Date: 2005-02-21
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Miles today: 0.0

Well, its just 4 days before we leave for Georgia & 6 days before I begin my hike. Things have been really busy as far as real estate & preparing to leave. Sometimes it seems very overwhelming but I guess deep down I do realize that everything will eventually get done and we will be ready to go when we pull out of the driveway on Friday. Crystal & I have had lots of visits from family & friends in the past two weeks. Some have spent the night & some have just stayed for dinner. I have enjoyed seeing everybody to say goodbye before I head out on my journey. Last night we went to my mom's house for a big Mexican dinner. (thanks for planning it Linda!) All three of my sisters were there & other family members also. I guess they wanted to lay eyes on me before I leave for 6 whole months.   I've been looking at other people's journals to see when other hikers are starting. I see that a few people are starting the same day as me, & a few right after me. Also I've been tracking the long term weather forecast.   So far, it doesn't look to bad for Springer Mountain, at least no rain. But, who knows, because sometimes they can't predict the weather here for even the next day.    I made it down to the Y today for my normal 1 hour uphill treadmill routine. I was able to make it for 30 mins non stop, took a 5 min break, then did another 30 mins. I've also been lifting weights. I need to make sure I can lift the pack onto my back with out straining any muscles in the future. I only have one more day back at the Y on Wed & 2 more days of walking outside before it will be time to leave. I am very excited and am ready to get on with it.   Right now I am also trying to get a general idea of how long it will take me to get to the first few towns for re-supplying or mail drops. Alot of people plan these mail drops months in advance with items(food, batteries, toiletries) already sealed up in a box ready to be sent to the town post offices. I am going to play this by ear. I really can't say for sure right now when I will be getting into specific towns because weather conditions & my stamina on the actual trail are both questionable at this point. Also, I will try to do most of my re-stocking at the stores in towns. If I need something, I can call Crystal & then she can mail it to me.   My final shakedown will happen tomorrow night when I unpack & re-pack my backpack to exactly how it will be when I begin my hike on Sunday. I have a couple of friends coming over to oversee the project. Also, I'll be trying out my water purifying system (aqua-mira). I will be using these drops to purify instead of the pumping system that I have used for the past 5 years. (this will save on some wieght.) We will have to have a water taste test. If it doesn't taste so hot, I guess I can always use powdered gatoraide to flavor it. We'll see. Oh yeah, we are having sushi for dinner. JB is picking some up in Williamsburg. I can't wait! This will probably be the last I'll get it for a while. I would like to take this opportunity now to thank everybody who has come to my guest book & signed in to let me know they have checked out the sight. Thanks for all the comments & word of encouragement. I really do appreciate it. I hope everyone enjoys following the hike & I hope that I can last for the whole 6 months.