I’ve taken my new pack out 3 times for hikes in the past two weeks, once at Gunsite with Scott, once to Sleeping Beauty and once up Terrace Mountain. All three times, I’ve increased the weight…the first walk there was maybe 10lbs on my back, for Sleeping Beauty I increased the weight to 20.6lbs and for Terrace Mountain I carried 27.8lbs.
It felt so good to be up there carrying my pack…which is completely and utterly amazing by the way. It really doesn’t feel like I’m carrying the weight I am. It’s very misleading. The pack is so comfortable when it’s on. It holds loads quite well, is sturdy and definitely reliable. I’m planning on hiking at least twice per week for the summer. Not only will I get closer to my weight loss goal but I’ll also get conditioned to carrying weight for long distances. I’m so glad I bought my pack when I was in Cowtown.
I’m about $100.00 shy of buying my dehydrator for my trip. I’m looking at the Excalibur dehydrator, 9 trays, back fan so it doesn’t need as much maintenance and fan cleaning as a unit with a bottom fan, and it has the ability to dehydrate multiple items as once. It keeps going on sale so I’m hoping it drops a bit more so I can get it (and get to dehydrating) sooner.
I’ve grabbed a couple books on the PCT and downloaded the Halfmile PCT app, the same provider of my maps and course. I’ve been checking out others’ blogs and reading Backpacker magazine for tips and gear ideas. Remember, I have a wishlist at REI.com if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for my hike. The link to my wishlist is:
https://www.rei.com/WishlistView?id=70b084d6-bfcb-4c29-841a-16a7925cc55f
Mid-month I’m heading to PG for a medical scan and I plan to buy the hydration bladder for my pack so I can stop filling space with bottles of water. When I bought my pack I got a gift certificate for $50 off at Atmosphere, luckily for me PG has an Atmosphere :D. I may buy my trekking poles as well.
This planning business is exciting!!! I find I’m telling more and more people now. Talking about it makes it feel more real.