Post-Christmas 2-Nighter & Rock Bottoms

I'm getting pretty psyched for the upcoming south Harriman 2-Nighter. We're doing this one old skool style-- no name, no plan. The only thing we are planning ahead is where to stay. First night will be in the Cladius Smith area, second will be at Stone Memorial. The route in between will be a game-day decision.

This will be a 'Rock Bottom' trip-- For those of you who are not in the know, we formulated the 'Rock Bottom' label to solve a certain problem we encountered in trip planning. We really wanted to stick with the Fight Club mantra, "Free to all." On the other hand, it's a major downer when trips have to be downsized or cut short because some people got in waaaaaaay over their head. We are all for people hitting rock bottom, but I realized everyone has a limit. We want to push the limit, but the limit is still there at the beginning. Enter "Rock Bottom:" The designation is a good way to alert potential campers that the trip will likely be >20 miles, incorporate difficult terrain, and/or have lousy weather and trail conditions. "You decide your own level of involvement."

Ss, this will be a Rock Bottom trip. I intend to make this a 30 mile trip. We'll probably bow north towards the first circle and the Phantom Shelter during the full-day hike. More to come. We're just 2 weeks out.