Date: 2013-01-13
To: A test walk and other hijinks
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After getting my pack loaded last night, I decided I would take it out on a walk this morning. I filled my water bottles before leaving, bringing my pack to about 37 pounds. I went for a practical, though long route, walking mostly back roads to my church in the next town east. The route I took is 6.3 miles each direction. Before leaving, I had what may be a typical trail breakfast - instant oatmeal and instant coffee.The walk outbound was 99 minutes. It is an easy walk, as there is not much elevation change beside a bridge over the Turnpike. I found a comfortable and consistent stride, with my steps matching the up-down rhythm of my pack. My long strides contributed to the relatively fast walk. A surveying class I took, taught by a very old-school teacher, involved measuring one's pace, and I found mine to be over three feet. Most of the class found their pace to be in the mid-two foot range. Being 6'3" has its disadvantages for sure, but it has advantages like this one!I did not expect to walk so fast. I thought I might be late to church, leaving with only 2.5 hours to walk over six miles. Instead, I was over 30 minutes early. Some coffee and two small cookies were consumed, and enjoyed greatly. I wound up with with over two hours at church before walking home. That walk was the same distance, and took 102 minutes. That number does not inculdea three-minute break to drop my pack, take off my jacket, and hydrate. My parents tried to give me a ride home when they passed me about 10 minutes out, but I had to decline and finish the trip on foot.The other hijinksWhat was especially interesting was what happened between the outbound and return walks, at church. The Allentown Presbyterian Church is my home church, and it's a good time going there Sunday mornings when I find myself local. This morning was downright exciting. I almost missed it too, as my glasses fell apart at the beginning of the service! I know I am replacing those before I leave for the Trail - the frames have been discontinued, so I cannot replace the broken bits. I had to wander off to the kitchen and fix them, using a steak knife as a fine-tipped screwdriver. I suppose this was a bit of excitement in itself!I got back into church in time for the full sermon. The latter part of the sermon talked about how the church can so often be a secure, comfortable place that people don't perceive any challenge in. The pastor then talked about how people should move outside their confort zone, and to take risks. He specifically issued the challenge to the congregation as a congretation and as individuals, that we should try to make 2013 a year of adventure. Well, for me it is too late to make such a church! At the end of the service , I darted up to the front to briefly hijack the service and provide my example of how this year can be an adventure! I planned to announce that in church, maybe a few weeks before leaving, but it was bleeding obvious that today was the time to make that announcement.I will probably make a more comprehensive announcement in church another week, or maybe have a lunch there for interested folks after one of the services. Until then, I continue to improve my readiness for the trail. In seven weeks, I will find myself hanging my hammock trailside in Georgia!Peace,