Tent Part II

I feel like a kid. I'm camping in my back yard all snug in my down sleeping bag. I was able to fix my tent with the help of a friend. All is well with my shelter. Goodnight!

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Gear Checks

Today I tested my gear. I am pleased with everything except my tent. The tent gets an F! I set it up, & put my pad & sleeping bag in as I planned on sleeping in it tonight. The sides were a bit saggy but passable. However when I went out tonight to go to bed, it was all caved in so my 5'3 self had no room. Talk about feeling like you're in a tomb! Or a coffin. I'm very frustrated. This is my second tarptent shelter that I've tried. Uggh. I wish my 2 person Mt Hardware tent was lighter. I love it... But its too heavy for a thru hike. 'Sigh'. I will call company in the morning for help. Otherwise a good day today. I got some training in and some more food dehydrated. My knees are feeling better which makes me happy. For the first time today I felt confident about my ability to do this hike. I've been worried that my body would let me down. But the Physical Therapy & strengthening exercises are starting to have a positive effect. Now if I can just solve the tent problem.

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Meet Up

Thursday I went to the Burnside Brewery on NE 7th & Burnside to meet up with other local thru hikers. It was crazy cool. About 11 people showed up. We were all strangers to each other from different backgrounds & different ages, but we shared a common goal. There was instant friendship. The conversation flowed. We were all excited and there was so much energy at our table. Really awesome. And the hamburger I had was the Best burger I've ever eaten! Well, the evening ended with plans to get together again for a gear check - set up tents, light stoves, load packs etc.  So, I'm feeling stoked. A lot of pieces are falling into place. The weather is cooperating. I've got the time off. I'm meeting people. My friend Daryl summed it up well when she said its effort & perseverance meeting up with luck that's making this hike happen.

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Final Pack Weight

After review of everything and some changes, my base pack weight is 16lbs 2 oz. It will go up to 18.5 lbs in the Sierras. Bear cannisters are required & are heavy! 

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Weighing In

I finally was able to borrow my friends weighing machine. I've weighed almost all of my gear & I'm going to be over my target weight of 15 lbs.  But what to cut? I can't replace anything else for lighter versions. So I have to cut. What can I live without?? There's a guy on the PCT class of 2012 website who says he's going "ultra heavy." Maybe I shouldn't cut anything and just go with it..  Thursday night, there's a meet up of all the local 2012 thru hikers at a Portland brew pub. I'm looking forward to that. It'll be fun to compare notes & gear lists. Since I'm doing the hike solo, these are people I could end up hiking with. Future friends.

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Breaking up is hard

My 1995 Honda Accord lx, 4cyl, 5 speed manual is gone. I sold it last night. I'm feeling sad. We spent 92,000 miles together. But, I wont be needing it while I'm hiking and I'm happy to have the $.  I s'pose I'm being a bit melodramatic but I'm allowed. Continuing my preparations - today I start dehydrating the fruit I bought at Costco. Now that makes me smile.

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Evolution of a Thru Hike

Why thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail?  How did it come about?

• 2008 I start backpacking with a coworker.  We hike all over, even New Zealand and he dreams about one day thru hiking the PCT.
• 2009 I move to Oregon and hike the 3 Sisters wilderness area along the PCT and meet a couple of thru hikers who are hustling to reach Canada before the snow flies.  Now its my dream.
• 2010 I hike Mt Jefferson wilderness area along the PCT and I become slightly obsessed.  I go listen to a talk about the PCT by a thru hiker at REI.  I buy the Wilderness Press Guidebooks.  I read. A lot. I plot and I scheme.  How can I convince work to give me 5-6 months personal leave?
• 2011 I know the hike wouldn't happen this year but I feel in my gut that 2012 will be my year.  Somehow I'll find a way to make it happen.  I start researching and planning for "just in case"  I find websites with links to more websites.  I learn about kickoff, and resupply and gear.  I find the PCT-l email list where I post questions and get answers.  My airline Comair announces layoffs and offer early retirement packages.  I retire.  The hike is ON! 
• 2012 I get my permits.  I buy a food dehydrator.  I finalize my itinerary and resupply.  I buy the last of my gear. 
• Now all thats left is to make up my meals, package my resupply boxes, and continue to train!  I've been having knee and hip issues.  Ugh.  Bad timing.  Jim, at Arnaux Physical Therapy is working his magic.  I fly to San Diego April 17.  Launch date April 18. 

Why hike the PCT?  Because it's there. Because it passes through some of the most beautiful country in the US.  And so much more.

Picture test 2

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Picture test

This is yet another test. Gotta work it all out before I hit the trail.

smartphone test

This is test 2. Had to download app.

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Test

This is a test