirty cups of coffee I had on hand from the Summit supplies I'd brought down with me.

I drank a few cups of coffee, ate a candy bar, and took about a four-hour nap until morning.

Early the next morning, weather still looked good... so I quickly started off (determined to at least get the Cargo Containers before the day was out).

Just as I got past Crystal Lake, apparently the same wolf spotted me again and began stalking.  I didn't even have any stones handy, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to shake it off again, especially considering there were no Deer or Rabbits nearby to decoy it away.  It was at that point that I head something large trudging along the path ahead.  I turned around and saw the Echo Peak Bear ambling it way towards Crystal Lake as well.


I managed to maneuver at a respectful enough distance so as not to upset the bear... the wolf who was stalking close behind me however, quickly got spooked and ran off.    Thank you Echo Peak Bear... if at any time in the future I ever go Bear Hunting, you will not be the one hunted.  We are live and let live for the remainder of this run (or until it decides to be the aggressor and break the pact).   

On the way to Echo Peak East, I did stop by the bear's den.
...Bones... that is all.

I continued up the trail to Echo Peak East.

I had a nice view of both the Summit of Timberwolf Mountain and the Echo Peak East cave, and then behind me...
A wonderful vantage of Echo Peak West (my next stop).

I quickly made my way back down and over to find the trail up to the West Peak.

Once again, I came across one of my favorite little hidey-holes.  I've hand to endure freak-blizzards by either cramming myself or a campfire in this little nook (depending on the need) on more than one occasion.  

At the peak, I found this poor soul... collected their things, and took a moment to take in the view.

There was a breathtaking view of both the Summit and Echo Peak East from here.

I made my way down, and scouted the Lower Wing wreckage once more.

Finding the way was clear, I quickly gathered up all the gear and supplies from the Cargo Containers and went on to Forest Cave.

...a single polaroid... that is all.

Moving on, I explored the entire stretch of the Backtrail all the way to the Landing Gear wreckage (and from there back to the Mountaineer's Hut).

Near here, I decided to again goat up the ridgeline...

and look again upon "The Mountains of Madness."  

The fiendish range of frozen death... legend has it, no one who has ever set out for those peaks was ever seen again.

I stopped by the backtrail cave... but found nothing inside.

The overlook from the Backtrail is pretty expansive (despite the trees).  I think I see a moose off in the distance to the right.

A moose indeed.  I still have no need or desire to hunt though... for now we're friends, or at least ambivalent neighbors.  

It wasn't a hard trek... or even a particularly dangerous one.  
The weather held nicely, and I was able to scout a good portion of the base level of the region.

Tomorrow, I'll need to set my sights on Echo Ravine and the Cargo Containers in the Casm (with the Lower Engine wreckage).

Edited April 17, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Some beautiful views  there😊

[ManicManiac]

As I lay in the reasonably warm bed next to the fireplace in the Moutaineer's Hut... I was thinking about what the next route should be.  With three very healthy hacksaws I should probably focus on Cargo Containers while also more thoroughly exploring.

To that end... I think I will indeed be looking to visit Echo Ravine, the Chasm, the "Three-way cave," then take the path from the Climb to the Deer Clearing back around past the Lower Wing Wreckage, Birch Forest, and back again to Crystal Lake.

That will give me the Cargo Containers at the Lower Engine wreckage to attend to... considering wolves sometimes frequent the chasm, that might get a little dicey.  🤭

 

Edited April 20, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

I quickly double checked that everything except the barest of essentials (which today includes a hacksaw) were dropped off and set out on today's route...

Weather was already turning...

On the way towards the Chasm... I checked on this little out of the way nook.  Good to know that in a pinch I can go just round the corner from Casm Cave and have a meal close by.

(poor soul... this is why they warn us not to read the comments section)

As I started scouting the Chasm... I spotted two wolves, but I wasn't leaving empty handed.
I was going to have to Metal Gear my way to the containers.

I was able to empty the containers and slip away undetected.  

I'm going to pass it by for now... I'll prospect the cave systems another day.

Echo Ravine entry to what I've come to call "Three-way Cave."

"Left" side exit - Alternate climb near Deer Clearing (and more Cargo Containers).

"Right" side exit - continuing far right leads to the Alternate Climb to/from the Chasm.
Following the path onwards to the left...

I spent a good deal of time goating around the rock formation and checking on the nearby cave.

Eventually though, I had to start back for Home.  I dropped of a few items to lighten the load.  At this point I was hauling nearly 56 kg and could barely walk.  I dropped some less important items and got the weight down to about 48 kg.  I would have to burn another day to come back and collect the gear and supplies left behind... but it was worth to be able to walk back to Crystal Lake before sunrise.  

Lightening the load was a good call... it still took me until midnight to get back to my primary encampment. 🤭  I sorted and stowed some of the gear and supplies, but ultimately had to leave the rest for the morning...

I needed sleep.  

Tomorrow is just going to have to be a return trip for the rest of gear and supplies left behind.

***Be warned... there be spoilers here***

 

Found something interesting while exploring the route today... I won't specify exactly where, but this is what I found.

...which is why the pack was getting so heavy. 🤭

 

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Some stunning views ☺️