Far from the AT!

Carolyn and I just settled into our beach front apartment in Turks & Caicos...nice...will be diving 80' under on top of a beautiful coral reef tomorrow morning...a far cry from what I will be up to in 45 days! Have to enjoy this climate while I am here!

Tentative Reservation Made at Hiker Hostel on March 15th

This is getting serious! Planning to fly into Atlanta on March 15th, take the MARTA to the most northern spot, get shuttled to the Hiker Hostel and having a great breakfast on the 16th before being shuttled up to the base of the trail. All sounds good but now am thinking that leaving on the 10th may be better - get as much mileage in before taking a quick bread to get to Ben's conference meet. Will have to think about it. One way airfare is about $130.00 at this point.

Got My Tarptent!

My tent arrived on the 21st just as planned! It came in a long rectagular box that looked like it had a poster in it...it was that light too! Opened it up and spread the tent out on the livingroom floor. Only problem is that this tent is not free-standing so I couldn't get a sense as to how it will work without staking it down. Couldn't do that in the livingroom! Seems pretty good but I am surprised at how light it is.

Also, completely changed my thinking on the shell jacket. Went back to REI after reading the raging debate between Gortex and Event. Concluded that Event was the way to go...went to REI to exchange my Arc'teryx only to be persuaded to purchase a cheaper Marmot rainshell, coupled with a really warm and light weight puffy synthetic liner. Gives me more options for a little less price. Have been wearing the combo and I think this will be the ticket.

Also, continue to do research on stoves and tested out my MSR Pocket Rocket against Ben's Whisperlite. Pocket Rocket seems to be so much easier and quicker. Did a bunch of research and am now steering to sticking with what has served me so well in the past - the PR with canisters.

Started thinking about my sleeping pad as well. Thermarest has a new pad called NeoAir. Weighs 14oz compared to my current Thermarest at 1lb 10oz. Can make a big difference and the NeoAir is 2-1/2 inches thick! It's gotten mostly good reviews but seems to leak easily. Purchased one online and will test out in my shakeout overnight in the Kettle Moraine in mid-February.

Making progress....I guess....

Too Much Information!

Gearing up my research regarding the trail and gear and am quickly concluding that I should have begun the process earlier! It's information overload and some ways, as a result, quite confusing. Big debates on stoves, ultralite packs, Gore Tex vs E-vent, etc. All very interesting but makes it a bit more challenging to be comfortable in making the right decisions. I love the gear that I have and it's suited me very well through the years but this is a much different "walk in the woods".

One blog even created a lot of comments regarding whether one should "carry" or not! I had know idea that backpackers carried guns on the trail. I suspect it's a very small minority, but was surprised at how many responded that they did, for reasons ranging from bears to people.

I did get a few recipes that seem to make sense for a breakfast meal. Will likely package up some of these pre-made granola meals for a solid breakfast in the morning - hot or cold.

All for now...

Weather Testing Boots and Shell in WI Snow Storm

The good news is that I am having plenty of opportunity to test out my new boots and Arc'teryx shell prior to my adventure. We got dumped on last night...to the tune of about 5" of snow and we have a major cold front coming in tonight. Hung out in the snow last night and both boots and shell worked great. Not a great test, but a good indication.

Tent is scheduled to arrive on January 21st - eager to see if it's all of what it's cracked up to be.

Ran with Ben and Dom in the snow yesterday and Dom told me about a solar powered recharger for iPhones, etc. that is pretty functional...will look into that to make it easier to communicate on the trail. Also found out yesterday that my water filtering process through the years has not been sufficient. Never been affected by it (like getting sick) but probably will have to be a bit more careful for the length of trip. I have an iron stomach but probably should be a bit more cautious. In process of doing some research.

All for today...

I'm Committed!

Yikes! Looks like all systems are go to have a run at the A/T! Carolyn has reluctantly give the thumbs up and my schedule doesn't seem to suggest that it will get in the way. Have started to do some research research and am quickly discovering how much of a challenge this will be for this 58 year old body. Initial plans are to head out in mid-March...discovering that I should expect a great deal of snow, wind, rain and flat out lousy weather. What a way to start a journey!

Purchased second pair of boots and new shell today; new tent yesterday. Plan to try out equipment in early February when Carolyn is off visiting her mom. Should be a good test weather wise considering time of year in Wisconsin.

Also have revised my typical list of backpacking items in an attempt to get total packed weight down to 35 pounds. Down from 48 to 36 so far; planning to use Ben's Osprey 65 rather than my Gregory Palisade. Will stick with my REI down sleeping bag with a liner - hoping cold and wet won't be a problem. Eager to check out my new Squall 2 tent...light at 34 ounces and water and wind tight (I hope). Am going into this assuming that I have first 60 days of snow and rain!