I love this episode. Still wish those two got more attention.

And just do your best to do that. When you catch yourself get stuck in the ‘should’ thought loop, just kindly remind yourself there’s nothing you ‘should’ve be doing. Don’t get upset with your mind for thinking how it’s used to thinking. That only makes it worse

Yes, I love sleeping under the stars. A mesh bivy isn’t a bad idea

That’s a good point. Maybe I’ll try to do a night outside an older tent before investing in a tarp.

Yeah, I’d keep her leashed just in case. I also like the idea of a more open sleeping shelter, and don’t plan on being in bear country any time soon.

Bugs aren’t terrible where I’ll be camping, or much of a concern for me. I live in Arizona and do most of my hiking here. I guess there’s a chance of rattlesnakes during the summer months but when it’s still 95f at night I’m not hiking in near as remote areas as I do when it’s cooler. A mesh net at least isn’t a bad idea though.

Tarp or tent? I’m on a budget, and deciding on a UL shelter has been difficult. I’m currently debating between Lanshan and Gossamer Gear tarp. I won’t be in lows below 30f. I live in AZ so some night will be HOT. My dog will be with me sometimes, but she’ll sleep fine leashed.

Recs one way or the other? Thanks.

Oh just saw your caption under the picture. I definitely think City of Saints of Madmen fits the bill

Looks great! What tarp are you using? Been in the market for a new tent but considering going the tarp route as well.

City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VanderMeer. The art reminds me a bit of the cover for one of the editions.

Oh man. Just give me a meal with Tehol and Bugg, leave the others out of it. Just let me do the cooking.

I’ve fought depression most of my life. Attempted suicide late last year, recently got back after 3 months inpatient recovery and trauma therapy. One of the biggest things I learned, that I’m still trying to apply daily, is to stop telling my self I should be this or should be that. As one of therapists said:

“STOP SHOULDING ALL OVER YOURSELF.”

Easier said the done, I know. I catch myself thinking daily how I ‘should’ be different. But recognizing how that type of thinking impacts my mood helps a lot.

Or like me people don’t have the time to constantly be in the wilderness. I’m a stay at home dad with five kids so, yeah, most of my “hike camping” is much closer to home, often with the kids in tow. Doesn’t mean I’m incompetent. Or scared. I’m just not taking my 3 yo into the backcountry. Just because I only make it out there 1-2 times a year doesn’t mean anything. It means backpacking isn’t the only thing in my life.

From what I hear SE is super down to earth and approachable. I do get your concern for spoilers, though. How soon until the signing? Enough to maybe at least finish the main 10?

Oh damn that’s right! I was thinking of it in a fantasy sense and could not figure it out lol

I have to admit I don’t get your meaning, but I wish I did.

I really don’t like when all knots are neatly tied up. Leave me wondering about some things. Also give me a less than perfect ending any day of the week. Bittersweet is the…sweet spot for me.

That would be brilliant. Far more entertaining than Holt and Trull.

I haven’t been able to make it through the first WOT (couldn’t care about the characters). But I do feel Erikson has an immense understanding of culture and politics. I do plan on giving WOT another shot at some point.

I agree that LOTR laid a lot of ground work for modern epic fantasy. But the greatest world building of any fantasy? Strongly disagree. It’s up there, and surpasses Cosmere and MAYBE, ASOFAI (haven’t read second apocalypse) but IMO it still doesn’t come close to Malazan. I don’t see how anything can or ever will. Erikson’s understanding of culture, war, and the beauty of humanity in the darkest of times is mesmerizing. And there are so many multi layered characters. There is not just a handful of heroes with one main goal. It’s so real because of the vastly different characters, and the sheer amount of them. No war is won by a small band of heroes. It is the culmination of countless individuals, often guided by those in power with unspoken ulterior motives. The world and characters, though still high fantasy, is so much more real than anything I’ve read in the genre.

To each their own, but that’s my long two cents.

Yeah, I’m looking at the Kakwa 55 to have more room. Still need a few other items first though before I can determine exactly which pack size will be best

Felisin…her entire story is so well done. Just wait.

I love my sun hoodie and tend to prefer it without a hat. But my hat doubles as a sweat band, so with no hat I do deal with more sweat dripping into my eyes/onto my glasses.