Four Weeks To Go And Still Trying To Figure It Out

With about 30 days to go until kickoff, things are getting real here in the cold Northeast. I will be receiving the final pieces of gear tomorrow. I have been waiting for six weeks to get my hammock gear, under quilt, and top quilt.

I have already planned the first overnight in the woods behind my house.

So I am looking forward to that, and will tell you all about it in another post.

Finalizing Small Details

So along with finalizing the items going in my pack I am also pulling together those last  appointments such as dentist, chiropractor, podiatrist, etc.

With all of those I am trying to coordinate with other VA hospitals while on the trail in case they are needed. This has not been easy, but hopefully will help me out as I go along.

Luxury Items I’m Taking

Almost everyone who I have seen in videos of or read about usually takes along one small luxury item. I guess if you look at the thousands of dollars worth of stuff that most backpackers get for their hikes it’s all luxury stuff.

For me, though, my luxury item will be extra socks and liners. If the military taught me anything it was to keep your feet dry by changing your socks often. So instead of the normal two to three pairs that everyone takes I will be taking at least three pairs of SmartWool PhD hiking socks and at least one pair of SmartWool trekking socks with liners to go with each pair.

Other than that as I go through this final four weeks of preparation I will be doing some two- to three-day shakedowns here in New Hampshire. Hopefully I won’t freeze up here in the great white north. Really looking forward to those new quilts, though.

 

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Comments 2

  • Darrell Barrett : Jan 20th

    Semper Fi! I’m also a Marine, hiker and Trail Angel. I live in Hiawassee, Georgia. Let me know if you need anything as you pass by here. (Encourager) [email protected]

    Reply
  • Tim Terry : Jan 20th

    Noel,

    I too am a veteran Marine who aspires to do a solo thru-hike of the AT.

    The only thing that is keeping me from getting started is financial.

    But I keep training so when the day comes, I’ll be ready.

    If you can, keep in touch as I’d love to follow you along your hike.

    Take care,

    Tim Terry

    Reply

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