#coffeeoutside 1.09.24

Given that it's a new year and given that, in the new year, you commit to things like "Getting In Shape" and "Getting Back on an Exercise Routine", it only made sense to not let a little bit of rain get in the way. Actually, it was a lot of rain and surrounding counties were experiencing flash flooding. Thankfully, Roanoke missed the worst of it. At any rate, in spite of the weather, I got out for a short hike in order to stick to my commitment of getting back on some semblance of a fitness routine.

Pics were taken with my Pixl 4a and my Canon SD780 IS. Enjoy!

It was definitely soggy out and the trail was becoming more of a creek than something you could walk on without having to puddle jump. I knew of a nice little picnic shelter not too far into the park. After a soggy quarter of a mile, I reached my destination.

For this little jaunt into the woods, I brought the Esbit stove. I love the simplicity of this little thing. Somehow I always opt for canister stoves on real backpacking trips but I think I'll be bringing this along instead once the weather warms up a bit.

The temps were hovering around 37°F, it was raining... of course, and there was a slight breeze. I had no issues with keeping the solid fuel of the Esbit stove lit and it brought about 300ml of water to a boil with ease. After about 4 minutes, I had a rolling boil. I extinguished the burning fuel tablet (it was about halfway consumed) to let it cool, then poured my coffee to enjoy with a nice stroop waffle.

After sitting for a few minutes to enjoy the coffee, waffle, and the sounds of the rain in the forest, I decided that I had just enough time for a quick hike up to the top of the hill for an out-and-back. I sloshed my way up to the top then headed back down to the car. I don't know how far I hiked, maybe 1 mile at most, but that wasn't the point. The point was getting out in spite of the weather. Mission accomplished.