Date: 2014-02-01
From: Planning

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, its about five weeks until Tracy McG and I begin our hike. Prep is well under way. I've gone through my pack over and over, each time removing things I thought were essential. As I reconsider what essential means, I have realized that little things like the chain on my nail clippers and the nice little frame around my camp mirror are not needed. Neither are two elastic bandages or the little pouch for my camp towel/washcloth. I have been sewing loops on things I think may get lost so that I can attach them to my pack. This includes bandannas, socks, gloves, hat and washcloth.   Thank you to my son-in-law, Giuseppe for my tiny little toothbrushes and to my son and daughter-in-law, Jeff & Jenna, for my Yak Trax. Also to my daughter, Roxanne & Giuseppe for the REI gift certificate. My youngest daughter, Sheryl has been a great help in choosing gear and packing food. She also makes me nice things, like a holder for my water bottle and a little foam seat made from an old sleeping pad.I have changed some gear, substituting with things I found at the REI garage sale. One of my best purchases was a Granite Gear backpack. It's a little lighter, and the whole thing just feels better walking than my REI pack. I have decided to take my lightweight 40 degree sleeping bag as a liner under my down quilt, especially as the weather seems to be so much colder than normal all across the country. I changed my mattress to a Neoair, which is small, light and warm. Underneath that, I have a car windshield sunshade, which adds warmth and little cushioning. It weighs very little, and also will protect my air mattress from getting punctured by rocks or sticks. I found it at the church rummage sale. One side is silver to reflect light and heat, and the other side has a whole scene from Winnie the Pooh! My pack so far, fully loaded with food and 2 liters of water is about 27 pounds, so I'm happy with that. Of course, lighter is always better, but once the cold weather is behind us, I can leave some of the heavier clothing and extra sleeping bag. I may not need to carry so much water either, as water should be plentiful in Virginia in the spring. We will be walking south from Harper's Ferry, so I am hoping to meet many northbounders along the way.I've gotten my food packed up and ready to go. My brother-in-law will be near us with his van, so it makes it easy to resupply and swap out gear. Thanks Foodwalker! Training is a little behind. I've been doing strengthening exercises at home and walking back and forth to work, 4 miles each way, when time permits. Lots of details to take care of before I take off. I did get out for a short hike with my full pack yesterday morning. It really beat me, so it looks like I will be needing to step up the practice hikes whenever possible. Either way, I will be out there walking when the time comes for us to start. I'm looking forward to making some new friends along the way, and also seeing old friends. It will be nice to be able to spend so much time with my sister too. We haven't had too many chances to spend time together since we were kids. I appreciate my family being so good about me leaving them for such a long time. I know it will be a big strain on them. Special thanks to my husband, Bruce and daughter, Sheryl, who will be taking care of the house and caring for my father-in-law while I am gone.