I retired last week and have set in motion my training, planning and perpetration for an April start of my PCT Adventure. Depending on weather I am thinking of a April 15-20 start. In the meantime I will fine tune this blog site, practice uploading pictures and videos, buy the gear I will need and dehydrate as much food product as time will allow. The re-supply boxes are labeled and ready for filling.
I have been walking 5-15 miles a day in the canyons near my house as well as hiking iron mountain, cowels mountain, mission trails, woodsen and others. I am trying to do two days a week of weight training to build a stronger core and convert this keg to a case of six packs.
I'm still reviewing and deciding on equipment. Always looking for the lightest of an item. It is amazing to me the difference in weight of certain items. A rain/wind jacket can vary by almost a pound. Wen trying to shave ounces, that pound extra eliminates that choice. Need vs want is the higher priority. My tent, pack, sleeping bag and pad are set. They are also the heaviest of the items. Still deciding on stove, down jacket, shoes and electronics. I plan on blogging while on the trail. I received an iPad from my friends and colleagues as a retirement gift and will most likely use it. Weighing a mere 20 ounces it seems the logical choice. I just have to learn to type on it and use it. I will then switch from an android phone to an iPhone to meet compatibility and need to carry multiple chargers and cords. I will use a Panasonic ZS7 camera. It's small and takes great pictures and videos. A bonus is it has a built in gps to tag all the pictures.
I am getting itchy to hit the trail and start my adventure. I am looking forward to the alone time and ability to ponder life's reason. I've read several of the blogs of those also planning their 2012 PCT attempt and will be in good company along the way.
