How My Heart and My Baby Held Up Backpacking - What's Next?
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- Опубликовано: 17 май 2024
- My Backpacking Trip: • Backpacking During A T...
00:00 Hey Y'all
00:37 Recap of the Eagle Rock Loop Hike
03:11 Backpacking While Pregnant
05:39 How My Baby is Doing Now
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I know it's a bit nerve wracking, but don't forget that women carry babies all over the world in the harshest conditions, doing serious physical work, and still have healthy babies. You will be a great mom! Enjoy the journey.
💯💕💕
Congratulations Dixie! I don’t know if it would help ease your concerns, but my ex-wife was about seven months pregnant one we did a short backing packing trip up on Mount Rainier. My son turned out fine, eventually graduating from Caltech and a PhD from Georgia Tech and outside of being quite a nerd is very normal.I wish you the best of everything with your baby and your life and your marriage.
I live in Washington and Mt. Rainier is just about my favorite place in the world!
@@christineconley7903hello Christine from Poland 🇵🇱 and rural life! - channel!
Congratulations! Been watching you for YEARS and recommended your videos to our female Scout troops, you are an inspiration for the girls! Good luck on the baby journey; I just became a grandfather. My son, who watched your videos with me during his scout years just had a little boy.
Be that phizer trick
Congratulations Grandpa. Have fun. Good Luck, Rick
Congratulations!
Thanks for the good news. I’m happy for you.
Congratulations
Sweetie, there is nothing silly or ridiculous about worrying about the tiny, precious life inside you. But that baby is really well-cushioned, so your backpack belt will cause you discomfort long before it could annoy the wee one.
I actually grew up with a heart murmur (mild birth defect), so although I never had a scare such as you had in August, I remember worrying what affect it would have on pregnancy. So your concerns are all normal and again, not silly at all, especially for a first-time mommy. I am thankful this hiking experience has been positive for you! Blessings! 💗💙
I found that snacking every couple of hours helped tremendously with my pregnancy sickness.
I found snacking every couple hours helped me with my wife's pregnancy sickness also.
@@crikeymate I had to smile, this may be a great way to express empathy towards your mate. Just remember though, when she has the baby a lot of that weight will come off. In your case, not so much. So watch the snack loading. hahahaa
I think the one main piece of advice I would give on hammocks is to get a long one. 11-12 feet. Width is not very important, but length is critical for comfort.
Always trust your motherly instincts over everyone-even the doctor!!! Don’t ever minimize them. ❤
Blanket Forts! Oh that brings back memories.
Dixie, I've followed your adventures for several years. And then life caught up with you, health-wise, and baby-wise. All of that will make you even 'wiser'. Was scary to learn of your heart condition, but I too have one and I can still backpack. Hang in there. Life for you has gone to the next level!
Dixie, Superior Gear Hammock is what you want. I researched a lot prior to getting mine and this was the easiest lightest most versatile set up I could find. The built in under quilt is fantastic and their top quilts double as extra under quilts if you decide to backpack in the winter. The snap system lets you add or remove as much warmth as you want. Takes 5-10 minutes to set up the hammock itself. I sleep all night long, no pain, and wake up rested. Girl I have two and if you want to try it out before buying I'll mail you one to test out! I love my hammock system. Their tarp has the ability to close the doors fully so you have as much privacy as you want too.
When the tensa trekking trees come back in stock, I'll never sleep on the ground again.
Congratulations on your growing family!
I came here to recommend the superior gear hammock also! Get the longer one if possible (yes, it will be heavier, but you will be much more comfortable!) and go for the tarp with the doors, for sure. I sleep in it every night at home.
My wife battled hyperemesis the ENTIRE time for both our pregnancies, resulting in nine hospital stays for our firstborn. So, if you’re able to tolerate something akin to normal life this far along, be grateful! Praying for a successful pregnancy and good health!
As someone who had three pregnancies with morning sickness until the day I delivered each one of them, it’s hard to be grateful. I get the sentiment, but feeling awful all the time for months on end still sucks. Movement made me sick. I did take medicine with mine starting earlier and earlier each pregnancy. It’s diclegis or unisom and B6. All my kids are healthy and smart. Your health and weight are important too.
I had bad morning sickness with my first which was enough for me to wait 5 years before having the 2nd which was more normal in terms a nausea. My third was full blown hyperemesis with gestational diabetes to boot (it also decided to basically throw the whole book of problems along the way) and I can honestly say that I've never been so miserable in my life. I adore that child, don't get me wrong but I cannot go through it again.
I had a health incident last summer climbing a long hill. My stomach bombed, I got nauseated, then the chest pain started. I had to rest, drink, electrolytes and doritos over 30 minutes of resting. My hiking partner didn't allow me to lay down and collapse as I may not have woken up. I'm still wary of going alone on longer trips because of it. I've had a couple other hikes where I was sleep deprived and felt like death over the past couple of years. Getting sick or experiencing heart issues in the backwoods is no joke.
I can totally relate to your medical fears. My advice: baby steps. 👶
Angina?
Oh dear skip the dorito's they are baaaaaaaadddddddd for you. They admit to making them with a chemical cocktail that makes you want to eat more and more. Can NOT be good for you at all. Anyone reading this who eats doritio's please stop, I finally gave them up about two months ago. I am glad I did.
I forgot ... as for what you were describing that happened to you. I would (before you go on another hike or camping trip) look up Dr. Berg, he is here on youtube. He talks a lot about heart issues. Since I have been having what i can only describe as irregular heart beats but when I take my pulse It is smooth and not racing. I learned I was shy on my electrolytes. Now DON'T just go to the grocery store and get these sugar loaded packets or worse gatoraide. Dr. Berg has an excellent Electrolyte that comes in several flavors (even has a variety pack so you can try them all) But here is the big thing.... It has NO SUGAR at all. There is a natural sweetener. I started taking the Electrolyte's my symptoms are getting better. The last time I bought a container (50 servings) it cost me about 35.00 But before you buy watch his videos and see if they match your symptoms and determine if this is a good path for you. To me it sounds like it might be. Most people have no idea just how low they are on minerals and vitamins (the correct kinds that you body can use) I hope this helps you get back out on the trail and take charge once again. Happy Trails to you.
"There less room to kinda squish..." Hahaha! So, I guess that little one had his/her first hike with Mommy?
I had a spate of AFIB attacks back between 2011-2013, and never got them figured out, really, either - in fact the later ones might actually have been from the medication from the first!
You never quite get over the nervousness that "something might happen", but it DOES get better. A lot better. I run most days of the week and have been on some short section hikes and no problems.
I was right around your age when it happened to. I'm not sure I'll ever know what happened, and you might not either, but keep taking care of yourself and you'll likely be fine. Just make sure when you change cardiologists they understand it was an individual event and you aren't just constantly in AFIB. I've had real trouble getting some to understand it (especially the guy at the VA who basically doesn't listen to anything).
One other thing that's fun: When the baby gets big enough to do this, sit your TV remote on your tummy when he/she is moving! My wife used to do this when she was pregnant and it was adorable to watch it jump around!
Congratulations on everything (the baby, your health, heart etc.)
Suggestions on hammock stuff:
-Warbonnet Eldorado with whoopie slings for suspension. (Use cotton drip lines to divert water from hammock ends)
-1” tree straps tied in a marlin spike hitch using site found sticks
-Warbonnet Wookie underquilt appropriate for the temperatures expected (least amount of hassle, hook it on and forget it)
-top quilt of your choice for expected temperatures
-tarp big enough to cover hammock with enough cordage to tie it down in the wind.
Advice: 1. rig the foot end of hammock a little higher (10-15”) than head end. (More comfortable and reduces foot swelling because they’re slightly elevated)
2. Hammock ridge line should be fairly taut when you’re laying in it.
3. Learn a few knots (e.g. Truckers hitch, Taut line hitch etc.)
4. Go with an experienced hammock hanger so they can help you get the perfect hang for the best comfort.
I just finished a 300 mile LASH on the AT. A perfect hammock setup is very comfortable.
Good luck!
The blanket fort is so appropriate! Hike 1 on the books for the kiddo.
I am behind on your videos so I didn't know you were pregnant but the title of this video really stood out. CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy for you! 🎉
Hammock Advice: Dutchware Chameleon. I have 3 different set ups and love this one. I use my Hummingbird Pelican tarp because it is Sooooo light. I hope you love the hammock for pregnancy. ❤❤
I second the Dutchware chameleon. Love mine with my UGQ under quilt and Hammock gear tarp with doors I sleep super comfy and never have to pack a muddy tent after rain. Snakeskins for the tarp and the Dutchware anaconda or a lazy slug tube to slide over the hammock and underquilt together make packing and setup a breeze.
Like so many others, I have been watching you for years, and am so happy about your recent nuptials, and pregnancy! I exercised (cardio and strength training) the entire time I was pregnant, and my son is now 29 y.o. and is about to go to business school in a few months! I was also a Post-Partum RN in NYC, so if you have any questions about life after he/she is born, let me know! Keep taking good care of your self, and continue moving in a way that is safe for you and the baby. It will benefit you both greatly!
Good to see you're still using your grease pot! As you've found out, every trimester is a new adventure! 😊 During the 3rd trimester, you will get little sleep, but that's OK. Prepares you for no sleep with a newborn!😊
When I can't use my CPAP, I find that laying on my left side is best. I hope that you have good A/C when the weather gets hot. I have followed you since 2017 and you have always had motherly instincts. I'm glad that you're getting to be a Mom. Good Luck, Rick
I'm glad to hear that you got your first backpacking trip done. since your heart issue,
I had a heart attack in march last year which required a triple heart bypass to fix, I've been out hiking and mountain biking plenty of times but I've still to get a camp in before trying a multiday trip, hopefully this will happen soon, just need to get over the mental side of things.
Congratulations on your pregnancy and best wishes for the future.
You will be fine, the past four years we have seen and been though a lot of "Stuff" that has effected our mental and psychological well being. I am facing things just like the rest of us are. Keep working at it and don't give up. Oh and ummmm Just ignore the vultures circling above you, They are only messing with you. :-D hahaaha J.K.
@@robertedwards7749yes 🙌. Hello 🤗 from Poland 🇵🇱 and rural living - channel!
So much “over worrying” with first kids, even before they’re born. It’s all normal. Take those extra dopplers and feel better about your worries. There will be many, many more so just smile and indulge them when you can. It’s important business after all. You’re at the start of the funnest, craziest, scariest, best ride I’ve ever known. Enjoy the experiences, listen to your heart, it’ll all be great.
Congratulations on the heart being OK. It is great that you enjoyed yourself and the baby is just fine. I see anothr hiker going to come into this world.
I did the West Highland Way last year. Did it with my wife who was not interested in heavy loads. They have a luggage transfer option that you can hire out. So if you need to really go light you can have things transferred from one place to another by these companies
Congratulations. Long time watcher. Wishing you well. I’m from Arkansas, beautiful part of the state. Morning sickness lasted 7 months for our first baby. My wife had none on the second baby.
I highly recommend munching on a ginger candy for morning sickness. Make sure it contains ginger root and don’t eat too much of it. One piece is normally plenty. Also works wonders for any kind of motion sickness. Have enjoyed all your videos since your first day on the AT. Thanks for sharing
Didn’t work for me. I’ve literally tried anything ever suggested lol
@@HomemadeWanderlust Maybe what you tried didn't actually have ginger root, but was ginger tasting, like ginger ale or something? Never heard of it not working at all.
Dramamine "non drowsy" actually uses ginger root as the active ingredient.
Great news on the pregnancy hike, I just wanted to add, that in the 1970s, at Mt Cook(Aoraki), I assisted a friend on a hike to Mueller Hut, and I am sure she was 6 months pregnant, and believe me this is 90% vertical, no problems, breathing, stepping, turning, all in its time. And, going down, rests I remember, but home to the village we did. Gorgeous birth by the way. All possible. Love you, Dixie............
Omg, I'm stoked for you, Jessica/ Dixie! I did not know you were pregnant! I've been watching your videos for years now, and this makes me great joy for you :)
Ultra light hammock. Dutchware cloud 71 netless hammock.... weighs about 6 oz depending on the suspension set up.
So glad you're doing well Jessica and were able to get in some hiking because we know how much you love it. Kicking into my "Mom" mode here - remember to relax. Cortisol travels to the baby, so remember to relax mentally, so your body and the baby will relax as well. Nausea - try The Ginger People Ginger Chews - Gin Gins, or a couple pieces of fresh or dried Ginger root in hot water for an herb tea. A teaspoon of Certified Manuka Honey with an MGO of at least 600+ can help too - just lick it off the spoon. You may have GERD developing from pregnancy. Take good care of yourself. It was good to see that lovely smiling face of yours today. Be well.
Dutchware has a Chameleon hammock with an attached underquilt now. You don't have to fiddle with attaching or adjusting the underquilt.
My wife didn’t just have morning sickness… It was morning, noon and night! She ended having to get two vitamin B shots every week.
The good news is, morning sickness is a good sign of a healthy baby. Your body is rejecting the toxins being eliminated from the baby. Women with no or very little morning sickness had a higher risk of miscarriage.
Well, it is a clear fact that you have been such a great inspiration to young women getting out on the trails, and even hiking solo. Being pregnant and hiking is a new chapter in the backpacking world that you are accepting the challenge.
Trauma is trauma because it leaves lasting affect, so your worries are completely warranted, obviously especially when a Lil you is involved. ❤
Are you and Nahamsha comparing baby notes? Would be fun if y’all did a video together!
I love my Hummingbird Hammocks 2" straps! They are so lightweight, and the whoopie slings are so easy to use. I dropped an entire pound using them!
I used them with a comfy double hammock I already owned, then added on a Structural Ridgeline. "The Ultimate Hang" is a great book that covers almost all aspects of hammock camping, I love it. It even includes a pattern for making your own Half Bug Net (another weight saver).
Ultralite Cot? I used that and a closed cell sleeping pad all throughout the JMT and i had ZERO problems. Just line the feet up with adhesive felt so it doesnt grind up your tent floor so harshly. I too am a stomach/side sleeper and got gear envy from so many people :) The only penalty is the weight 😕
Hi Dixie, this is Mark. My current sleep system + shelter are a little over 4.5 lbs at 0 deg, a little under 4 lbs at 20 deg, and a little over 3 lbs at 40 deg with my current hammock setups, using down insulation, 1.2 oz/sq yd hammock fabric, and minimal Dyneema tarp. For reference, I am 145 lbs, 5'8" tall and slept warm at 28 deg with the 20 deg setup. I would expect you to multiply those by 1.2x to 1.3x to each of those, based on your need for synthetic insulation, cold sleeping, possibly back comfort while pregnant, and gear organization while hanging. Lots of great vendors, I'm only mentioning a couple and I'm sure I'm missing some great ones in the below. You do have to piecemeal the parts to make hammocking lightweight.
My 2 cents:
Hammock - Fabric weight and features will be trade-off's. Do you need a more firm lay while pregnant for back comfort? If so, then you might consider a heavier fabric than you would otherwise choose, maybe 1.6 oz/sq yd fabric. I think you will also need some gear organization for your electronics, and I assume you will want full body bug protection and not just upper half or open. My DWG (Dutch Ware Gear) 1.2 oz/sqyd halfzipped (fully covered non removable bug netting) weighs about 13 oz, plus 2 oz for a peak shelf at each end is comparible to the WBBB original with the side shelf. The WBBB original is 1 foot shorter, that may be slightly less comfortable for taller people. Dream Hammock and Simply Light Designs both make lightweight to order as well as DWG. They all have peak shelves/pockets and ridge line organizers that you would find great.
Tarp - Dyneema and scant coverage are the ways to drop weight with the tarp. I chose a minimalist 5 oz tarp for backpacking, but will eventually add a sil-poly tarp with doors for use in campgrounds with kids etc for privacy. Anything will give better coverage than the MLD pro poncho you used in the Tetons. But you may want more than that. I would suggest a DWG or Hammock Gear (HG) dyneema hex for you at 5-7 oz unless you said you wanted full privacy, in which case I would make them in Camo and choose the winter versions with doors. But doors add weight.
Quilts - Not sure what temperature range you are considering. You can make under quilt (UQ) lighter by shortening the length of the underquilt or making it diagonal. The Yeti you used for the Pinhoti did both in down, adding a good bit of learning curve discomfort into your review. I would still suggest to go that way, especially for synthetic insulation, and would suggest Simply Light Designs Trailwinder UQ for you. You can even buy expandable, snap on extra insulation so that you can vary its insulation qualities. TQ could be anybody's synthetic, maybe even combined with your puffy or your new hoodie for a dual purpose sleep system. Hammock specific TQ can be a little skinnier, but it doesn't save a huge amount of weight, and makes it harder to use if you are forced to go to ground.
Suspension and rigging - 2-8 oz. Not as big a range, you may choose to simplify your life and add some weight. Definitely getting a good hang is a learning process. I'm happy with learning new things, I use very lightweight suspension and rigging.
Wildcard - Hammock with built-in under quilt. People that have these love them. I don't see anything with synthetic at Superior Gear or at DWG. Just down. Sorry. But it totally solves the problem of eliminating UQ gaps with the hammock, which can give you cold spots at 28 deg. If I were you I would try to talk the SLD guy into a combined hammock/Trailwinder experiment...complete with snap on insulation adjustment...that would be awesome.
I'm still in the learning phase regarding getting a good hang and getting the UQ to be gapless, but I'm not lookng back. This comes from someone that has no trouble sleeping on hard ground - why would I want to? Unless I'm on the southern half of the AZT or something - I do have planned ways to use my gear on the ground as a tarp camping setup when I hope to do the AZT, although I haven't tried it yet.
Good Luck!
Dixie - get your husband to feel for a firm spot, and then press his ear gently against you. If it's like my two, he will hear the heartbeat. No tools, no kit, just a quiet place needed. Nowadays I suspect a cellphone mic would also hear baby, so Mum can record and play it back and get that instant reassurance when the little monster has chosen to take a zero day in their kicking training (and they do).
The first one is scary - just is - and you're totally normal to feel that. Trust your body and there's every chance all will be well, leaving you with good memories of the transition to parenthood. God bless all three of you.
Wait... you're pregnant!!?? But also, I feel like I need to be quiet since we are all in the modified shelter. Shhhhh. Baby sleeping!
The best way to be comfortable in a hammock is not to lay inline with it, but to lay diagonally. If you don't have a structural ridgeline, just tie your attachment straps high on the tree allowing the hammock to hang loose. It may look wrong but the extra slack in the hammock allows a diagonal lay, which is a flatter lay and not like a banana. And use an under quilt in cooler weather.
Also, I know that you know about electrolyte imbalance while hiking, most hikers get cramps, but it can also cause heart palpitations or other disruptions of the electrical signals from the brain to the heart. Most supplements and foods may not have adequate magnesium in them for extreme electrolyte loss, and most forms of magnesium have poor absorption qualities or undesirable side effects. Most multi vitamins use magnesium oxide that is almost useless. Try to find magnesium glycinate and magnesium L-threonate and take while hiking or doing other long term strenuous activities. I take both daily. Also, if you eat a low salt diet, you may want to increase your salt intake while hiking, and unless you have tested high for potassium you may want to add that too. All three of these minerals are necessary electrolytes and work to balance one another.
I also have been enjoying your videos for years, since about your day four of the AT.
I know a lady who climbed the Eiger nordwand while 6 months pregnant so go get it!
Good to hear (again) that it went well! Are you planning to actually use the hammock in Scotland? Do they have enough trees along the trail?
If you can time your days right yes there are plenty of trees along the trail. They are mostly plantations though so a little tricky to set up in.
My daughter and I had morning sickness most of the way through our pregnancies. It did get a little less, as time went by. My daughter’s was more all day sickness:(
Dixie first thanks for all you do in backpacking community. I am a hammock camper. I would recommend you got on Hammock Forums and see if there is a hammock hang going on anywhere near you. It would allow you to see many options on hammocks and most of the community would be glad to let you lay in it to see the difference in each one lay.
If no hang near by you may find some folks near by that can help you dial in setting up your system. Hammocks do have more fiddle factor than a tent.
Congratulations on the baby
This is a new chapter in your life Dixie, and I/we thank you for taking us on this journey also. We all love you and thank you for taking us with you on all your trips, and look forward to this trip as well!
Great to see you’re back on the trail. My wife ran 6 miles every day until the day she delivered each of our 3 children. She listened to her body and doctor. You are an inspiration so keep going as long and far as you can.
You're so sweet for sharing this with us. Thank you!
Good to see you back in action....
Fort = Nesting...
Good hike = Happy Dixie...
My Baby = Sad hubby..... it's both your baby "our baby".
Good sleep = happy mommy and baby...
You're slightly anemic due to the pregnancy. That's a normal thing. Use your CPAP to help reduce the strain on you and baby.
.
Curious if you've asked about Inspire Therapy? It's an implant that can be activated by a hand-held device. The only thing I'm thinking could be your Apnea may not be bad enough for it. I'd still ask about it though.
If you think that your baby affects your Life now, just wait until it is in your arms and in your home! You ain’t seen nothing yet, Mom. You will have the most fascinating, fulfilling, and frustrating experiences of your Life.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Have you tried hammock gear? I haven’t actually used a hammock by them, but I have their budget burrow 20 degree quilt which I LOVE and their dyneema tarp. Good quality gear that’s reasonably priced.
Love this! With my daughter, I was sick all day and had indigestion for almost two semesters. Looking back the indigestion was definitely from eating too many "healthy" high oxylate foods, which definitely didn't help (spinach, carrots, potatoes, etc). Love watching your journey!
Dixie, I cannot say this enough, as a female backpacker who encourages my friends to try it out, I recommend your channel ALL THE TIME! 🩷🩷 It’s hard to find female creators in this space, and you are always fun, friendly, informative, and passionate.
Congratulations on your bundle, and many cheers for your maternal instincts 😉
Try using a mouthpiece as opposed to Cpap. Ask your dr. I made long comment on your cpap video for details.
I can’t yet because I’m still having dental work done
What a blessing. I am so happy for you. All my babies are grown, now I am enjoying my grandbabies. Wishing you all the best. 😊❤
CONGRATULATIONS ❤️
You could use an inflatable pillow as tummy support. I know they're a bit weighty but there are probably some on the market that are only a few hundred grams. If someone can like my comment ill have a look around and report back x
Hi Dixie, my brother told me about your pregnancy a while ago. I'm so happy for you and your husband, oh that baby is going to have many adventures even before it's born. God bless you all.
Our first child my wife told me to love him because this may be my only one due to all day morning sickness😂. It is amazing how women can overcome when pregnant. Congrats on getting back on the trail and wish the best for you and your new and growing family.
What is this studio? Below chairs?!
A blanket fort 😂
I use the Hummingbird hammock single+ paired with the Hyke and Byke Hammock Sleeping bag. Make sure to have the bags end close to your head and feet. This give more room for air convection. I've had this set up down to -10F
I just wanted to encourage you that the increased blood volume can make exercise 2-3x as hard. I had some pretty stark comparisons with my 5th pregnancy because I went from being in close to the best shape of my life (not pregnant) to hiking some mountains out east while 5-6 weeks pregnant. It was crazy just how much harder movement became! Thankfully we did all day hikes and I didn't need to carry much equipment, but wow was it hard!
So glad everything went well and congrats on your pregnancy!
@dixie there is almost nowhere for a hammock in the west highland way. Definitely tent country. Or B and B. It's often described as a hike from pub to pub!
I’m not using a hammock on the WHW :)
So exciting Dixie!!! I have been watching your videos since I was a teenager and I am now a mom to an almost 2 year old girl!!! I am so excited for you, I bet your little one is going to have a beautiful outdoorsy adventurous life with you as his/her momma!
You'll have to become mama Dixie 🤣
Love my hummingbird hammock setup!
It's a journey in itself being a parent - my little one is 8 now! So lovely to see your scan pictures. Best of luck with everything.
Congratulations to you and your husband. One of my most memorable life experiences was my first hiking trip on the AT with my adult children. Now my wife and I are grandparents and I look forward to taking my granddaughter on her first hike. I know you will find parenthood an exciting and rewarding journey.
Yes! Blanket Fort for adults for the win!! Sometimes it just IS a blanket Fort kind of day ❤
Congratulations on a successful hike! So happy all went well with no issues and you are finally able to get back to what you love.❤️
Ive had five pregnancies, I strongly recommend dried candied ginger for nausea. I would start chewing on pieces an hour or so before I wanted to eat, it worked awesome. I still take some on trail, but as a treat now. Hammocks are great when your belly starts getting unwieldy, if you can lie on your side in a hammock.
Hi Dixie i never do my hip belt up on my pack when walking only when ascending up rocks but as soon as im up ill undo it again i suffer double sciatica its the reason i dont like the belt on too much...
Just be careful girl. You know what you can and cannot do. Good to see you back on the trail.....
So happy you are back into nature. Looking forward to years of you n your family's adventures.
I'm glad that everything went well on your trip...and that all looks well with the little nipper. Thanks for sharing the ultrasound results.
As for hammocking, my suggestion may not be applicable for you, but it works very well for me. I can no longer sleep well lying down (I have some health issues that make this a problem). So, I have moved to a HAMMOCK CHAIR, of sorts. I use it at home, as well as on the trail. The one I have is just like the typical nylon hammock, except turned sideways, if that makes any sense. For suspension, I have rigged a double strap setup, so I suspend the "chair" from two trees...4 to about 14 feet apart. The rig is very easy to set up, just takes a minute. For An overhead shelter, I simply pitch a tarp above the hammock, just like with a normal hammock setup. The rig I use is quite light - a bit less than 2 lbs for the whole smash. It is also very convenient. Wouldn't work in the desert, though (obviously). I use an inflatable mattress for insulation and comfort, just as per normal practice (and that suffices for a "bottom quilt"). Finally, I simply put down a normal ground sheet under foot, to keep my feet off the wet ground. The actual position in which I sit/sleep is not really upright, it is fairly reclined. I find it very comfortable.
However, if you are not comfortable sleeping on your back, it might not work for you, as you cannot lay/sit on your side in this sort of rig.
I’m interested in the CPAP setup. I’m dependent on mine and haven’t backpacked since becoming so. I’ve looked at compact nits but would love some input from your experience. Or anyone else seeing this comment
... Good to hear all is going well ... lifestyle changes are normal and to be expected ... Stay Safe ...
It’s been a minute since I’ve watched one of your vlog’s. First off, congrats on the pregnancy. How exciting👶 Also, early January I had an SVT heart issue at work and had to be transported to a hospital. No history of heart related problems. So far after having a monitor on my chest for two weeks and other tests, nothing abnormal. Chalking it up to too much caffeine energy drink and simultaneous excercise. A one off event at this point. Blessings to you!
Well...every pregnancy is different. My wife was LAID-OUT with 1st trimester morning sickness. But ironically, we learned that the hormones that made life hell for my wife made for an A+ growing environment for baby. But second trimester..va VA VOOM! And not to put a fine point on it, second trimester sex is pretty excellent! All the best to you and your growing family!
So happy you're ok! My camping partner was struggling on some backpacking and bike riding trips...a few weeks after some EPIC hiking and riding that included the eclipse in 2017 he had a heart attack. The signs were there but being only 44 yrs old, he ignored it. He had multiple opportunities to die, luckily we weren't in the woods. Staying in shape can only help you and your baby! Can't wait to see your future videos.
Good to see you back out on the trail. Many blessings in your pregnancy and new little one. For the sleep apnea, my wife had an apnea specialist dentist who fit her with a nightly mouth guard especially for sleep apnea. Her severe apnea is now all but gone. No more snores and sleeps comfortably all night. Might be worth your while to check it out in your area.
Good to hear your update. You sound positive and optimistic. I’m glad things went well.
Dream Hammock makes a solid product and Randy is great with designing a hammock based on what you need. Trailheadz is another great cottage brand but their lead times are longer. Hammock Gear is a solid choice as well - I use my 0deg quilt year round (Southeast US) and my dcf tarp with doors by them is one of my favorite tarps (especially once you add some Dutch bling). ruclips.net/video/26GHCNgkKd8/видео.html
Since you are coming to Scotland you might want to check out DD Hammocks who are based in Edinburgh (they deliver world wide). They claim to make the lightest Hammock in the World at 350g i(12.5 Oz) ncluding suspension although I believe it is really very minimalist. They even do a child's size version for 5-10 Year olds which isn't so far away. I have one of their older hybrid 'Travel' hammocks that can be used as a hammock or converted into a sort of hooped bivi for when there are no trees. I've had it for years and it's pretty hard wearing. I got it second hand for 10GBP! Hope all is great on the WHW and remember the midgie repellant.
Congratulations on being pregnant. I have not watched your video's in years since before Covid, but started hiking again myself after breaking my leg 4 years ago and needed to watch these video's again on getting my pack right. Your a trooper hiking with your baby, and will be a great mom, congrats on the Dad also, you both will enjoy your baby... mine is all grown up now so cherish all your new memories to come. I watched the Eclipse from Taylor park in St. Albans VT on the 8th.. it was spectacular.
I love it when the milk arrives.
this new step in your life will open a whole new group. backpacking for moms and kids
Just saw a hammock from a place called Haven Tents.
How exciting!! I'm pregnant too!! I'm assuming once the baby is born, your content won't change too much, but I would love to see how you incorporate your new baby to this lifestyle ❤
Super light weight hammocks and other gear from One Wind.
Dixie, I would like to hear all about insurance plans that older backpackers should be aware of. Do you have suggestions about which insurance plans are good?
Best Hammock Gear: Teton Hammock Company. Most comfortable hammock I’ve ever used. Also my favorite tarp is by them. I plan on buying their under quilt. Give them a try.
be super careful on the anti nausea meds.. super bad side effects can happen. a couple i know got a baby with anorectal malformation. and will need surgery to create a opening
Hi Dixie! Glad you are doing well! I would love to hear more about how you backpack with a CPAP. Perhaps an episode on that for those of us trying to navigate that as well?
Damascus Virginia....
Y'all Trail Days coming up❤
For hammocks, check out Dutchware
You might want to look at Superior Gear Hammock. The underquilt is integrated and I find them really warm for the particular temperature rating I have. Good luck!
so generous of you to share the baby pics!!!!
Are you in a blanket fort ?
Yes lol
Try an extra backpacking pillow between your knees to ease the (inevitable) pain in your hips and an inflatable wedge pillow under your belly! I was able to get 'comfortable' with just those while pregnant and working for the Forest Service.
Congrats. Future backpacking baby videos will be fun to watch. You can always watch my adventures between trips, you might just find a place you want to explore.