500 miles to Moose camp '10

[wingnut]

Well yesterday started our workout program for our Alaska Moose/caribou adventure in September.

I figure about 500 miles in my boots and pack between now and then.  Plus too much heavy lifting to total.  LOL

Got my first mile in yesterday and will be doing one mile a day this week without pack.  Just too get the kinks out.  Then the fanny pack will go on with 20# for a couple of weeks as we move up too 2 miles.  After that the back pack will come into play with a 40# bag of wood pellets.

By August we should be up to 4 miles with full packs.

We will also be doing some core strength training on the universal gym.  Just got to find it in the garage.  LOL

Already excited and 8 months too go.

Mike

[Matt Fowler]

Awesome!! Are you guys doin' a float or drop?

[Mike Yancey]

I hear ya Mike,
 I have a wilderness elk hunt in Wyoming this year and I have started getting ready for it myself. I now have to pratice with my bow to be able to come to full draw it instead of being able to hit with it.
 The one thing I can't get ready for though is the 12 hour horseback ride back into camp.
 I used to think that those older guys were full of it when they would go on and on about how they hurt but I now see what they were talking about, I go to bed hurting and wake up hurting sometimes in a totally new place.
 Good luck, we will get there by time to go.
Mike

[wingnut]

Yep, after 40 I started to remember my dad getting out of bed and hobbling to start the fire.

Heck as 60 approaches it's just hard to get out of bed.

We are doing a drop camp with John Havard.  Same place they got the big bull this year.

Mike

[Tom Leemans]

Mike Yancy, Get a nice thick sheep skin to put on that saddle! They may laugh at first, but they'll probably be jealous later!

wingnut - don't forget, lots and lots of pictures! Seriously, I hope you have a great adventure!

[wingnut]

Mike,

Another tip is bike shorts under your jeans when riding long distance.  Try to find a horse to ride this summer so you can legup before you go.

I hate horses!!

Mike

[Onions]

I am with in the same boat!
Planning a Sept. moose hunt also. I went XC skiing yesterday for about 6 miles. Snowshoing tomorrow. Hope to alternate these two activities until the snow melts, then start running!
Sept.'s coming!!

chris <><

[snag]

I have done some 14+ milers on horseback into a wilderness area here in Oregon. Almost couldn't stand up when I got off the horse! Now I know why John Wayne walked like that!

[wapiti792]

I'm with you fellas...Wilderness elk hunt in Wyoming if I draw or Colorado if I don't. I have not been on a horse in 10 years. Gonna take the offer from a friend and try to ride some this summer. My 7th elk hunt in 10 years but first on a horse! Training for/doing 3 triathlons this summer to offset my 40th birthday blues to get ready...Come on September!

[Mr.Vic]

Good luck, Mike. Eight months of the same for me until my punishment in Colorado.

[WindWalker-AK]

Mr. wingnut,
Good to hear of your common sense approach and being as prepared as you can be, to hunt in this wonderful country of ours.  It does offer its challenges but the rewards can be great.
Best of luck on your hunt!
Is this your first trip up North?
Best Wishes

[Steve Clandinin]

Wingnut way to go! My health has been bad the last 6 years due to an injury but I'm going this fall to Northern Alberta to hunt Moose or Elk with my son who guides up there .So much to get ready .All the best and enjoy the Whole process.

[Ray Hammond]

Mike,

The total gym is right there in the garage with the wet clothes hanging on it- same place my Bowflex is!!!!

[T Sunstone]

Mike Yancey,  How many miles does 12 hours on horse back get you?

[Bjorn]

Hey Mike! Didja' get my recipe for Bacon Cheeseburgers with extra sauce, and garlic fries?

Have a wonderful hunt and don't hurt yourself doing the conditioning, 40# is quite a bit of weight-would be for this old fart anyway.

[mmgrode]

Good to see you've got your conditioning incrementally planned out.  Too many guys rush into conditioning and end up getting burned out or hurt. They end up in less shape than if they eased into it (speaking from personal experience). It's much easier though when you have a hunt like that to look forward to!  
What part of Alaska are you going to hunt, Mike?  
MG

[wingnut]

We will be flying in out of Tok.

Bjorn,

40# is light compared to carrying the moose back too the strip.


Mike

[John/Alaska]

Here ya go Mike! I took this from sled hill I think the a day after your last trip here! Glad to see that you'll be ready for the hills! Also leave that flu bug at home this time! LOL!!
 
Let me know your schedule when the hunt gets closer

[wingnut]

Shall do John.

That's the place all right.  And no flu this time for sure.  Going to get some of that flu med to take on the trip jsut too make sure.

Mike

[AkDan]

Hey Mike,

Get comfortable in hip boots!

Hey John,

long time, hope you had a great xmas and new year!