I've been suffering from what appears to be tendinitis in my right foot, but I still wanted to get out yesterday, so I chose a relatively flat hike without much gain: Bear Creek on the fringes of the San Gabriel Wilderness. Bear Creek is a tributary of the West Fork of the San Gabriel River. The San Gabriel River is one of the primary river networks in the region.

Our journey takes us from Highway 39, up the West Fork of the San Gabriel River to lovely Lower Bear Trail Camp:

Lower Bear Trail Camp is a well watered spot under spreading oaks well suited for camping.

Today's featured stove is the Svea 123R.


I'll be using the Svea 123R with the fabulous Edelweiss Cookset. I was very kindly sent the classic Edelweiss cookset by none other than our own hikermor (Thank you!).


If you like, please join me on the trail.

HJ

Don't believe him, folks! That can't possibly be the cookset I sent him. Mine was really abused, corroded, and dented. The one in the picture is obviously brand new.

Jim, how many hours did you spend refurbishing that junk I sent you?

Junk!!? No, no, no. It's merely "well loved."

It's amazing what a little "elbow grease," a soft mallet, and a pry bar can do. It's still pretty battered, but everything is useable, and IT WORKS GREAT.

HJ

Jim, it looks great. i would have never recognized it - amazing job!

So why no pictures of the Seva 123. Mine is lonely.

Bill

Mainly because I'm too lazy to carry both on one trip.

I'll take my non-R Svea 123 out soon and post photos.

HJ

OK, Bill,

Here are a few photos of an original (non-R) Svea 123. Here's my set up.


A little closer look.


Fired up.


Stove in use.


HJ

I found my old SVEA 123 (non "R") a few months ago, and recently restored it working condition after 25+ years. What a joy to hear that purr again.

I still have a few parts to the old SIGG Tourist cook kit (the base and windscreen) that came with the stove, and would like to trade them for an original brass windscreen with pot-stand feet that fits on the stove tank. Takers?

.....CLIFF
(like, who else?)

Hey, great, Cliff,

Congratulations on getting your stove working again. The Svea 123 is one of those stoves you can hand down to your grandchildren. It is super durable and super reliable (if you take care of it). And even after years of use, abuse, or non-use, it can typically be rebuilt and restored to full functionality. Definitely my favorite stove (and I have a lot of stoves).

If you get no takers on your trade, head on over to:
1. eBay. Some times Svea 123 windscreens come up there. Generally, Svea 123 and 123R windscreens are interchangeable. Note: Sometimes the pot handle and pot are not interchangeable between different versions of the stove.
2. packstoves.com Sometimes they will have windscreens in stock. Note: they are a little mom and pop shop run on a shoestring in their spare time. Never order anything from them if you're in a hurry.
3. Spiritburner.com Lots of stove enthusiasts there. You may find someone willing to make the trade.

I've already got two Sigg Tourist Cooksets and one Edelweiss cookset, so I'm probably not up for a trade myself.

HJ

I and it feels much better now. Thanks.