Date: 2014-02-27
To: Gear list
Miles today: 0.0

I thought I would update my journal since we are suffering another Polar Vortex today and I can't train due to the cold and snow. I hope it warms up by mid-March. Only 18 days until I start the trail in Georgia. I found a nice phone app that tells me the weather at each shelter - Appalachian Trail Weather. I recommend it.   All my gear is ready to go. See picture. My base winter weight is 16 pounds 9 oz. I plan for 25 pounds with food, fuel and water for the first three days. I could reduce the weight by removing such things a toothpaste, but I cannot see going without toothpaste, besides, the tube will decline in weight over time. I am also carrying a few other luxuries like a two person tent, camp shoes - 12.5 oz, a pillow, lots of toilet paper, deodorant, Appalachian Trail Passport, and a well stocked emergency and first aid kit. Still struggling with the decision of whether or not to leave the camp shoes. I like my inflatable pillow - a cocoon weighing 3.5 oz . I find it much more comfortable than sleeping on clothes and I don't want to put my nose in stinky and wet clothes all night. I didn't know how much toilet paper to bring so I will bring a whole roll of double-ply paper. Surprisingly, TP is heavier than I thought. Deodorant doesn't weight that much and will be needed. So I could cut over a pound without too much trouble but certainly it would reduce my hygiene and comfort. My summer weight is expected to be near 15 pounds.   I will purchase sunscreen and bug spray as needed. Of course all of these weights are based on dry and clean equipment. I expect water and dirt to add at least one or two pounds over the course of the hike. To save weight, I will carry minimum warm clothing and expect to get cold at times. I also will carry only one pair of pants and will let my rain pants double as a second pair. If I don't bring enough warm clothing, I will purchase something along the trail.My wife thinks I should change my trail name from Road Warrior to Ready-To-Go because I keep saying it. I am so ready-to-go now and these last days just seem to drag. I don't plan to do mail drops, I'll purchase food along the way. So other than my first few days of food, I will be at the mercy of grocery stores. I will exchange my winter gear for summer gear in mid-May, after Damascus, when my son joins me for a week.After reading the journals of those currently on the trail, I am glad I am leaving in mid-March. It seems rough out there in February. I am surprised by the number of hikers that called it quits within the first 50 miles, many with injuries. I wish them all the best and hope they try again. This level of drop out makes me realize how difficult this venture will be from the first to the last steps, regardless of all my advance preparation. The unexpected is waiting to thwart the hike at every step. Recently, I talked with someone that completed the entire trail a couple years ago. He said he was fine until he was almost at the end, near Baxter State Park in Maine. With just a few days left he spilled his alcohol stove and caught himself on fire. Before he could put out the fire, he had burns on his leg and arm and most of his trail clothes where in tatters. He made it to the end because Baxter State Park was the closest place for medical aid. Then he finished the trail with his burns. I will be disappointed if I don't make it all the way but realize this is a very big possibility. I just don't want to be forced to stop shortly after starting.The charity element of this hike is now in full swing. The Illinois State Museum in Lockport, Illinois is promoting my hike as a fundraiser. Please donate at 815-838-7400 or contact museum.state.il.us/ismsites/lockport.My stride is between 24 and 30 inches. Assuming a 24-inch stride over 2,185.3 miles will equal 5,769,192 steps. At a 30-inch stride, this would be 4,615,354 steps. A big difference. I didn't include the approach trail and exit trail distances, or other distances to find water, food, fuel, shelter, getting lost, plus side trips. So this is a lot of walking.Have a great day!