It's Time to Get Back at it

I haven't posted about backpacking in a while (or really anything in the last couple of months), but it seems more and more that I need to get back to my goal.  My original plan was to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail this year but my backpacking trip on the Foothills trail last fall made me think that I needed some more experience.  For a month or so after my trip, I didn't really think much about it at all or even go hiking, having been temporarily satisfied.  This, however, would not last.  Thanks, in part, to an unusually mild winter, by January, the desire to be out in the woods returned to me.  As Spring got here, my plan now was to take more backpacking trips on the occasional long weekend that my job would allow me.  However, these did not come as frequently as before,  Eventually, I was moved to a new position that once again gave me every weekend off but no longer could I get long weekends.  Since time off is hard to get, this means that I will have to plan shorter trips but a backpacking trip that last several days will be difficult. 

Also during the past few months, I have been continuing to search for a job as a park ranger; however, my efforts here have been fruitless.  Is it that this particular career is not in God's will for me or just not at this time?  The answer to this I do not know right now but if the former is the case, then I will go in a new direction.  I do know this, if I found a job as a ranger right now, it would likely derail my plans for thru-hiking the AT since I would be at a job then that I wouldn't want to leave for six months.  Of course, returning to school is always an option as there are several other areas that interest me, most notably is meteorology.

For now though, if nothing changes, I'm back to planning for the trail which I thought would be this year; now it's 2013.  The challenges ahead are ones that will test my will and my faith.  I took a small step with my first backpacking trip last November, but there is much larger ones to take.  The physical aspect is only one small part of the test of a long distance hike.  My understanding is the harder part is the monotony of doing the same thing day after day and trying to not tired of the freeze-dried food for several days in a row between towns.  This will also give me time to reflect on many things and hopefully time to focus more effort to listening to God.  Although, being alone will probably not be a problem during much of this considering the time I plan to do this trip.  There will be many others attempting the same task as me for many different reasons.  Most, like me, will start in early spring in Georgia, but statistics show that less than a quarter will make it to Maine.  God willing, I will be in that percentage that does.  The journey began long before I ever step foot on the trail in preparing myself physically and mentally for what I will encounter.  The challenges ahead will be difficult not only for me but for my family as well who tend to worry.  Regardless of what happens, I'm ready for something new.  I've waited long enough; it's time work toward my goals regardless of what challenges lie ahead.

Things I've learned

- I should probably work my way up to my ambitions

- Just because a sleeping bag is long enough doesn't mean it's wide enough.

- Never trust dehydrated food.

- I really could use some lembas bread for my next trip.

- A 1 liter container is not enough for water.

- Rivers are beautiful things... even more-so when you're dehydrated and out of water.

- A good hiking stick or trekking poles are invaluable.  Many falls were prevented thanks to my hiking stick.

- It doesn't take long to get sick of tuna.

- Coming across a camp site with actual toilets after two day in the woods is exciting. (You probably didn't care to hear that)

- Trail magic is not exclusive to the Appalachian Trail. (Thanks Brian!)

- I've undervalued the feeling of being clean my whole life until now.

I might add some more later if I come up with any.

Getting Ready for The Foothills Trail

This Saturday, I plan on going on backpacking trip on a portion of the Foothills Trail.  This will be the first time I've done something like this.  Unfortunately, I have been unable to find anyone to do this with me so I will doing this by myself and, understandably, I am a bit nervous.  However, I need to start sometime somehow, so I might as well dive headfirst. 

Since I'm starting from scratch, I've had buy all new gear.  This has been both really frustrating yet oddly addicting.  It's been very annoying searching everywhere for decent gear that I can actually afford.  Backpacking gear is expensive!  I have looked at various online retailers and I think I've visited nearly every nearby outdoor recreation store from Traveler's Rest to Commerce, GA.  As frustrating as this is, I can't help myself but looking at reviews and specifications of the different pieces of gear I've considered.  I have almost everything but with only a couple days remaining, I'm still lacking a few key items.  One of these things I don't have yet is perhaps the most important thing of all.... my pack!  I think I've settled on one but I haven't bought it yet.  It seems to be the best combination of durability, weight, and price.  One thing I've learned while getting gear: weight is everything.  I've tried to be as lightweight as possible without going broke.  I certainly won't be doing what is called ultralight.  I'm simply not skilled enough, or have enough income, for that.  Regardless, it's coming together.

Anyway, the time to leave is almost here.  If nothing else, it will be nice to have a week off from work.  I would ask anyone that is reading this to pray for my safety and that I figure out what I'm doing.  Hopefully, I should have plenty of supplies and I'll be able to keep myself warm on those cold mornings and evenings.  It will be an interesting experience and I hope to learn much from it.  Maybe somehow the Lord will use my seclusion in nature to help me grow.  Let's see what happens.