Another Box Checked - Complete

I have spent some time today working on this BLOG so when I head off on April 14, all I have to do is send in my posts. I added information to the drop downs, set up a Flicker account for the many photos and videos I will take and set up my iPad and iPhone to help do my posting.

I also spent some time (I should get a job) at REI. I found a down jacket on sale that I picked up for 60% off. I will be taking the REI Revelcloud jacket I bought a couple weeks ago. The new jacket (Marmot Zeus 800 down) is a better fit and will provide much more warmth than the REI which was a synthetic fill and the same price. I think I am about set on my equipment, clothes and shoes. I am still working the food dehydrator almost around the clock. I made fruit roll ups yesterday from strawberries, bananas, kiwis and apple sauce. I have almost 25 pounds of jerky and pounds of fruits.

I am still walking and hiking as much as possible. The weather has been wet the last few days but I tested my rain gear today and have to say I was very happy with the results. In a cold, heavy down pour, I stayed dry and warm while walking along. My new down coat will fit under my rain jacket so I should be good in rain, snow or heavy wind.

This past weekend I spent the night in the desert camping in my new tent. The wind blew with gusts at about 50 mph. The tent held up fine and I was warm in my sleeping bag. Next weekend I will be backpacking into a camp spot in the desert again and we shall see how it goes. This is all part of the Wilderness Basics Course (WBC) I am taking in hopes of learning skills that will help me stay out of and get out of trouble in the wilderness on my hike.

Will be setting up re-supply boxes and getting my "Bounce" bucket together. Meal planning is for the most part complete. I need to buy the foods, re-package into single servings and load the re-supply boxes. I am planning 18 weeks of food. I will buy my food for those weeks I am close enough to a town with adequate retail services to acquire my supplies and food.

Work in Progress

My daughter came over tonight and helped (actually did) my add the drop down menus for my BLOG. I will be adding the information for each drop down in the coming weeks. I have been working the dehydrator 24/7 and have made a nice dent in what I project needing. I have almost eight pounds of beef jerky; 3 pounds of apple rounds, 2 pounds of strawberries, one pound of pineapple and a pound each of carrots and bell peppers.

I have pretty much all of the equipment I will need. I am still undecided on clothing options and shoes. Heading off to the Merrell outlet store tomorrow to see if I can find an extra wide shoe that will allow my toes to spread out. I am still searching for a mid-weight jacket. I will post my gear list this week.

Hitting the trails daily now adding miles and increasing the weight in my pack. Hope to increase my speed and build stamina. Until next time, enjoy life and have fun. I am.