Date: 2017-02-11
To: My pack!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

They say you pack your fears. My biggest fear is being cold. Because I am leaving February 17, I know I'm going to hit some very cold and possibly snowy weather. This year, I have added more cold weather gear to my pack. I have packed micro spikes, hand warmers, three pairs of gloves, a pair of extra socks, a wool buff, hat, and headband. I have a lot of down but I know, if I have it on, and get into my 10° sleeping bag, I will be warm. One of my biggest complaints of last year was that I had cold feet at night. So this year, I purchased down booties! Last year my feet would stay warm, if I wrapped them in my down jacket, but then I didn't have my down jacket to wear. In 2015, a friend I hiked with, had a down hood and when he'd climb in his bag wearing that hood, I would be jealous. And another hiker had down pants, and he said they were his favorite piece of gear. So there you have my reasons for acquiring all that down. The combined weight is 14 oz and I can get rid of it and the added winter gear as the weather warms up. I don't really have the fear of running out of food, but I did lose a lot of weight in 2015, so I do plan on trying to eat more! Also I need to try and drink more this year. I'm going to try to camel up in the morning and when I get to a water source, drink, and carry less water on my back, especially in the south. After breaking my leg in 2015, one of my biggest fears is falling. But, I don't really know how to deal with that except maybe to slow down. This year I'm taking more zeros, and I'm not going to worry about getting to camp or making the miles, and I'm going to really hike my own hike.And now for my NOT fears. I'm not afraid of how hard the trail is going to be; I've done it, it's hard. I'm not afraid of animals; they're out there and you have to be careful. I'm not afraid of being alone; it's a lonely trek and it takes a long time to hike over 2000 miles. I'm not not afraid of pain, as long as the pain moves around. I'm not afraid of hiking in the rain; it's the AT, it's going to rain a lot. I'm not afraid of getting to the top of that mountain, which ever mountain it happens to be; if I put one foot in front of the other and just don't stop, I will eventually get to the top, no matter how long it takes. We all know that the trail is a metaphor for life: so if I work hard, put myself out there, face my fears, put one foot in front of the other, don't judge other hikers, I will make it: as long as I don't get seriously injured. Oh and keep enjoying myself most days!!!!With only days to go, my stomach is doing its own flip-flop hike. One day, I'm great and I can't wait. The next day, I am scared to death to start this adventure again. But, it is going to happen one way or the other. My list is getting checked off, my pack has been packed and unpacked, and I'm boarding that plane shortly!To everyone out there, I can't wait to meet you. I can't wait to begin my stories of 2017!And for those that are reading my journal and following along on my adventure, I want to thank you. And thanks for writing, encouraging me, and inspiring me! Pack your fears today.It may save your life one day,Do not go too light.