Date: 2018-01-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spring is in the air! Well, not really...but it's 37 and sunny today which is much improved from the nearly 2 weeks of sub zero temps and extreme wind chills we just climbed out of. And the smell of spring? Probably just what's leftover from the marshmallow I toasted over the glowing wood stove. But even if spring isn't in the air yet, it will be soon. And I'll be ready!So as the dehydrator softly hums its lullaby in the kitchen, preparing the delicious dinners I will enjoy on the trail, I sit at a nearby computer researching gear. As any long distance hiker knows, there is a plethora of gear out there touting the virtues of making your hike lighter, faster, dryer, more comfortable, etc. And to join it is an over abundance of advise, blogs, vlogs, reviews (many by pros who are compensated for such) and of course all the social media posts. It's enough to make me feel that my head might pop off and float away in the sea of it all. Thankfully, before frustration set in I took some pause. I had to decide, despite all this information, on what I personally need and what selections may best fit my needs. So I made a list of items that I will need on the trail and what is important to me about each of them. Then I went to work. Some of the items we already have. So I started with those. We have a Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 that we use when we overnight together. Will it be too big for just me? Can I save weight? Should I look for something lighter that I can set up with my trekking poles? What about a tarp? Or relying on shelters? I decided that I'm seeking solitude and I prefer a tent over shelters. It would be nice not to hear snoring in the middle of the night (my cat snores! And maybe Brian...a little). So a tent it is. I decided to bring the Copper Spur 2 for a few reasons. I love the tent. Its roomy enough for me to spread out in with my gear, I can sit up in it, its free standing and it will keep me dry and the bugs out. Sure, I could shave a little weight by choosing something else. But I like my tent. I did upgrade my backpack, since I was using an aged and very good condition EMS pack that we purchased all those years ago for our Boy Scout son. Built for a man, not a women which makes a difference in the shoulder straps. And I must say the experts at REI were super kind and helpful in properly fitting me for my new pack (Osprey Aura). I'll keep my Enlightened Equipment 20 degree quilt because that is also tested and proven and I can't beat the light weight. I took a look at my cooking set next...and it's for 2 people. So I modified that by purchasing a Snow Peak mug that doubles as a pot for boiling water and a measuring cup. It's perfect for 1 person and I can leave the bowl and mug set at home, a huge weight saving. But I'll keep my beloved MSR Pocket Rocket!Now for the footwear. I'm not a shoe collector. I know, that may sound odd to you but I'm really not. I have however now amassed quite a selection of hiking footwear which appears as a small army of them lined up diligently waiting for orders. By far this has been the more difficult part of gear for me. I have suffered from the dreaded Plantar Fasciitis (PF) twice before. The worst episode while hiking in the Tetons. I want to be sure that my footwear choice prevents the PF from rearing its ugly head like a snake bite on the trail. I wish I could bring all of the members of my new army with me, but I know that isn't possible. So, until I leave for Harper's Ferry I will wear each one. I will wear them while working out, on practice hikes and just because. I'll work out with my pack on, walk the rocky and root sprinkled trails in NH and determine which one gets to come along. I will pack my backpack and take it with me on workouts and hikes, and when I finish I will unpack it in my basement "camp site" where I will set up my tent. I will need to be confident and proficient in doing this by myself. I'll have to do it nearly every day for 6 months, while I'm cold, getting rained on, in the dark and being chased by ravenous mosquitoes. Packing and unpacking will help me organize things the way I want them for ease of use and develop a familiar system that works for me. I'm an organized person, and I know I can not deal with the "exploding backpack" some hikers utilize. There's much to do before April. More training, more meals to cook and drop shipments to pack. I need to be sure the wonderful agents at my office are comfortable and confident and the Broker in charge is ready. Thinking ahead to the tasks that will need to be completed in my absence and preparing them for that as well as possible. And there is the new season of the Bachelor that needs to be watched!