Off We Go

"Keep close to Nature's heart...

and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. 

Wash your spirit clean."

-- John Muir

click to enlarge

This will probably be my last post before we hit the trail. 

We are ready to go, I think, I hope.

Food: if there is a rupture, we are sooo ready. I have never had so much food in my house. Now all is portioned, packed, repacked, some already shipped to resupply points, some still waiting for the trip to the postoffice. Remembered to pack some unhealthy stuff too. :) 

(and I did not start with food because I am considering this the most important thing for this trip only that over the past few of days I've been doing nothing but dealing with food)

Equipment: if I forgot anything, tough luck. Still not sure about taking microspikes, which are like miniature crampons. I am told snow is soft enough even on high passes, even early in the morning. Maybe I can carry those extra few ounces for the peace of mind at the cost of my back. 

Training: I am sure I could have done a better job. I'll finish my training on the trail. There!

Many people who have done long distance backpacking complain that upper body looses a lot of fitness over time. I am hoping to keep it in shape with some(?) exercises at the end of the day - yeah, right! Any ideas/advice on what kind of exercises to do?

Entertainment: Taking lots of pictures and admiring jaw dropping views.

I will be taking an ebook with me in case I am don't get tired enough on the trail to sleep at night. The one I am quite curious about is The Invention of Air about Joseph Priestly till recently known to me only for his scientific research but as many great men of his day, he was much more than a scientist, and played an important role in early American history. I am eager to learn more. 

Company: I am still not sure about taking my teen with me. OK, I am kidding, he is coming knowing full well I will strangle him if he does not stop being a teenager for the duration of this hike. Brave kid. Should I end up strangling him, would anybody want to join me in his place? I promise not to strangle you.

Trail: well, I am ready but the trail is not. I am still hearing reports about people turning back and changing their plans. The biggest problem - creeks. People who are familiar with the trail claim they have never seen them so full and so vicious. Video clips I watched from hikers who are already there are just scary and I cannot believe the things people do to cross. I know I am not that stupid brave.

Clothing: we will have some but only to keep cool on hot days and warm on cold nights. No real changes of clothing. We will stink, that's for sure. Next time I do a long hike I will be taking pack animals to carry my wardrobe. 

I am quite excited, nervous, ready to do the entire distance, but also ready to turn back if conditions are too dangerous for our skill level. So I will see you all in a few weeks or... in a few days. 

Enjoy your summer, I know that whatever happens, I will.