Fossil204 Adventure Page

Contents Shawnee National Forest 1998 Yellowstone National Park 1997 Geocaching Adventures (Ongoing)				US Forest Service
Future Backpacking Trips (links) Ottawa National Forest Baraboo Syncline in Wisconsin Superior National Forest Glacier National Park Isle Royale National Park				National Park Service

Preface

I've realized a long-held desire to take up backpacking in the last few years. If you'd like to read about my experiences on the pathway, then you won't be disappointed. But for now, at least, that is all I will offer here.

In the past, I rode my bicycle regularly, and I occasionally collected fossils. With regard to cycling, I have lost interest in it as a result of persistent mechanical problems with my bike. I rode 800 miles the first year after I bought the bike. During the second year, I rode about 200 miles before I needed to replace the chain rings. A bicycle shop botched the repair job badly, and despite several chances to correct their mistakes, the machine had not been reliable since. Another shop refused to sell me the parts I need to correct the problem.

As far as fossil collecting goes, it is a hobby that consumes considerable amounts of time and space. One is hard pressed to find place to legally collect artifacts these days, especially in Iowa. If given the chance, people will destroy natural treasures for the sake of collecting souvenirs. Even if one can tackle the many problems in finding good, accessible collecting sites; the work is wasted if the specimens are not properly preserved, cataloged, and stored.

I don't have much else in the way of other sporting experiences to write about. As a fisherman, I'm a great source of amusement and bewilderment to the fish. I don't hunt, although I consider hunting to be a noble way to put food on one's table. I'd like to do some caving, but that often requires special equipment, which I can't afford right now. Kayaking appears to be an attractive compliment to backpacking, and it is on my list of things to explore. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing would also be complimentary to backpacking, and I am considering those activities as well. So, there are always possibilities for new adventures.