forced march

Wednesday

 It was 14 degrees in Kensington Maryland this morning...we've taken the 2 nephews outside 3 times this morning...the cold is bitter on the nose cheeks and ears but it's warm enough if we all keep moving...forced march...for warmth of course...not simply to expend energy so that all will be calmer and less argumentative...

My internal forced march is to simply be present with family and try to calm the constant inner nervous chatter before it grows into anxiety about the long walk ahead...the cold isn't so bad if you keep moving...one careful step at a time so that no careless mishaps occur...one step at a time. Be present...where you are...not where you're headed...

rain

sunday

temps in the 70s in january.
i need rain. but i need cold rain.
i love to walk in the summer rain. rinses away all the sweat and salt.
refreshing.
cold rain is different
 hypothermia.
 i'm a bit cold natured (to say the least). i'd like to know that my layering technique is satisfactory.
( i have no expectation of being comfortable in the cold rain, but i'd like to know i've narrowed the chances of dying in the cold rain.)
       wicking inner layer, insulating layer in the middle, wind and water resistant outer layer.
 i'll put turkey oven bags between my sock layers if it's below 40 or so. (don't laugh at turkey bags...bad mojo upon you doubters)
 "waterproof" boots and shoes are little feet ovens. (so are turkey bags above 50 degrees or so)
with turkey bags, my shoes are waterproof or ventilated as i desire.
the truth is "if it's raining, you're gonna get wet" either the rain itself or the sweat that's being trapped by your raingear....

i'll need the freshwater shower....i think my tent came with a heated towel rack.. : )

Monday
 Driving to work this morning its 42 degrees and pouring rain.. rained all night. There is nothing that has any dryness to it. I'm thinking "this is when I need to be out hiking!" Test the turkey bags rain pants and jacket...I'm still wondering how the gloves will work. I have weatherproof mitten shells that are gauntlet length....if they're under the sleeves then water will run up my arm if I lift my arm....if they're over my sleeve...water will constantly drip off my sleeve and fill my glove...I guess an occasional wet elbow is better than continuously wet fingers....

food

Wednesday

I love to eat. But not crappy junk food..I want food with flavor and I want it fresh!...that's going to be a bit of a problem on the AT. So I will eat my ( very flavorful was fresh once upon a time...) home dehydrated evening meals and fantasize about what I'll eat when I get  to "town".
Here's my fantasy supermarket meal of the day: a bag of fresh spinach, a rotisserie chicken, a block of extra sharp Cabot cheese, a container of fresh cut fruit and a king size hershey milk chocolate bar with almonds...and  a bottle of red wine....i think I could have a happy feast outside the supermarket...

big day

tuesday

Today, I announced my intention to resign from a career that I love.
to go for a 2150 ish mile hike on the appalachian trail.
What's wrong with this picture?
absolutely nothing?

my backpacking partner (zag) and i have been talking about this for years.
the past few months have been scary and exciting...full of serious planning.
hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny decisions have been made. oftentimes flip flopped many times in a single minute. lots of tossing and turning at 3am:
down or synthetic bag?
separate tents?
separate gear?
alcohol, canister or fuel tablet stove?
is this worth walking away from my job i love with colleagues and patients that i truly love?
not to mention my family and friends....
don't be complacent! do it while you're physically able!
but this bed is so warm and cozy...

so i'm doing it...it's official.

i will try to not be a bore with the blogging bit
my intent is to keep all interested parties informed and amused...

be patient and persistent
one step at a time...we must start SOMEwhere....