Mini Hike #1 7-9-2016

I took a 6.1 mini hike to my friend's house in another city. I made it to my destination in the estimated time google maps indicated it would take, 2 hours. I left at 5:48. To be terribly honest, my right side of my body took a slight beating! Why only one side of my body? I have no idea. This is what I learned from this mini hike:

1. Do thorough stretching before and after, not half-ass stretching.
2. Remember that I'm not 21 anymore.
3. Don't overdue it to make the time expected. Take a 5 minute break a few times along the way if needed.
4. Bring bug spray.

I think that's about it! It wasn't bad at all. I left when the sun was setting. It was still a little muggy but there was a nice breeze in the air. I did get a small blister between two of my toes. Nothing a band aid or moleskin cannot aid in. I do think I over did as I may have pulled or at least irriated a butt muscle. I'm feeling better today. Best to settle for a few days and then plan my next mini hike....

Me all geared up hiking our country roads as ears of corn wave at me.

Counting Down the Days

It's been a minute since I've blogged about my upcoming PCT hiking trip in Oregon. Just a refresher: I'm leaving August 12th and have a set goal to be done on August 19th. We have or room already booked at the Best Western in Cascake Locks on the 19th. There, I will receive my package of 'human' clothes, get prettied up and celebrate with Crista and Joanne. We're thinking a big juicy steak and drinks. By then, it will be WELL DESERVED and EARNED!

So I have acquired quite a bit of supplies/clothing, etc. I've already blogged about my tent. Here in these pictures are a LifeStraw water filter, a TruArc 5 baseplate compass, and Anker PowerCore+ mini phone charger.

There are still some items I need to get. I've chosen to sleep on an inflated sleeping pad which I've yet to get and just cover myself with  small sheet. That should do for the 6 days. I just filled up my camel back with water and I might be a little concerned about how much water it holds for as long as I'm going to be out. I'll have to experiment with it during my short hikes. In the picture below is some of the recipes Crista has created for Joanne and I to try. It's just a matter of adding boiling water, letting it set for a bit and that's it! So far, so good!

Well that is it for now. I'm getting ready to go on a 6.1 mi. hike to my friends house to test stuff out (my pack with some of the gear in it) and to see how the camel back works for me. So that's 6.1 mi. to and fro, a total of 12.2 miles will be logged tonight. Wish me luck!

OH! One more item, the guide BOOK!