Date: 2005-12-11
To: I've been slacking lately...
Miles today: 0.0

I have been terrible lately about posting updates in my journal! While I understand that most people don't care whether or not I post anything, I want to have a record of all the pre-hike craziness that goes on! Needless to say, I'm letting myself down on this one! In just over 4 months, I'll be out there. So many of the other Class of 2006 hikers will be well on their way by the time I start ~ I can't help but wonder if everyone is going as crazy as I am. I hate waiting. HATE IT! Surely there is a way to fast forward through the next 4 months. The desire to be out there has gotten stronger and stronger the closer I get. It's been nice to read posts on Whiteblaze to hear where everyone else is in their planning. My last big obstacle is my mail drops. At this point I'm going to be packaging up about 7 of them and leaving them with a friend. When I know I need one, I'll let him know a couple weeks in advance so I can plan accordingly. It seems like the easiest way. And if I don't need them all...so be it. Originally, I had planned for about 18 maildrops. HA! I don't know what the heck I was thinking. Thanks to the sound advice of others, I went back to the drawing board. I just want to thank everyone that's been reading my journal and that have taken the time to sign my guestbook and/or email me! The words of encouragement are very much appreciated. Class of 2006 folks ~ I do hope we run into each other on the trail! Well...we don't need to literally run into each other, but it sure would be nice to meet you! The holidays are fast approaching and everyone is getting so busy. I'm in the process of moving and storing my stuff which is a real bundle of joy, lemme tell you. I'm not going to get rid of my car, since it's paid for, and found out that I can knock my insurance down while I'm hiking since I will have it in "storage" at my mother's house. $24.60 for 6 months! YAY! I thought for sure I'd be paying full rate while it sat idle for 5 months. That was a very pleasant surprise. My mind is all over the place tonight. I didn't plan for zero days in my initial tentative itinerary. I just want to take them as I need/want them. The only thing I definitely want to get to is Trail Days. I had such a blast last year that I want to be there for THIS years festivities. I guess I'll be hitching...since I know I won't be in Damascus by that time. I figure I won't be the only person in that boat. I want to thank everyone...my family, my friends, my fellow backpackers, everyone...for being SO supportive of me. This is so important to me and it makes me happy that I can share it with so many people. I don't suppose that will ever wear off. I'm already daydreaming about a 3 year plan and the Triple Crown. It's a sickness, I tell ya, a sickness! And this NOT buying gear thing is KILLING me...geezo peezo. Gaiters and new trekking poles are my only planned gear purchases. Hello REI Dividend! Anyway ~ it's coming together and it's getting closer. I'll probably start going nuts once the first hikers in the 2006 group get on the trail. Then the fever will really skyrocket. Til next time ~ happy trails and happy planning!