OK, so maybe the lightweight gear kick has finally gotten to me.

A couple of weeks ago I picked up a pair of lightweight hikers. Low cut, Gore-Tex, sticky soles. Nice. I like 'em.

Then last week while I was in Maine Mountain Works I couldn't resist a new mini Trangia alcohol stove and cookset.

My cool new mini Trangia alcohol stove set.

Despite my outward skepticism of any stove that doesn't require priming and pumping, doesn't roar loudly, doesn't emit smelly gas fumes and doesn't burn my food to the bottom of the pan (must be a Tim Allen thing, I guess), I'd always wanted to try one, so what the heck.

Turns out the damn thing works pretty good. It's simple to use, lightweight and cooks a weekend of meals on just a few ounces of denatured alcohol (available at any hardware store).

It does take a little longer than my trusty Whisperlite, so I do need a larger measure of patience, something that can be in short supply in my neck of the woods, especially at the end of the hiking day when I really want my soup.

Om Mani Padme Hum. I shall have patience and all shall be good. And I shall like my new alcohol stove...

Waiting patiently for my soup!