Eighty-eight days until we hit the trail. We are figuring out the shuttle points and getting our gear together. Originally, we were going to shuttle to the end and back to the start. Marty had the idea of leaving a car midway and then at the end. Just in case something happens that we need to get out – heaven forbid either on of us or Ghost gets hurt. We are still discussing this option and trying to decide which will work best.
Marty ordered the male version of mine, the Osprey Aether Plus 70. Neither of us has done this type of hike in a very long time, so didn’t have the right backpack. The Osprey Ariel Plus 70 is light years ahead of the rucksacks we used in the Army! The comfort level is AMAZING.
Our kitchen table is currently covered with gear. I pulled out my North Face Eco Trail Down 35° sleeping bag, as I am getting my pack set up for training and trying to decide where it will get stuffed into the pack. In October on the VA section of the AT, it should not be getting below freezing. The average temperature on the section we are hiking: highs 50-55°F and lows 30-35°F. It will be perfect weather!
I also took out my MSR Pocket Rocket tonight. I like to bring this little stove whenever I kayak camp, so it will also be perfect when we have to fit 7 days of gear into a backpack. I’m not going to lie. Coffee is the elixir of life.
I made a video and uploaded it to YouTube to show everyone the MSR Pocket Rocket. I am not a professional, but I’m going to learn how to do this. <smile> Surprisingly, I own a GoPro, but I have rarely used it in the 5 years I have had it. Looking back on all of my/our adventures, I wish I had made more video. I made a video of myself in my kayak going through a rapid called the Shoot some 4 1/2 years ago. That’s it. What a bummer! I do have photos, though.
I want to do more vlogging and blogging. Just for fun. I know there are quite a few people in the world opposed to social media, blogging and online journaling. I enjoy it, so I’m going to keep on being me! Who knows what will happen, maybe once we retire, I can really get into logging our adventures here on my blog and YouTube!
I have a Big Agnes sleeping pad that I got on sale several years ago to give it a try. It’s too narrow for me, so Marty is going to let me use one of his. If you have not tried one of the insulated sleeping pads, you are missing out on a level of comfort I couldn’t imagine before trying it. On cold nights, it keeps you warm as you lie on the cold ground and in the summer, it keeps you cool. Win-win.
We will be using a Marmot Tungsten 4p tent for this trip. Originally, we were going to each carry one of the 2 two people tents we own. Using the 4 person tent, however, we will have enough room for me, Ghost, Marty and our packs. Marty will carry the tent and this will give me space to carry Ghost’s gear.
Last, we will be using the Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system that Marty already owns. This pretty much solves water collection for us!
My Little Red Bike 