Someone was posting photos of me all over the internet. All over social media. I couldn’t escape. I had changed addresses and even changed my name, but nothing seemed to work. The only thing I hadn’t tried was escaping to the wilderness. Surely no one would follow me there. I had nothing left to lose. I went and did what I did best: getting lost in the mountains. For the first time in months I felt like I had some privacy. I pitched my tent and tried to get some sleep after a long day. Suddenly I heard clicks….more clicks…and then repeated flashing. A phone? A camera? I opened my eyes, and there they were clicking away. And then I saw their faces. “No….no…it can’t be. Please no..”
“Abhi….Albina…is that you?!”
I woke up with sweat pouring down my face. Just a nightmare…right?
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Sometimes I want to go backpacking but I also don’t, so my solution to that problem has been to do these smaller overnight backpacking trips. Whether or not they’re DCUL trip worthy is up for debate, as they don’t exactly fulfill the “travel far” part of the slogan. But at least we’re getting the “travel light and wake early” part. This time we would be doing a classic DCUL hike: Duncan and Strickler Knob, but with a twist. Normally a 18ish mile loop, I cut the route down to 10 miles by having us connect with Duncan Knob via the Scothorn Gap Trail. It seemed like a good idea and a good chance for applicants to get a taste of what DCUL is all about without breaking the bones too bad. 7 brave backpackers answered the call and we set out Friday evening.
Immediately upon arrival at the trailhead, Abhi and Albina took charge by starting a photoshoot. Abhi had brought his camera and Albina her new Samsung S25, and they would not be denied getting every single use they could out of them. David “Spiderman” and I often joke on what the “theme” is going to be on a DCUL trip. Sometimes you have to dig a little deep, but other times it stares you right in the face. I knew pretty quickly what the theme of this trip would be. But I’m not complaining too much, as we did get some very nice photos. I had some tough choices for which photos to include in this trip report! I eventually managed to get us all hiking and not long after we pitched our tents at the base of Duncan Knob and enjoyed the sunset.
It had rained consistently for the past 2 weeks, so the bugs were out in full force and the firewood damp. But with the help of some alcohol and tender-loving affection, we got quite the nice fire going. June is new member’s month, and joining DCUL for the first time were Michelle and Shane. Dibya was a returning after a long hiatus, and it was always nice to see the always full-of-energy Sophie. Albina and Abhi were still clicking away trying to get the best photos. I felt like a celebrity. I think we stayed up until around midnight before calling it a night. Sophie clunked out in about 3 seconds. Since I was on a night sleep schedule for work, I completed what I officially declare the “Duncan Knob 3 for 3”. You climb up Duncan Knob for Sunset, then you go back up at 1am for Moonrise, and you go up AGAIN for sunrise. Surely the Duncan Knob 3 for 3 is going to be the latest internet craze.
We were again hiking by 7am and we started sloshing our way up towards Strickler Knob. Along the way Shane imparted some useful Halloween advice. If you ever need some reusable Halloween tombstone decorations, just use old toilet seats. You’re gunna have to paint them, of course! He also bought his wife some giant led chicken yard decoration which I found interesting. We made the short hike out to Strickler Knob before returning to our cars to make the 2 hour drive back home. All in all, a nice little trip. Despite the muddy trail conditions and abundance of bugs, we got quite lucky with the heat. This time last year wasn’t nearly as forgiving. Thanks for coming out everyone. I hope you all got some enjoyment out of the short trip. Until next time!
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I had finally gotten home after the hike. I was tired, and not getting any sleep was beginning to have it’s effects. All I wanted was a hot shower and some sleep. I laid my head down on my pillow, said a quick prayer to my DCUL overlords for keeping me safe, and went to sleep. I had only closed my eyes for what felt like 5 minutes before I heard it. I already knew who it was. I just didn’t know who they worked for.
*click click click*
*repeated flashes*
*more clicks*
It was Albina and Abhi again. The DCUL Paparazzi.
Oh what the F-
DC UL Backpacking 
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