debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Jul 31, 2019 13:28:19 GMT -5
DH and I have to pay for checked baggage (my bad), so we are sharing one checked bag. I always pack light but I'm trying to pack even lighter.
I'm taking regular clothes (nothing fancy), plus hiking shorts, hiking pants, hiking shoes and hiking sandals. Plus a sun hat, a light (unlined) raincoat, and warm socks ( plugginaway22 's suggestion). A thick fleece. Binoculars, refillable water bottle. I would have liked a second fleece, I'll probably buy one there. (I like buying vacation souvenirs I can use when I get home.)
We are going to Yellowstone with DH's best childhood friend, then driving to Vancouver BC via Glacier NP (just DH and I). Then driving to Portland via Orcas Island and Olympic National Park (with DS1/DGD/DSis, picking up DDIL on the way).
DH and I are hikers but we are getting older, DH is partially disabled, and we are travelling with my 72YO sister and 2YO grandson. So nothing very intense planned LOL.
Anything important that I forgot? I would rather not buy anything else unless I need it.
Thank you! ETA: I have a broken toe which is better but still not healed, so I am taking 3 pairs of shoes: hiking shoes, hiking sandals plus one more pair (not sure which yet, either sneakers/Cons/or "city shoes"). 3 pairs of shoes is non-negotiable (because of my broken toe). Any suggestions on what the third pair should be?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2019 13:53:44 GMT -5
For Yellowstone just be ready to layer. It gets cold at night (but I'm presuming you're not camping) and hot during the day. When I was there last week I was in shorts and a tee shirt everyday with hiking sandals and just threw a fleece on in the evening. It probably got into the 40's at night, but we were in sleeping bags by that time. During the day was upper 70's, low 80's, but I burned and I don't burn very easy. The sun is worse at high altitudes with the thin atmosphere.
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weltschmerz
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Post by weltschmerz on Jul 31, 2019 13:55:13 GMT -5
A first aid kit.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Jul 31, 2019 14:27:18 GMT -5
Thank you! MPL no we are not camping, and I AM bringing layers. Weltz I always have a bunch of meds when we travel but it's not an official, boxed-up "first aid kit". I'm very anxious by nature so I always travel with a bunch of meds (although MUCH less than I did when the kids were younger/travelling with us.) I used to take an entire carry-on just for meds. I've pared that way down LOL.
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bookkeeper
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Post by bookkeeper on Jul 31, 2019 14:34:27 GMT -5
I too am planning a trip to Yellowstone. It seems bear spray is an item they suggest if you plan to do any hiking. Your favorite bug repellent should go along too. As wet as it has been, the mosquitos are going to be there.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Jul 31, 2019 14:37:28 GMT -5
Have added bug repellent and sunscreen. Not sure what the laws are on carrying bear spray, but confident that our friend will have it if we need it. Surprised that we would need it in Aug, I would have thought the bears would be hiding from all the tourists LOL.
We have a last call planned with DH's friend tomorrow, will definitely mention it. Thanks!
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mathsplosion
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Post by mathsplosion on Jul 31, 2019 14:56:22 GMT -5
I would recommend bear spray in Yellowstone and Glacier. The bears are out and not looking for people. Make some noise while you hike. Just conversation is fine. I don't recommend the "bear bells" you can find in the gift shops.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Jul 31, 2019 14:58:16 GMT -5
I will DEFINITELY be talking to A about bear spray (and asking him to pick some up LOL).
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NastyWoman
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Post by NastyWoman on Jul 31, 2019 15:00:52 GMT -5
There is this alternative solution for bear spray: The company Bear Aware is making its pepper power spray available to park visitors beginning May 23. The product will be available at the Canyon Village Visitor Center. Cans will be sold for $49.99, however can also be rented for a day for $9.25 or for seven days at $28. You Can Rent Bear Spray at Yellowstone National Park This Summer www.wideopenspaces.com/can-rent-bear-spray-yellowstone-national-park-summer/
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weltschmerz
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Post by weltschmerz on Jul 31, 2019 15:03:24 GMT -5
I will DEFINITELY be talking to A about bear spray (and asking him to pick some up LOL). Throw a sandwich at it and then run away. Bears love sandwiches. In any case, it will probably work better than the bells.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Jul 31, 2019 15:03:52 GMT -5
When will you be in Portland? I'd love to come say "hi"!! Also may have a few suggestions depending on time of year.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2019 15:03:57 GMT -5
The bears are not hiding from the tourists. We saw two of them. Having said that, we didn't carry bear spray and I wasn't all that worried about it. My kids would have just shot it at each other for fun.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Jul 31, 2019 15:16:04 GMT -5
There are a few "hikes" in the gorge (near Portland) that are fairly level and not too difficult. I've done one of them with my photography group, many who have issues with any rough terrain or climbs (it has a bridge that crosses the stream with a waterfall at the end as well). A lot of visitors to the area also go to Bonneville Dam to see the sturgeon and fish ladders. The Saturday Market in Portland can be fun to walk around through. You could try some local foods that way as well Clothing looks good-- you don't need anything special, especially if you can do laundry a few times. Bring sunglasses if you can, but you can find cheap ones in any drug store or gas station. It's hot here in August (just saw that's the time you mentioned) and won't cool down too much at night. I like to bring a travel towel with me at times too. Soak it in water if I'm going to be outside for a while, drape it over my shoulders, and let the heat evaporate the water away to help keep cool.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Jul 31, 2019 15:28:55 GMT -5
Apple I have sunglasses, thanks! I really appreciate the offer but we will only be in the cities for 36h, and there will be 6 of us, so I'm very hesitant to make any plans with YMers on this particular trip. It's my DS1/DDIL's itinerary, we're just along for the ride (and free babysitting).
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jul 31, 2019 15:32:16 GMT -5
Friend of mine is traveling in that area now. Just this week, they have seen several bears and moose.
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Jul 31, 2019 15:39:41 GMT -5
I vote for sneakers/tennis shoes. Sandals can leave you with nasty blisters. Just wanted you to know I'm a bit jealous that you're going to Yellowstone. That's still on my bucket list. Have a great time! If you can, post some pictures, at least of the scenery, when you get back home.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Jul 31, 2019 15:40:47 GMT -5
I will share that link with Ant, NastyWoman. Thanks!
I wouldn't be surprised if he has some, they live in DHS, CA, and they spend a lot of time in the NPs.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Jul 31, 2019 15:43:12 GMT -5
Thanks Busy! :-) Then I will pack my Reeboks. They're very comfortable.
Also busymom you'll get there one day, I'm sure! This was a TOTAL accident (I think you know the story from WIR). It was on my bucket list too.
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plugginaway22
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Post by plugginaway22 on Jul 31, 2019 15:46:35 GMT -5
Yes to bear spray. We came upon a mother with 2 Cubs in Tetons. Just watched from about 25 yards away, but felt safer with spray. Have your phone or camera always ready, you will see wildlife everywhere. In Yellowstone you can go long distances between camp stores, bring snacks and drinks.
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plugginaway22
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Post by plugginaway22 on Jul 31, 2019 16:00:20 GMT -5
You will also want to be hands free for photos, etc...DH and I always use backpacks or cross body bag for hiking or just driving and jumping out to take vista pics!
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on Jul 31, 2019 18:39:56 GMT -5
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 1, 2019 12:16:21 GMT -5
How long are you going to be in Yellowstone?
We were there 2 weeks ago. I was constantly going back and forth on my layers. I think I took my sweatshirt off and put it back on 5 times in an hour long period in Mammoth.
I did not feel the need for Bear Spray. But we were only there 2 days and the only real hike we took was the South rim. We did a lot of board walks, paved trails around the geyser/hot spring area. We did not see Bears or moose. We did have a bison and elk in our campground.
Water bottles, bug spray, sunscreen, plan for how you plan to eat on the trip - someone with a cooler? Even though the main areas have grocery stores and restaurants, you may want to make sure that you have options with you in the car.
Glacier will be cooler and it was cooler at the coast as well.
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weltschmerz
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Post by weltschmerz on Aug 1, 2019 14:22:06 GMT -5
I would recommend bear spray in Yellowstone and Glacier. The bears are out and not looking for people. Make some noise while you hike. Just conversation is fine. I don't recommend the "bear bells" you can find in the gift shops. Montana Grizzly Bear Notice: In light of the rising frequency of human/grizzly bear conflicts, the Montana Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters, and fishermen to take extra precautions and keep alert for bears while in the field. We advise that outdoorsmen wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle the bears that aren't expecting them. We also advise outdoorsmen to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear. It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear poop. Black bear poop is smaller and contains a lot of berry seeds and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear poop has little bells in it and smells like pepper spray.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2019 14:33:54 GMT -5
If you're not doing any backcountry hikes, the only bears you're going to see are going to be surrounded by dozens of other people snapping pictures. I figure as long as there were a few of them between me and the bear we were good.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Aug 1, 2019 14:36:05 GMT -5
4-5 days Muttley.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 1, 2019 14:37:24 GMT -5
Some of these have been mentioned I think as the thread has progressed, but here are my thoughts.
Definitely sunscreen, but you could purchase that when you get here.
I also have a specific cross-body bag for these types of trips. Mine happens to be Patagonia, but there are lots of different kinds.
There are several places for hiking that are "pack in, pack out". I'd make sure to have a few plastic bags in which to collect your own garbage while hiking. There aren't always receptacles along the way, and I don't like the garbage touching my other "stuff".
I also tend to pack extra socks. It does get cold in the higher elevations. If I'm wearing my walking shoes and socks and my feet get wet, I like to just switch out my socks.
I also second the afternoon winds when you're close to the coast. For me, it starts about 1:00. Inland, it doesn't start until the later afternoon. It's not cold this time of year, it's just annoying. Have extra hair ties. Do you have a regular hat as opposed to a sun hat? That could be a souvenir type purchase when you get here also. In my mind, a sun hat is a woven, wide brim, brim all the way around type hat. Those get blown off my head pretty easily in the afternoon. I wear sun hats in my garden and if I'm at a gathering. If I'm hiking, biking, or boating, I wear a "baseball" type cap because it won't fly off of my head so easily. Your unlined raincoat will be good to block out the wind also.
We also are in wildfire season. There aren't any currently as far north as you'll be, but be aware that that might be a possibility. If it happens, and the smoke is overwhelming, just switch to indoor activities. OMSI in Portland would be fun for E.
I'm sad I won't get to meet you, but it time for me to resume working. I don't have any Portland trips planned right now anyway. I will be in Eugene next week, but it's for work.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2019 15:08:37 GMT -5
Definitely bring a cooler and snacks. Everything is crazy expensive in the park and we went through a lot of soda and flavored water. We either didn't eat much or I seriously overpacked, but I actually came home with food after going for 8 days. We only ate out twice in that time! We did stay at hotels with free breakfast several mornings though.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 1, 2019 15:16:17 GMT -5
Definitely bring a cooler and snacks. Everything is crazy expensive in the park and we went through a lot of soda and flavored water. We either didn't eat much or I seriously overpacked, but I actually came home with food after going for 8 days. We only ate out twice in that time! We did stay at hotels with free breakfast several mornings though. I planned the day before itinerary to make sure we hit a grocery store before going in the park and making sure we had 3 days worth of stuff. We did have to buy an extra gallon of water. It was $4!! 🤤
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Aug 1, 2019 16:09:56 GMT -5
a light (unlined) raincoat,
The only thing I can add is, we bought the $1 light-weight filmy hooded ponchos. With layering they make wonderful wind breaks and will keep moisture off of you.
A lot easier to pack.
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engineerdoe
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Post by engineerdoe on Aug 1, 2019 18:32:26 GMT -5
When will you be in Portland? I'd love to come say "hi"!! Also may have a few suggestions depending on time of year. I recommend hiking around Powell's!!
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