Anyone else catch the subtle reference to Eyedea?
I'll be honest, I agree that dogs do give non-verbal cues on needs/wants. OP and his dog have already done multi-day trips and have a system for non-verbal communication. My own Aussie does very similar things as you described. Yet I always make a point of checking her and making sure her needs and comforts are met. That's all I was on about.
I do!! I grew up in an Aussie household, we had 3 including a blue ribbon show and CO SaR certified. I always knew an Aussie was the breed for me. So I soak up every minute with my wiggle butt knowing that one day she will have to slow down and will eventually break my heart.
I also recommend having loved ones read about the spoon theory, it really helped my partner. Besides that base understanding, it just takes time and open honest communication doing and after.
I was so hesitant to start bios because of the compromised immunity but also because it seemed like I was constantly reading about people who's biologicals stopped working after a year or two. I was so scared that in 10 years I wouldn't have any options and would have blown through the bios. I was so, so wrong. I wasted nearly 10 years of my late 20's/ early 30's not being able do any of the physical activities I enjoyed in my youth. I could not run 2 steps without a flare up.
Now when my rheumatologist ask how Enbrel is going my response is always the same. "it gave me back my life".
It is not your hike, it's the dogs.
The dog can't tell you when it's tired, sore, hungry, thirsty, hurting, etc. so you have to find that extra energy and time throughout the day, everyday to make sure the dog is content/ happy/ healthy. Make sure to brush, check paws, teeth, clean, check for ticks or other bugs/bites. Paw protection is key!!! If you can train to wear boots that can help but I swear by "Mushers Secret". A little can go a long way. Always have an out for the worst case scenario. Better to end a trip early and be able to plan another than it is to seriously hurt your dog.
Look into freeze dried kibble for weight savings but make sure the dog has plenty of water. Learn what human foods are healthy for your pup and you can add variety to the trail diet. For example, on the VT Long Trail I would always resupply apples and share with my pup but when we did the CO Trail it was all about the carrots!
Would definitely recommend a dog harness with bag. Let the dog carry what he can but keep it to around 10-15% of total body weight. You'll see a lot of recommended brands for this but it really is trial and error to find one for your specific dog.
Last thing, and this is more of an ask. Please be a responsible hiker and dog owner. Keep the dog on leash when appropriate, it's for the dogs protection as much as for other trail users. Also, pick up your dogs crap or dig an appropriate cat hole and toss it in there.
I'm sure I'm forgetting tons of things I would want to share but if you have any specific questions don't hesitate to ask. My Australian Shepherd and I have done 100s if not 1000s of trail miles and she gets more excited than me when the backpacking gear comes out of the garage.
At the end of Yesterday, Slug threw in "and I'll still smile"
Roberto Carlos free kick
Agree with everything here except for the cotton. If it gets wet from rain/snow or from sweat it is detrimental. Recommend wool followed by synthetic fabrics. Wool is king though, retains it's heat properties even when wet. Fingerless gloves is definitely the way and definitely take care of your feet! Toe warmers really help if you can get use to them.
Would transfer the pain I'm in everyday to those around me.
If you're willing to Zelle for an email transfer, I got two for you. Bought them third party from someone who got them from PickTick. The friends I got them for bailed and I'm just looking for an easy offload.
Doesn't appear that I can sell individually. Going to try desktop when I get off work and might even reach out to Salt Shed directly. Good to know about cash or trade, I'll make a profile and check it out.
Zwarky pretty much nailed it. I recommended Land Between the Lakes because there is no private property, it's all recreational, both established sites (paid) and the Backcountry sites you have to get lost to find, lol. There is a welcome center you can ask questions and they have always been helpful.
The apps recommended are really good, it can be tricky to find legal off grid if you're not in the north woods or out west with BLM. Figured you'll have your share of being around people at EF, I've spent two weeks in LBL and only saw two bikers and a hiker. I tend to go for remote/ seclusion when in nature, though if you end up on the water, you will see a ton of boats.
Jealous of your trip, wasn't able to swing EF this year but I'll be there next year!
If you have time to kill and want to test off grid, Land Between the Lakes has some amazing Backcountry sites and truly feels remote. Garden of the Gods just north has some really cool hiking. Beaches on Lake Michigan or the Indiana Dunes are worth it. Even though you mentioned not being a city person, Chicago is actually really cool with lots of free stuff.
Agree with the other comment. Somewhere to sit, clean bathrooms, available trash disposal. I like the idea of having a "chill zone" away from the loud music to decompress, catch a breather, handle bad vibes, etc. Also would like to add, but hard to describe, a layout that flows. I hate the long walks just to get to destination with nothing on the way. Enjoy it when there is art, vendors, sensory play, renegade stages, etc to stay in the mood.
I am very picky about my concerts and festivals and know that it may be a bit of a bust. For instance, last weekend was Scamp in IL. I went all three days but missed more than a few sets due to my AS. I planned ahead for the DJs and sets that made me go to begin with and was fortunate to see one of my favorites. Friday I missed the majority of the headliners due to fatigue but was able to rest up for the Saturday night headliners and was able to dance and rage. Sunday felt like I was hit by a bus so I found a spot in the shade and brought my camp chairs and cooler with me and just chilled, people watched, and would dance to a song here and there but knew it was going to be rough and I managed my expectations. Good shoes, good diet, NSAIDs, and managing expectations have been key to still enjoying myself.
Fortunately I have a very supportive partner and group of friends who understand I may not be able to go hard or even might need to completely bail last minute. I've booked multi day ski trips where I never even got to the slopes, camping trips that turned into hotel stays, and concerts where I only caught the openers, and I will continue to plan these trips as music, nature, and the slopes are what genuinely bring me happiness. This disease dictates enough of my life but by managing my expectations and being reasonable about what I can and can't do I find extra happiness when the stars align and plans come to fruition.
Thought I was going to rage myself right off the retaining wall!
This what I'm doing with Amazon. Work a pre-load UPS shift then go drive for Amazon with route pay, putting in my time till I can bid on driving.
General Admission Red Barn late night tickets go on sale this Friday, May 5th at 12pm CT! Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday; what's calling your name? These intimate and exclusive sets have a limited capacity and WILL go quick. Set your alarms or grab a VIP Upgrade to lock it in today. We'll see you in just 22 DAYS!
I'm a big fan of Topo Athletic. It's the only shoe I wear both on the trail and at work (I walk between 20-30k steps a day). I think I'm on my 11th pair at the moment.
Looking for next couple pair of Altras
AppalachianTrail