Date: 2018-01-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I see things progressing quickly as Zin starts to finalize all of his planning, assembling, reviewing of "stuff" as we count down to under 3 weeks to go.From my perspective, I smile and watch as he's starting to remind me of a giddy young girl as she prepares for prom.  I'm a whack job, you say?  How do I see the similarities?  Let me explain.If I remember correctly, and that may be a stretch after 35 years, there's the excitement of finding that new dress, the right shoes, all the accessories to make sure it all comes together, where you'll eat, what you'll eat, how you'll get there, and where to meet up your friends for the before or after prom festivities.   I think you can see where I'm going with this.As I mentioned previously, Zin is a planner, researcher, informed kind of guy.   If you're a guy reading this you may not catch where the connection is but as a girl I can tell you the process he went through was very much what my journey to prom was like.   1. What's the right dress for me - not too long, not too frilly but still girly, the right color, just the right cut and size so I look small and sleek.  Tent, sleeping bag, clothes purchases - not too big, not too heavy, easy to put up/away, not too bulky, fits well - see even he doesn't want anyone to answer the yes to the question,"Do I look fat in this"?   2.Finding the right shoes - for me color, style, heel height (I'm 5" tall).  For Zin - the right size (he's got huge feet), keep his feet warm, waterproof, comfortable to walk in forever, sturdy.  Our goals were different but the search and importance was key.  Of course, we girls tend to toss our shoes off half way through the crazy dancing so less about comfort but more about appearance.3.  The accessories - earrings, necklace, purse, flowers for me - what will bring the whole picture together so I look fabulous.  Zin - waterproof pouches in various sizes to cover/protect important things, rainproof gear and covers so all the other "stuff" doesn't get wet, and let us not forget his flame designed gators to bring it all together!4.  Where you'll eat, what you'll eat, how you'll get there, where to meet your friends - we both planned, discuss with others going to figure out the best things to do, got some tips on what where there was  good food, what was affordable, how best to get from one place to another and places to meet up with others.    Side note:  If any of you reading this who are thinking of or are in the process of planning to go, I can't emphasize enough how important it is to reach out to other thru hikers who have gone before you.   Part of the piece of mind I have with Zin leaving is that the hiker community is an unbelievably supportive and helpful crew of people.  Not so much when I was planning my prom adventure - if I had a more helpful group of resources I wouldn't have ended up having a dinner I had to eat with my hands (pizza) vs a really nice sit down experience :)So, he's ready for his prom now.  A few minor things to go and then to pack it all together.  Still exciting, still a bit scary but always happy to see him follow through with his dream.  Until next post,  Peaches