Date: 2008-07-09
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Miles today: 0.0

Well, it's been about a month since I last wrote in here and I can't even begin to explain how quickly time seems to be passing. I know that March will be here before I know it. It's starting to cause me a little anxiety because I haven't done hardly any planning, but at the same time, I don't feel like I'm going to do a ton of planning so why stress out now? I'm planning on enjoying my summer and fall off-shifts to the fullest out here in central Oregon, then when the weather turns for the worse, buckle down and focus on my hike. It's too beautiful out here and my time too limited to be thinking about March '09 when there are mountains to be climbed, trails to hike, and places to explore on my two weeks off every month.I'm thinking that soon I will order the '08 Handbook and use that to help plan my maildrops (I'm thinking I'll only have 5-10) and create a tentative schedule then when the '09 comes out, buy that to use on my hike and give my '08 to my parents to help them follow along. They will of course, also inherit my posters that adorn my walls, to help track my progress visually. As of right now, I'm planning on using only the Thru-Hiker Handbook, but we'll see. Also, I don't know if I've mentioned this but I've bumped my start date up to mid-Marchish opposed to beginning of April. The timing works out better with my schedule and allows me to be more leisurely with my hike if I so choose. "flexibility" is my motto for my hike and the last thing I want to do is feel on a time crunch to get to Katahdin by Oct. 15. Tomorrow I head back into the field for another 2 weeks of work. I'm really excited and looking forward to heading back in. Who knew troubled teenagers could be so enjoyable? It's weird, recently, I've been feeling more comfortable and at peace when in the field working than on my two weeks off. During a period of a lot of change in my life, it's the one thing that is stable and constant, where I feel content and in control. I also like working hard and feeling like my life has purpose. After two weeks of vacation, I feel ready to get back at it! Don't get me wrong, I am in no way complaining about having two weeks of vacation every month. I just really seem to enjoy leaving the "real world" behind to work my butt off for 15 days in the high desert of Central Oregon without having to worry or think about anything else. It's truly the epitome of "living in the present" and I love that. It makes me that much more excited for my thru-hike, in which I envision my daily life to revolve around a similar concept... except there will be no bratty, entitled, defiant, emotionally disturbed teenagers who hate hiking around to ruin my euphoria. :-) THAT IS WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO! Having things be all about me and nobody else to focus on or worry about except myself. I can't wait...I am planning on purchasing the Hubba tent, however, a close friend of mine claims they have a tent they'd love to sell me for super cheap. I'll check it out... Realistically, I don't know how much I'll be using a tent, and may end up sending it home, so if his is as light as he claims (I'm skeptical), it might be worth it rather than spending big bucks on a really nice one.Another close friend of mine at Sagewalk has grandparents that live within a half mile of the trail. He said they've never hosted thru-hikers before but he mentioned that a friend of his was hiking and said they'd love to have me. I love the generosity and trail magic that is already being offered to me months in advance! If the timing works out, my friend might even be able to meet up with me there and hike a bit with me...Okay, it's late and I an exhausting two weeks ahead. 'Til next time.Happy Trails,Amy